The word “Sherpa” typically refers to the Nepalese porters who help climbers reach the top of the Himalayan Mountains. But here at the annual summit of the Group of Eight nations, Sherpas and their sidekicks, the sous-Sherpas and yaks, are different sorts of characters altogether.

These are the mostly faceless bureaucrats responsible for developing the agenda and statements their leaders are considering this week at the annual meeting of the leading industrialised nations. Their work, conducted over the past year in face-to-face meetings, conference calls, and countless e-mail exchanges, will help determine whether the final G8 summit of the Bush presidency is a success.

Some of the most accomplished diplomats in the world are Sherpas. The French Sherpa this year, Jean-David Levitte, is a former ambassador to Washington now serving as diplomatic adviser to President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The US Sherpa this year is a relatively new face on the international scene. Daniel Price, 52, a well-regarded trade lawyer in Washington, joined the administration last year as the top White House staffer on international economics after years of gentle prodding from old friend Joshua Bolten, Bush’s chief of staff. The two worked together in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush, and Bolten had been trying to recruit his pal into the administration from its early days.

Bolten finally succeeded last year, after telling Price he could no longer call to complain about the administration unless he joined up. Price has become the White House staff point person on such sensitive issues as trade, food and assistance for Africa— the latter a top priority for Bush.

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