Nine young people have met the G8 leaders face-to-face to tell them what they think should be done to make the world a better place for children.
During the meeting the young people presented their declaration to the leaders, which was developed during the J8 Summit held at the start of June in Wismar, Germany.
The young person representing the UK in the meeting with leaders was Ellen McCloy Smith from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
“I am excited to go to the G8 meeting,” Ellen said before the event, “we will get to meet world leaders and tell them the views of the youth of my country and the world on topics that have an impact on all of us and really matter.”
The eight young people from G8 nations were joined, for the first time, by an African peer who represented non-G8 children’s views.
Isaya Yunge, 17, from Tanzania was selected as the first African young person to meet the World Leaders after the J8 successfully lobbied for the inclusion of an African participant. Isaya is a radio presenter in Tanzania who also educates his peers about HIV/AIDS.
Leading up to this meeting, 64 young people from G8 countries and 10 children from developing countries discussed economic development in Africa, HIV/AIDS, climate change and other global challenges. The young people urged G8 leaders to:
- Pledge funding for extensive infrastructure investments in Africa to expand access to health care, education and employment.
- Increase financial support for the Global Fund to fight malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS, and for expanded HIV-awareness and prevention programmes.
- Reinforce the UN Global Compact, which outlines companies’ social responsibility to their communities and employees, and to the environment.
- Provide incentives and direct funding for energy-efficient ‘green technologies’ and environmentally friendly development to address climate change.
They are now hoping that the leaders will listen to their voices and act on their advice. What do you think about the J8's Declaration? Contact us and share your opinions.