The G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit - July 7-9

This month's G8 Summit provided opportunity for world leaders to discuss some of the most pressing issues that affect literally all people, but especially those who are poor and marginalized. You can read daily press releases and find much more information at the Summit website.

Topics on the agenda included concerns regarding the world economy, global environmental issues, and the challenge of accomplishing the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

The Leaders' Declaration of July 8 addresses at some length the MDGs, recognizing that, while there has been considerable success to date, significant challenges remain. One of these is the continued commitment of member nations to fulfill their commitments to official development assistance (ODA). This is where the will of the people is so vital. As long as leaders in the west know that it is politically important, they will continue to support the goals. It is up to individual constituents around the world to make their voices heard, to make sure that leaders know that the people do, indeed, have the will to change the world!

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