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Preamble We are convinced that the G8 countries have the ability to resolve global issues, especially the four addressed at the 2007 J8 Summit. As seventy-four children from eighteen countries, we emphasise that tomorrow, the younger generation will have to cope with the legacy of today. Therefore, we have all united for the third Junior 8 Summit and intensely worked on solutions that we believe can brighten this legacy. The following are our conclusions: Economic prospects for Africa We believe education is fundamental to the bettering of the economic situation of Africa. In order to support education, we call for allocation of part of the aid pledged at the 2005 G8 summit to be directed to the building and equipping of schools and the training of teachers, as well as supporting programmes which remove the economic burden of education from families. Disease results in disproportionate death of the working sector of society, disrupting the Poor governance and violence severely impede steady and independent economic In order to best improve security and governance, we strongly recommend increased G8 Stimulating African businesses is also crucial for economic development. To encourage The sustainable tourism industry should also be encouraged to develop, as it can be profitable for many African countries. Negotiation on fair trade with Africa should be accelerated and lead to concrete results. HIV/AIDS This contradicts the international pledge found within the Convention on the Rights of the AIDS additionally decimates the working-aged population, inhibiting economic growth of countries. The disease of HIV/AIDS demands an answer because of its effects on society and its associated negation of the internationally ratified Convention on the Rights of the Child. To successfully fight against AIDS, we believe that a key solution is to provide sufficient The G8 must respect the engagements taken at previous summits and their engagements in the Millennium Development Goals, such as the one to give 0.7 percent of their GDP for international development cooperation. Based on the 2005 G8 promise to give more funds for aid, the G8 leaders should increase their financial assistance to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS. The financial aid provided must be evaluated to improve future investment. Financing should focus on ensuring that people from developing countries have access to free or generic medication, to which reforming the patents system can contribute. Additional efforts should be made to expand the clean needle program which exchanges used for new needles while educating about AIDS. We would also like to see the Global Fund coordinate effectively with other organisations such as UNAIDS, the Bill Gates Foundation, and individual country-led initiatives in order to ensure an effective attack on AIDS. We call upon the G8 leaders to continue funding awareness programs through mass Support should also be granted to peer to peer education and support groups which can help to prevent social stigma. New Challenges for the Global Economy We strongly believe that every company has responsibility for its products, the We call upon the G8, as a major force in the global economy, to reinforce the UN Global Companies within G8 nations could be encouraged to fulfil this charter by submitting reports detailing compliance with the UN Charter and then receiving tax These tax rebates would be made public so consumers would be more aware and therefore responsible, with public opinion turning against those companies which do not fulfil their obligations. We think that the patent system is an important incentive for innovation. However, there In order to reflect this idea we urge the G8 to impose a restriction of abusive patenting by negotiating shortened patent terms. Additionally, we request increased access to new Climate Change and Energy Efficiency This predicted growth poses a serious challenge to the world and the global community and current action does not suffice. We are at a turning point which demands immediate and decisive action. We contend that the global economy can continue to expand with green technology and that the cost of inaction far outweighs that of investment. We call upon the G8 leaders to provide incentives, wherever possible, to companies to G8 countries should also pioneer and encourage other countries to join regional Caps and Trade systems which are internationally linked. Within these systems, the G8 should encourage the implementation of realistic thresholds of GHG emissions based on GDP per capita per country. It is important that the G8 continue their commitment to funding for research and further Thus, we advocate for the transfer of greener technologies from developed to developing countries, encourage further sharing of information on environmentally-friendly development, and call upon the G8 to encourage the adaptation of technologies to developing countries' needs. We value the crucial function of education in raising global awareness about the reality of We also remind the G8 leaders that this is the third year in a row that the issue of Conclusion We see that with great power comes great responsibility. You must fulfill your promises, All four issues above have attainable solutions, yet stronger commitment is required. Let´s act now.
Recognising that serious and imminent challenges confront our world, we, the J8 2007
participants, have come together in Wismar, Germany, to take part in making the world a better place to live in.
Improving infrastructure is critical to expanding access to medication, education, and
employment. Moreover it invites investment within the continent. We urge the G8, to
pledge the funding of specific and extensive infrastructure plans. These should be made
for and by specific African countries, with the help of the IMF, World Bank and the
African Development Bank.
The vocational training of individuals is integral to enhancing employment rates in Africa
and providing a skilled workforce. Education also allows individuals to express their ideas, necessary for the political success of a nation, and fosters creativity, essential to the economic and cultural vitality of a nation.
employment base of economies. We request that you continue supporting the work of the Global Fund to fight malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS, and address the concerns of the
Wismar declaration on HIV/AIDS.
development in Africa. Education also becomes unattainable with conflict and corruption.
financing of and interaction with the African Union, as well as its NEPAD programme, and
the African Peer Review Mechanism.
small domestic businesses, the G8 should facilitate the financing of micro-loans. The
lowering of import taxes on manufactured African products and of subsidies, such as those of the Doha round, would also foster more dynamic and diversified industries.
HIV/AIDS wreaks economic and humanitarian devastation. According to UNAIDS, the
disease killed an estimated 2.9 million individuals in 2006. Yet it is not this number which is the most indicative of the crisis provoked by HIV/AIDS. The rapid spread of the disease has led to an escalating population of AIDS orphans and an increase in social prejudice.
Child to ensure a framework where "children grow up in a family environment, in an
atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding." This orphaning detracts from children´s future opportunities by inhibiting attendance at school.
financial assistance. According to UNAIDS the sums of money needed are 18.1 billion US$ in 2007 and 22.1 billion US$ in 2008.
communication to ensure that people have access to the correct information on the causes of HIV/AIDS and on prevention.
environment, the local community and its employees.
Compact, which outlines companies’ social responsibilities. G8 countries should push for an annual report on how companies in the country are fulfilling the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact.
rebates being provided by the G8 countries.
are situations in which the system is abused. For example, patents are restricting access
to vital products such as HIV/AIDS medication. When this is the case, we ask for
recognition of the importance of human lives and well being over profit.
technology and products such as generic drugs by G8 buying and compensating of patents.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report arrived at the
conclusion that "with current climate change mitigation policies and related sustainable
development practices, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will continue to grow over the next few decades."
become more environmentally friendly through tax rebates for efficiency and tax burden
for environmentally irresponsible companies.
development of green technologies and share these proposals with developing countries.
With regards to including many countries in the solution of this global issue, cooperation
between G8 and developing countries in this respect must be strengthened.
climate change and the ways to become more energy efficient. Therefore, we request that the G8 support formal and non-formal education programs, including youth organisations and mass media.
reforestation and preservation of forests is on the agenda and we consider that it should
be put forward in an active way.
Our reason for being here is to make a change. We will continue to address the challenges which confront our world to the best of our abilities. In seeking to resolve these challenges, we need your support.
both old and new.
Together it is possible to make a difference.