Lacklustre summit ends with seeds of possibility

There were few breakthroughs on the urgent needs of the poor, especially at a time of economic crisis when they are at most risk.

Friday 10 July 2009

"This summit offered few breakthroughs on the urgent needs of the poor, especially at a time of economic crisis when they are at most risk," said Adrian Lovett, Save the Children's spokesperson, commenting on the outcome of the 2009 G8 Summit.

"The summit started badly with Italy's announcement of even deeper aid cuts. Few members can hold their heads high over their aid promises, and the summit missed the opportunity to direct more aid into maternal health and child survival."

"The new processes for accountability could lead to a breakthrough - but everything will depend on how G8 countries interpret their own declaration. G8 leaders must use enhanced accountability to better understand and fulfil their responsibilities for the MDGs."

"The summit was rescued by the food security initiative spearheaded by President Obama, a bold step that could help save the lives of millions of malnourished children. Strong global leadership to reduce hunger is long overdue and G8 leaders and others must make good on their commitments to this initiative and embrace a comprehensive approach."

"Save the Children believes that the announcement of a global consensus on maternal, newborn and child health offers a way to breathe new life into the fight against poverty and child deaths. Before the G8 leaders gather again in Canada, we need to see this consensus move from words to urgent action and increased investment, if the Millennium Development Goals are to be achievable."

"This summit has proved that progress on all these issues cannot be left to the G8 alone. The months ahead will need a dramatic increase in the pace of development efforts where many must play their part. The MDGs will be reached only through unyielding leadership on the part of governments, North and South, working with civil society, foundations and other private actors in a determined and relentless push.”

Lacklustre summit ends with seeds of possibility

Read more about our reaction to the 2009 G8 summit