The Group of Eight (G8) is an international forum composed of the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. These eight countries represent 14 per cent of the world’s population, but they account for 65 per cent of the world's economic output.
The G8 Summit
Leaders from these countries meet annually to discuss important economic and political issues. Here are the details of this year's Summit:
When: July 8 to 10, 2009
Where: L’Aquila, Italy
Issues: The G8 presidency changes every year, this year, Italy holds the presidency and sets the agenda. The Prime Minister of Italy wants to focus on the financial and economic crisis; development in Africa and emerging countries; security; the environment; energy and food security. Canada is the next country to assume the presidency, with the 2010 G8 Summit being held in Huntsville, Ont., Canada.
What World Vision Wants
World Vision sees the G8 Summit as an opportunity to challenge the eight richest nations to improve the lives of millions of children around the world. More than 25,000 children under the age of five die every day due to preventable poverty, disease and hunger. We know more can be done to combat these deaths.
At this G8 Summit, WV is not asking for more money. Instead we are calling on leaders to keep the commitments they have already made. WV is asking government leaders to take action on child health by:
- Committing to increase development aid to $15 billion a year by 2010—for primary health care for children and mothers.
- Recognizing that current aid commitments are off track, and adopt a clear, time-bound plan to provide $130 billion in global aid by 2010.
What You Can Do
Join thousands of supporters around the world and call on the G8 to keep their aid promises and invest in the future of all children.
