As world leaders wrapped up the G8 summit and prepared for the G20 summit, ActionAid said the politician had so far failed to even agree to support their previous promises.

Meredith Alexander, Head of G8 policy at ActionAid said: “The G8 summit in Gleneagles was a historic event. Leaders made a massive pledge of aid in response to a global call to Make Poverty History. Muskoka, if remembered at all, will be seen as the year when G8 leaders couldn’t even agree to support their past promises.

“Despite Cameron’s best efforts the spirit of cooperation that characterised Gleneagles is sadly lacking this year, and it is the poor who will suffer. Even the Canadians got a lot less money than they expected for their maternal mortality announcement because other countries have seen their agendas undermined by their Canadian hosts.

“Attention must now turn to the G20 summit in Toronto. The global financial crisis has had a massive impact in developing countries, pushing 100 million more people into hunger. We all need a stable world economy, but the atmosphere behind the security fence is tense and each country seems to be focused on their national interest. Without real leadership, it is hard to see the G20 delivering either.”