GCAP representatives of ten countries present in Hokkaido are deeply concern at how out of touch with reality the G8 seemed to be on the main issues related to ending poverty.

The lack of any real discussion on biofuels in relation to the food price crisis is appalling. References to health, education and water are, sadly, not supported by adequate resources and a timeline commitment. While the G8 pays lip service to the MDGs their commitments suggest that even these minimalist goals are seriously at risk of being achieved by 2015.

“Reaffirmation of MDG commitment is a positive signal in the run-up to the MDG High Level Event in September but the financial resources on the table fall short of what needs to be achieved by 2015.“ said Minar Pimple, Asia Director, UN Millennium Campaign.

This year’s communiqués reiterate most of the G8’s earlier commitments but the world has changed for the worse since 2005. The increase in food prices by 30 to 45% has had a devastating effect, especially on women and children trying to survive on less than a dollar a day. Millions more people are being pushed into poverty.

“Japan was not able to muster up the leadership we hoped to see from them as Summit hosts. The Japanese people wanted more action to end poverty so they will be disappointed too.” said Tatsuo Hayashi, GCAP Japan (Hottokenai Sekai no Mazushisa).

In many ways the meeting of G5 Leaders in neighbouring town Sapporo this week, showed that these nations had a better sense of reality than the G8. G8 decisions on their own are clearly no longer enough – global problems need global solutions.

“The G8 came, talked and failed to conquer the greatest battle we face, the fight to end poverty and inequality,” said Ana Maria Nemezo from GCAP Philippines.