The outcome of the G20 summit in Cannes was mixed, with progress on tax havens but not enough concrete action to ease the burden of the financial crisis on the world's poor, said InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based NGOs.
The outcome of the G20 summit in Cannes was mixed, with progress on tax havens but not enough concrete action to ease the burden of the financial crisis on the world’s poor, said InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based NGOs.
The two days of meetings were hijacked by the Greek debt crisis, with development issues largely taking a back seat to most of the discussions.
“Issues affecting the world’s poor did not feature enough on the big screen in Cannes. The G20 was in crisis mode dealing with Greece for two days on the French Riviera while a billion people go hungry every day. We hope G20 leaders will act on their promises made here, no matter how small,” said Samuel A. Worthington, president of InterAction.
InterAction welcomed the public shaming of 11 countries listed as tax havens, including Panama, Barbados and the Seychelles. There was also enthusiasm among G20 leaders for innovative financing mechanisms for development, such as those proposed by philanthropist Bill Gates in his report to the G20 meeting on Thursday.
InterAction was also encouraged by promises in the final communiqué on Friday to ensure “more inclusive and resilient growth” although more details are needed on how this will be done.
“The commitment to meet overseas aid commitments is also welcome and we urge G20 leaders to take the lead in making sure these commitments are met,” said Worthington.
Of particular urgency is that donor nations meet $22 billion pledged for food and agricultural assistance in 2009 in L’Aquila, Italy. There also needs to be greater focus on small farmers and ensuring better nutrition.
InterAction urges Mexico to use its leadership of the G20 next year to tackle core issues that were off the agenda in Cannes. “We hope development will not be in the rear view mirror next time round,” said Worthington.
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