CONCORD Issues Statement on Proposed Global Summit

Over the past few months, it has become increasingly apparent that the current financial crisis is set to become one of the most significant in global history. Appropriate action has been sought, and world leaders have agreed that reform of the financial system is required on a global scale. The G20 is set to meet in Washington DC on 15 November 2008 to try to come up with a set of measures to address the crisis.


CONCORD, the European Confederation of Development NGOs, has issued a statement urging the leaders of the G20 to undertake discussions in a inclusive manner, and to bear in mind the global scale of the crisis when searching for a remedy.

According to CONCORD, they recognise the need for swift action to address the crisis, amd emphasise that priority "must be given to the impact on ordinary employees and workers, low-income households, pensioners and other vulnerable groups."

Nevertheless they stress the need to recognise the global consequences of the crisis, and underline the fact that although the crisis originates in the developed world, the impact is likely to be greatest in developing countries. For this reason, it is crucial that all countries have a say in the measures taken to try and limit the effects of the recession.

CONCORD emphasises that "no equitable and sustainable solutions to transforming the current system will come out of a conference that is rapidly-prepared and excludes many countries and civil society."

A list of demands was prepared by CONCORD, pointing out that their support of the initiative to transform the international financial and economic system depends on whether or not the organisers of the meeting of 15 November take note of their recommendations.

The meeting must follow a process that:

- is inclusive and participatory of all government of the world;
- includes representatives from civil society, citizens’ groups, social movements, and other stakeholders;
- has a clear timeline and process for regional consultations, particularly with those most affected by the crisis;
- is comprehensive in scope, tackling the full array of issues and institutions;
- is transparent, with proposals and draft outcome documents made publicly available and discussed well in advance of the meeting.

EPHA would like to take this opportunity to give our full support to the demands issued by CONCORD.

For more information

CONCORD website

Full Statement can be found below:

Word - 33.5 kb
Last modified on November 3 2008.