G8 - one year later

What were you doing a year ago today?


On July 3rd, 2005, the world watched as rock stars performed to "make poverty history."  8 concerts. 8 leaders. Gleneagles G8.  Live8 along with campaigns around the world called attention to the G8 Summit and the decisions of 8 powerful leaders.  The world asked these leaders: Will you promise to increase aid to the world's poorest people, eliminate burdensome debts owed to the IMF and World Bank and address trade distorting subsidies that prevent millions of poor farmers from competing in the global market? 

The G8 leaders responded on two counts - they agreed to increase aid by $50 billion over the next 5 years - $25 billion for Africa alone.  They affirmed debt cancellation for 18 poorest countries and paved the way for 35 other countries to qualify.  A year later, we must remind them of their promises.

In the United States, we can do our part by continuing to write letters, make phone calls and meet with our members of Congress.  The president may make promises at international meetings, but it is Congress that ultimately decides our budgetary priorities. 

After this year's Lobby Day, Meredith Story decided to write an editorial to her local newspaper - the Waco Tribune. She asks our nation's leaders to see the fight against poverty as their moral duty.   By reminding our leaders of their promises, we strengthen the movement to overcome hunger and poverty.  Take the next step and write a letter to the editor of your local paper! 

For more on the G8 summit one year later:
G8: ONE Year Later...What's Changed - by Kumi Naidoo
Oxfam: Gleneagles G8 one year later