What has the G8 done in the past?

As well as being an opportunity for the world's leaders to discuss major issues, G8 summits have already achieved many concrete things such as:

• Setting up the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund). Before 2005, the G8 have given $1.4bn to this fund. This money is now being used for all sorts of projects, from rebuilding clinics in Sierra Leone and training over 2000 healthcare workers in India.
• Establishing a new relationship with Africa with the G8 Africa Action Plan in response to the African-led New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
• Making safe nuclear facilities in Russia, through the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction: $20bn was pledged over 10 years for this initiative.
• Launching the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, an agreed process for cancelling the debt of the world's poorest countries. Over $70 billion of debt has already been cancelled, and a further agreement to cancel up to $55 billion more has just been agreed.
• Action against money laundering (through the Financial Action Task Forces). The G8 led in setting up these regional task forces, which many other countries have now joined. They have produced specific recommendations to prevent criminals and terrorists financing their operations.

The main themes for the G8 in 2005 are Africa and climate change. Both are pressing issues for the world. Africa demands particular attention as the world’s poorest continent. Climate change is happening and is of serious concern for all. Holding the G8 Presidency gives the UK the chance to focus international attention on tackling these issues.

You can find out more about the G8 on the G8 2005 Gleneagles website.