WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) commended the Administration for its efforts to ensure member countries of the G-8 are meeting their individual commitments on global development agreed to at previous summits. The Administration reiterated its call for each G-8 member nation to report on their respective progress in supporting African leaders as they develop solutions to fight diseases, improve education, support democratic institutions, increase private sector development and foreign investment, and address the global food crisis based upon the principles of accountability and transparency.

America’s leadership at the G-8 Summit once again demonstrates our nation’s commitment to building global stability and supporting those in need through our civilian international affairs programs. Many of the commitments reaffirmed at the G-8 Summit are funded by the U.S. International Affairs Budget, which ensures America has the essential tools to protect our national security, promote economic prosperity, and demonstrate our humanitarian values.

Other important commitments include:

• Reaffirming America’s commitment to doubling global aid to Africa by 2010 to $25 billion a year;

• Addressing the global food crisis that is expected to drive an additional 105 million people, including 30 million in Africa, into deeper poverty; and

• Gaining support for America’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) initiative that seeks to provide $1 billion over five years to fight seven major tropical diseases through public-private partnerships using USAID’s integrated approach as a model.

About the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign

The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers in the nation’s capital and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.

The International Affairs Budget provides America with the fundamental tools to meet the global challenges of the 21st century and is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and strengthening our humanitarian values. The International Affairs Budget provides the U.S. with invaluable opportunities to generate much needed allies, partners and friends. For additional information, visit www.usglc.org.

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