Africa on G8 Agenda
July 5, 2005 Scotland
The Group of Eight, or G8, as formed by eight of the world's wealthiest nations in 1998. The G8 IS MADE UP OF POLITICAL LEADERS FROM France, the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and Russia. They meet every summer to discuss major problems that concern the whole world. It is going to be remembered as a historical meeting this year, as the topic of Africa will be discussed in detail. Widespread poverty in Africa means that many people there cannot get the water, clothing, housing, electricity or education they need. AIDS is another problem of great concern so sex education and health care administration are extremely important. Reforms have been demanded by people from all over the world. They want the leaders to cancel the debt of Africa's poorest countries so that the problems there can be prevented from getting any worse. Their belief is that this is the only way for many of these nations to escape their painful pasts.