Document Actions
G8 Day One: Explosive beginning for GCAP campaigning
After a windy start , GCAP's mobilisation at this year's G8 got off with a bang at the opening of the Alternative Summit in Sapporo. We joined forces with the Oxfam mobilisation team on the ground and negotiated some challenges (including the simultaneous bursting of about 100 small balloons) to present the Tanabata petition and our key messages using thousands of white balloons.
- 'G8 leaders' stand amongst thousands of balloons representing over one million wishes for action now on aid, education, health, the food crisis and climate change.
Dennis Howlett from GCAP Canada, who carried the climate change 'tanzaku' (wish) from the Tanabata action that GCAP and partners have been running since May, was among a group of GCAP campaigners who made sure the messages of over a million people were seen before the G8 officially opens. Dian Kartika Sari from GCAP Indonesia carried the message calling for more investment in health services, Chona Ramos from GCAP SENCA bore the message on G8 leaders fulfilling their HIV/AIDS commitments. Anil Singh from India carried the wish for action on the food crisis from the leaders while Shukria Barakzai showed the message that we want Action Now held aloft and suspended from a giant white helium filled balloon. Thousands of smaller white balloons carrying the messages represented the scale of the action.
The remainder of the day was spent at the Opening ceremony of the Alternative Summit hosted by the Japanese NGO Forum. GCAP co-chair Kumi Naidoo gave the opening presentation, speaking passionately about our need to question our leaders with one voice on the series of grave injustices inflicted on poor countries by the G8 on debt, trade, aid and climate change. He reminded the audience of the importance of civil society voices in ensuring these basic rights are not neglected in the quest for profits.
- GCAP campaigners Anil and Shukria pose as medics from developing countries fighting with the G8 leaders to keep the $50 billion promised for healthcare.
In the afternoon Anil and Shukria posed as medics from developing countries struggling to get back the $50 billion promised by the G8 for healthcare and which they are threatening to backtrack on this year.
The balloons may have been deflated but our resolve remains strong for the days of work ahead. Tomorrow we spend the day at the International Media Centre in Rusutsu. While the G8 discuss Africa we will make sure the voices of African people are heard as the events of the day unfold.
