'I'm Part of the G8 Too!' – Website gives people a virtual seat at the G8 SummitA new website called 'I'm Part of the G8 Too!' brings online visitors together to show their support for the UNICEF goals at the global summit.
The G8 Summit is scheduled to take place in L'Aquila, Italy, in July. This is one in a series of articles on UNICEF's preparations for the event.
By Roderick HuntressL'AQUILA, Italy, 22 June 2009 – You may not have a seat at next month's G8 summit, but a new website by UNICEF's Italian National Committee is offering what might be the next best thing: a way to communicate with the leaders there.
The project, called 'I'm Part of the G8 Too!' brings online visitors together to show their support for the three goals UNICEF aims to achieve at the meeting in L'Aquila:
Secure continued funding for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTC) of HIV, and for diagnosing babies as soon as possible
Focus attention on the special vulnerability of girls to HIV and AIDS
Reinforce an existing commitment by the G20 countries to social protection, with an emphasis on ensuring that social systems are both child-sensitive and AIDS-inclusive.
Social protection uses measures ranging from transfers of cash to legislation to support health, financial stability and equality for children and their families.
How the project works
The 'I'm Part of the G8 Too!' site encourages visitors to leave their names, and to upload a picture showing what it means for them to have a place at the summit. All of the photos will be compiled into an online gallery, with the best ones selected for the project's home page.
Ultimately, the site will serve as an interactive online petition. On 9 July, delegates from the J8, the junior version of the G8, will personally deliver the names of those participating in the 'I'm Part of the G8 Too' project – and a selection of the best photos – to leaders attending the meeting.
The J8 brings together young people aged 14-17 from around the world to consider the same issues the G8 countries address, and to draft recommendations for the leaders to consider.
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