G8 Summit 2007

Every year the eight richest and most powerful leaders of the world come together to discuss the most important issues facing our planet. This year from 6-8 June, these leaders met in a little place called Heiligendamm in Germany. Sadly, despite the headline-grabbing announcements of funds for HIV/AIDS and other diseases, the G8 is nowhere near back on track to meet overall promises on aid to Africa, and has missed the mark on areas like health and education.

Why is it important for people living in poverty?

What these leaders decide at this meeting will determine what they do both internationally and back home. You might wonder why that’s important for people living in developing countries – well, these decisions have great implications. Take for instance, Mozambique. When the G8 decided in 2005 to cancel the debt of many poor countries, Mozambique was one of them. Since then, with the money it’s saved, Mozambique has begun vaccinating children against whooping cough and diphtheria, working towards eliminating these deadly diseases. 

What was Oxfam calling for?

We wanted the G8 to keep the promises they have made to the worlds’ poor, and to go further to do everything they can to end the scourge of poverty and injustice. From

• providing four million more health workers, to
• ensuring everyone has access to essential medicines;
• working towards trade rules which are fair and just,
• and ensuring that the poorest people don’t suffer most for our world’s changing climate.
  

The G8 must stop paying lip service and start putting their words into action. The world is watching and waiting for the G8 to make our world a peaceful one, where everyone can enjoy their basic human rights.

What are we doing about it?

History has shown us that the G8 only take action and stick to what they promised when they feel the pressure of campaigners across the world. That is why Oxfam supports campaigning in rich and poor countries to make sure the G8 know that the world is watching and we won’t let the G8 forget what it’s promised, or fail to take bigger and bolder steps in the future. So Oxfam was there – campaigning and lobbying to make sure people living in poverty come first.

What can you do about it?

Thank you to everyone who emailed Angela Merkel, calling on her to make sure the G8 takes action. In 2005, in the face of massive public pressure, the G8 listened. While this year's outcome was disappointing overall, don’t let the G8 stop what you started. You can act and it does count! Together we will end poverty.

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