Share this story!            

Annan says G-8 summit is ‘make or break’ moment for world’s poor

LONDON: The Group of Eight summit is a “make or break moment” for hopes of alleviating world poverty in the coming decade, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Wednesday. In a speech prepared for delivery at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Annan said G-8 leaders need to muster the political will to more than double development aid and dismantle trade barriers. The G-8, along with a “world summit” in New York in September and the World Trade Organisation meeting in Hong Kong in December are critical moments in implementing the Millennium Development Goals unanimously agreed by UN members five years ago, he said. “This is a make-or-break moment for the Millennium Development Goals, and for the world’s poor,” Annan said. “You know that how we fare for the next 10 years hinges on decisions that must be taken in the next days and months.” Popular pressure, including marches and the Live 8 concerts, were crucial, he said. “We have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring about historic, fundamental change. But it will depend on the will of governments, and on the commitment of groups and individuals like you. “So between now and September, please keep making your voices heard loud and clear enough to lift the sky. ... Let history not say about our age that we were those who were rich in means but poor in will.” Gains have been made but not everywhere, Annan said. ap

Home | Foreign

Share this story!