Nearly one year ago the largest 8 nations met in Gleneagles, Scotland, and pledged debt relief to Africa, and promised to double aid by 2010. They also promised to plan on ending the damaging subsidies and tariffs that hurt Third World Economies. However, one year later, what has been done?
Granted, the debt-relief portion has been successful for the most part. But the G-8 countries are not even close to their other promises. As far as the increased aid, Italy pledged to increase its support from $1.2 billion in 2004 to $5.5 billion in 2010. That is a far cry from the actual $26 million it actually gave in 2005. Germany reduced aid to Africa after pledging to increase theirs as well. The United States seems ready to give substantially more via the new AIDS initiative.
Trade wise, the World Trade Organization has not accomplished much – they are trying to reach a deal during its Doha talks, but their goal of reaching an agreement by July 31st looks to be impossible. The problem is that there is no one to answer to. If each of the nations had someone to be accountable to, besides their own consciences, there might be more getting accomplished. But with no one to get them in trouble, why worry? ■
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