AMREF stands up for African mothers as G8 and G20 leaders arrive in Canada
25th June, 2010
Almost hourly today, world leaders and representatives began arriving at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for the fast-approaching G8 and G20 Summits.
South African President, Jacob Zuma was among the first to arrive, followed by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, one of several leaders from non G8-G20 countries invited to participate.
Both leaders attended the G20 Business Leaders Conference, geared at business investment in African markets. Dr. John Nduba, AMREF’s Director of Reproductive and Child Health, was among 200 guests who were present for President Zuma’s lunchtime keynote address.
President Jonathan stated with pride that South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup is making world history and that once again, football is connecting countries and people around the world. Citing the AMREF–Unicef campaign – One Goal for Africa – Zuma stated his wish: that every South African child be enrolled in school and receiving education by the next World Cup in 2014 and that both South Africa and developed nations should invest in this vision. He then pronounced boldly, “Africa is open for business.”
At the same time, just a few kilometers south, AMREF’s Research Lead, Victoria Kimotho, explored the G8 and G20 International Media Center, complete with a visit to the “Fake Lake”. Even sitting in the reportedly uncomfortable Muskoka Chairs couldn’t provide and idea of what it would feel like to be up north in cottage country with the G8 leaders.
But it was a busy day for Ms Kimotho, who spent most of the day taking interviews with local media, stressing the importance of the G8 Summit in putting forth commitments and action to deliver on maternal health. This followed an early morning meeting that Dr. John Nduba had with G8 Sherpas to discuss Africa’s need for greater investment in this area. It was a productive meeting and AMREF hopes that it will be beneficial in putting forth a strong case for investment in mothers in Africa.
With just a few hours to go, all are excited and eagerly anticipating the updates and announcements that come forth from the Summits.
