Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Aid for Africa, funding for the struggle against pandemics such as AIDS, commitment to solving the world food crisis...these are some of the objectives of the Summit that was held by the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Russia. While some of the points on the international agenda have been reconfirmed, a large part of the public is concerned that much of what was said in Toyako, on the Island of Hokkaido, where the Summit was held, will remain a dead letter that never takes on substance. In any case, the G8 has confirmed the increase in 50 billion dollars by 2010, which will be sent to poor countries (25 billion will go towards Africa). This was a commitment established in last year’s G8 Summit in Heiligendamm, Germany. In the conclusive documents, it states that this quota may be revised and increased after 2010. There is also an established commitment (without concrete dates) to invest nearly 60 billion dollars in fighting pandemics such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The United States has offered 100 million mosquito nets, in the fight against tropical diseases and treatment for 75% of those infected over the next 3-5 years. In addition, the G8 countries have asked that all countries begin storing large quantities of food, in order to make them available to the poorer nations or those that suffer from a lack of basic food products. The concern for rising fuel prices that are having a serious negative impact on the economies of many countries has led the G8 to undertake the construction of a large number of nuclear powerhouses for civil use. We will wait and see if the policy is confirmed in the months that follow.
These resolutions, for the most part directed towards Africa and poorer nations are decisions that have already been confirmed by the G8 in their most recent meetings. The true problem comes in with the right application, that is to say, in regards to the commitments assumed. This is one factor that has been indicated by the Holy See more than once, as it has also asked the wealthier nations to keep the promises they make on an international level.
The delicate subject of the climate was also discussed. Reaching an agreement on this point, as evident in the past, will be extremely difficult, as a treaty reducing the emission of greenhouse gases would have to imply other nations as well, the so-called “emerging economies,” who are now taking a leading role on the international stage. It is not by mere chance that among those invited to attend the G8 were: Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. However, it seems evident that these new players, in the near future would have to become fully involved in a responsible commitment to facing global challenges. Likewise noteworthy was the participation of 8 African nations, a relatively hopeful sign that shows a concern for dialogue and healthy confrontation – and even possible alliances – between the northern and southern hemispheres, between the wealthy and poorer nations. The next G8 Summit is scheduled to take place in Italy. (Mtp) (Agenzia Fides 10/07/2008)
