G8 2009: The Italian Job

July 8 - 10, L'Aquila

Will the G8 keep its promises to poor countries?

The Italian G8 is set against the backdrop of an unprecedented global economic crisis. It is likely that development issues will be very heavily eclipsed by this crisis. However, developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are having their incomes decimated by the current economic situation. This is despite the fact that they have done the least to cause it. Ultimately, it is poor people who are paying the price for recklessness in rich countries.

What Oxfam is saying at the G8

Thanks to Oxfam campaigners, in the recent UK budget, the government stuck to the Gleneagles commitment to give 0.7% of national income as international development aid. Now they must show leadership in persuading other countries to do the same. Oxfam will be there, with our message that aid works and that now is not the time to renege on aid commitments.

And while G8 leaders have been big and bold in responding to the financial crisis by bailing out banks - they must follow suit on climate change. G8 leaders must take personal responsibility for delivering a fair and adequate global deal to tackle climate change – only political commitment at the highest level can prevent a human catastrophe.

Get the latest from Oxfam at G8 2009

An Oxfam team will be there providing expert analysis and making sure that the leaders from the G8 and beyond hear this message. You can keep up with the latest blogs, pictures and videos and follow the #OxfamG8 Twitterfall over on the Oxfam International website:

Get the latest from the summit from Oxfam International