What is New from the G8 Summit?- African Monitor Initial Response

 8 June 2007

 G8 Summit Declaration on Growth & Responsibility for Africa 

On ODA: 

New Commitment from G8:

 
  • Re-affirmed commitment to double ODA to Africa by 2010.
 

AM Position:

 
  • Evidence is that G8 leaders have not been keeping to their commitments of doubling ODA by 2010.
  • They need to show their political will through action; by turning these pledges into allocated and disbursed amounts.
  • G8 countries must peer review each other, so that they can call to order G8 members who are not meeting their commitments.

On HIV, TB, and Malaria 

New Commitments:

 
  • Increased ODA to fighting HIV, TB, and Malaria to 60 billion
 

AM Position:

 
  • The commitment falls short of the required 15 billion per annum to combat HIV.
  • The commitment on HIV must not be old money that is being taken away from other forms of expenditure for development.
  • G8 leaders must indicate in a clear action plan, what the contribution of each member will be and when the money will be disbursed.

  On Climate Change:

New Commitment from G8:

 
  • Agreed to ensure that there is a post-2012 climate change framework led by the UN by 2009.
  • Agreed to cut emissions substantially.
  • Agreed to consider endorsing the commitment to cut emissions by 50% by 2050.
 

AM Position:

 
  • The G8 has failed to agree on ensuring that global temperatures do not rise beyond 2c because of the USA among others.  Failure to do this means that the world, and particularly Africa will have to deal with the harsh consequences of managing climate change, which is generated mostly by G8 countries.  It is estimated that $50 billion will be needed to deal with climate change in the future.
  • The G8 has failed to map out a clear adaptation support plan for Africa, even though they are the culprits.  AM call for the G8 to take responsibility for financing adaptation programmes for the continent.
  • The G8 has failed to deal with the stalling tactics of the USA in addressing environmental concerns.
  • The USA must take immediate action to ratify the Kyoto protocol, and stop playing with the lives of the global population and Africans in particular by continuing to pollute the earth, and abuse natural resources.

  On Partnership with the Continent for growth and development: 

New Commitment from the G8:

  • Committed to working with Africa to ensure that it achieves its growth and investment targets.
  • Reaffirmed commitment to open up markets for Least Developed Countries
  •  Committed to increase Aid for Trade to 4 billion
  • Committed to support NEPAD, AU and REC’s  in all their activities to increase economic growth to investments and strengthening the markets.
  •  Committed to ensure that Africa is on the agenda for the next G8 summit.
  

AM Position:

 
  • The push by Chancellor Merkel and other G8 leaders to strengthen the partnership with Africa is applauded.
  • The focus on investments and strengthening African markets is a progressive step, as this is key for African led development.
  •  However, the G8 has once again failed to come up with concrete pro-development commitments to ensure trade justice.  They have made no concrete pronouncements on the failed DOHA round, and have not set any concrete targets for eliminating trade barriers.
  •  Further, the G8 must start focusing on grassroots targeted
 ENDS