What now for the G8?

Credit: G8 summit 2009

16 July 2009

In early July the G8 leaders met for their annual summit, this year in L'Aquila, Italy.

We are pleased to report that WaterAid supporters' incredible campaigning efforts brought real pressure on the UK Government to champion the Global Framework for Action on sanitation and water supply, at the G8.

Gordon Brown clearly heard our calls - mentioning the Global Framework in his closing G8 press conference and outlining the importance of water and sanitation on his return to Parliament on Monday, where he said:

"I agree entirely that we must do more to ensure that water is clean and that sanitation services are provided. That was a feature of our discussion at the G8 with African leaders. We were determined, first, to deal with the problem of hunger, because 1 billion people face hunger and poverty. That is why we have set aside an extra $20 billion for a programme to help agriculture, particularly in Africa. However... if we do not meet the goals on water, we will fail on poverty and the environment. It is also right to make water and sanitation a priority."

Despite this, the G8 broke last year's promise to finally tackle the global water and sanitation crisis. An 'enhanced implementation plan' to deliver these basic services in Africa was meant to be a centerpiece of the Summit, but instead the G8 merely announced they would aim to 'make progress' on a partnership with African governments by the end of the year.

So what now?

The Global Framework for Action is now supported by a number of governments, UN agencies, the World Bank and civil society organisations. The first High Level Meeting for Water and Sanitation will take place in April 2010, when political leaders will convene and bring real political focus on this issue.

The next few months leading up to the High Level Meeting are key to ensuring that concrete action is taken. Together we must focus on generating anticipation and expectation around the first High Level Meeting and continue to put pressure on the UK and other governments to lift the bar of ambition for the Global Framework for Action.

Find out how you can take action 

Read WaterAid's blog from the G8