G8 Summit, Italy 2009

Poverty and inequality are getting worse in developing countries as a result of the global economic crisis. Poor families are eating less, being evicted from their homes, and having to pull children out of school. All of this is exacerbated by the effects of high food prices, the failure of rich countries to deliver on their aid promises, and the growing harmful impacts of climate change.

We were at the Group of Eight Summit in Italy lobbying to get rich country heads of state to boost development aid, tackle climate change, and invest in developing country agriculture so that poor countries are less reliant on food aid.

Once again, the G8 leaders let down the world's poorest. Read our verdict.

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Aid for health and education

The economic crisis means aid is needed now more than ever. In 2005, G8 leaders promised to increase aid by $50 billion, with half of this going to Africa.

• The G8 must keep this promise, so that millions of people are able to get health care and millions of children an education.

Climate Change

Climate change is increasing poverty and vulnerability among the world’s poorest people who are least responsible for the problem, and are least able to bear its effects. G8 countries created the climate crisis and they have the financial resources to tackle it.

• The G8 leaders must take personal responsibility for cutting global carbon emissions and helping poor countries to cope with the impacts of global warming.

Food

High food prices pushed another 105 million people into hunger in the first half of 2009, raising the total number of chronically hungry people to more than 1 billion. Around the world today, one person in every six is hungry.

• The G8 needs to invest more in developing country agriculture so that these countries are less reliant on food aid.

The G8 must rise to the challenge of a world in crisis. We demand it.

Oxfam International, in partnership with Ucodep, has established a campaign office in Italy. We are working in alliance with GCAP on campaigning around the 2009 G8 Summit in Italy.