GCAP Statement on Cannes G20 Summit
“Whose history is going to be written in Cannes?”
G20 countries claim that history is to be written in Cannes, but we ask: “Whose history is going to be written in Cannes”?
The G20 Summit 2011 comes at a crucial time when the global imbalances have reached a new high. Budget cuts and financial regulations have become mantras of governments across the globe. High food prices and the growing unemployment rates are forcing millions of the world’s population, every day, to the margins of survival. Is this the history we want?
Exploring a new world filled with new ideas could well become the new cliché unless a global consensus is built on the respect of human rights and gender equality, food sovereignty/food security, climate justice, financial regulation, illegitimacy of tax havens and innovative financing mechanisms.
“Across the world we have seen a resounding call for deep reforms in the financial sector,” says Deo Nyanzi from GCAP Africa. “People from all countries have been affected by the financial and economic crises. Time has come for strong regulation as well as new mechanisms such as the financial transaction tax to make the profits of the market work for all people, in particular the women and youth.”
“Due to increased uncertainties in weather conditions, such as frequent and severe droughts, floods threaten food production in vulnerable and climate sensitive countries. Poor people in these countries are the most vulnerable and the least prepared to deal with the impacts of such climate changes. The G20 needs to affirm commitments by developed countries to fulfill their promise for much needed USD 100 billion in green climate fund”, says Ram Kishan of Wada Na Todo Abiyahn (GCAP India).
“The G20 leaders must demonstrate their political accountability and commitment with concrete actions to solve the problems of the people on the ground with increased public funding for development and poverty eradication,” says Nur Amalia of GCAP Indonesia. Further she emphasizes that “It must ensure that its actions on the agenda of land and agriculture protect the interests of ordinary farmers and peasants rather than catering to the interests of the market.”.
“The dominant model of development has increased inequalities in the world, and that the G20 and the IFIs must be held accountable for this imbalance, there is strong need to have better representation in such forums to get legitimacy. G20 leaders must show respect for the health of the planet, for peace, for a life of plenitude and meaning of present and future generations”, says Lysa John, GCAP Campaign Director.
The G20 must make history here in Cannes by joining with people in stopping impoverishment without harming the environment. NOW!
For further information and to set up interviews, please contact: Aurelie Laniray, Mobilisations Officer on G20 – GCAP Europe/Coordination SUD
E-mail: laniray@coordinationsud.org or mobile phone: +33 (0)6 23 67 21 31
ABOUT GCAP
The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is the world’s largest civil society movement calling for action from world leaders in the global North and South to meet their promises to end to poverty and inequality. By organizing global mass mobilisations that express solidarity between the global North and South and forming inclusive national platforms that open civil society space and improve advocacy through effective collaboration, GCAP aims to achieve policy and practice changes that will improve the lives of people living in poverty. For highlights of actions taking place from October 15th-17th October: http://www.whiteband.org/en/oct-15-17-summary
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