G8 children have their say

Children from the G8 nations have put their thoughts on how the world can be changed for the better to their leaders meeting in Gleneagles this week.

Almost 100 children aged between 14 and 16 spent three days developing a communique that has been presented to G8 summit chairman Tony Blair this afternoon.

The J8 summit, which involved eight schools from the UK, heard from experts on Africa and climate change before drawing up a list of subjects on which they think leaders of the world's richest countries should take action.

They call on the G8 to increase funding to meet the Millennium Development Goals, and in particular meet targets on universal primary education, reducing maternal mortality and tackling HIV/AIDs.

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, the US, Russia, Japan and Italy are also being urged to invest in renewable energies and promote understanding of climate change.

Schools minister Jacqui Smith said: "I was delighted to meet so many young people from the UK and abroad who are so passionate about global issues.

"The J8 programme has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to study important issues and make their views heard. This really is citizenship in action."

John Crompton from Morgan Stanley, which sponsored the project, added: "The young people here want the G8 leaders to listen to their plans, we can't keep ignoring the global threat of climate change or the challenges facing the African people."

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