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The Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper outlines his priorities for the G8, chaired by
his country this year, and it will develop on Thursday in a speech at
Davos.
Canada will benefit from the
World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland to set out his plans as
president of the G8 and host the G20 meeting to be held in June in
Toronto. We remain committed to
working with our partners to deliver on our commitments, including full
implementation of the measures our government has taken to stimulate the
economy and fight against protectionism.
The G20 is now the
largest global forum for economic cooperation and budget. It is composed of both
developed and developing countries, and assumes the responsibility that
came to the group of developed countries, the G8. I believe that in future,
the G8 - albeit smaller, but equally influential - will focus on the
safety and well-being. It is the leaders of most
developed countries to help those who are most vulnerable.
The fate of Haiti's
population of concern to us all. The reaction of the
international community to this disaster has been strong and
encouraging. In the hours that
followed the destruction of the capital, governments around the world
have mobilized and coordinated massive relief. People have opened their
heart and their wallet, donations started pouring. This tragedy has revealed
the extent of human solidarity.
But we should not wait
for a natural disaster to bring attention to the less fortunate. The people living in
poverty were the hardest hit by the global economic slowdown. It is clear that
disasters strike all too often people who are not able to overcome them.
The lack of essential
services can lead to terrible consequences. Each year 500 000 women
die during pregnancy or childbirth and nine million children die before
age five.
This situation is simply
unacceptable. As part of the Millennium
Development Goals, the UN wanted to reduce the number of deaths
surrounding the pregnancy of 75% by 2015. We know now that this
goal will not be achieved, while 80% of them could be easily avoided. The world must take
action urgently on this issue.
As chair of the G8 in
2010, Canada will lead a major initiative to improve maternal and child
health in the poorest regions of the globe. G8 members can obtain
tangible results in this regard. Canada will do the MCH
one of its top priorities in June The solutions are not
expensive. The cost of drinking
water, immunization, improved nutrition and training in obstetrics
health workers are available to all G8 countries. The infant mortality
could be reduced at little cost through better nutrition and expansion
of vaccination.
To contribute to this
initiative of the G8, Canada will try to mobilize the governments of the
Group, non-governmental organizations and private foundations. While developing a global
program to improve maternal and child health is an ambitious project. But the collaboration
between countries and aid agencies in needy regions make this goal
achievable.
It will also address
other issues and hold informal discussions on security, nuclear
proliferation and the environment. The maternal and child
health remain a priority, however. As demonstrated by the
crisis in Haiti, our compassion beyond borders. Developed countries have
coordinated their efforts to help. We must once again join
forces. As leaders of most
developed countries, we must help those most vulnerable to adversity. Canada hopes that the G8
members align themselves and act in this matter.
