NGOs urge G20 to overhaul World Economy

UK: Jobs, justice and climate change must be on top of the G20 summit agenda, urged campaigners of Put People First, an alliance of more than 160 unions, development, environment and faith groups, as leaders meet here today.

According to a report by religious news service Ekklesia, Gordon Brown and his fellow G20 leaders, must agree an overhaul of the global economy, said protesters.

Blind faith in markets must be replaced by an economic system that works in the interests of people and planet and provides sturdy foundations for future prosperity, says the report.

This means a strong package of reform including making financial institutions and transnational corporations transparent and publicly accountable.

They also say there should be action on tax havens to stop business and rich people avoiding their social responsibilities ‘at the expense of the poor’.

More than 35,000 people protested in London on Saturday in support of jobs, justice and climate?” a visible demonstration that people from across the political spectrum support real change.

Barbara Stocking, Oxfam Chief Executive, said: “The time for talking by G20 leaders is over. Warm words must now be replaced by action to tackle poverty.

The world cannot afford attempts to return to business as usual.

Nor should differences between rich countries be used as an excuse for inaction.

Millions of already poor men, women and children are becoming much more vulnerable, with many pushed to the edges of destitution,” said Stocking.

“With bold action G20 leaders can seize the opportunity to tackle both climate change and the economic downturn together at the same time,” said Ashok Sinha, Director of Stop Climate Chaos.

London, Apr 2 (Prensa Latina)