OTTAWA — Today, The ONE Campaign responded to the Trudeau government’s announcement of the 2018 G7 themes, which include “growth that works for everyone” and women’s empowerment.

Stuart Hickox, Canada Director at The ONE Campaign:

“Prime Minister Trudeau is absolutely right to make gender equality, including women’s empowerment in the economic sphere, a pillar of Canada’s upcoming G7 presidency. There is no better way to fight extreme poverty and stimulate inclusive growth than to prioritize investments in women and girls – especially those in the poorest countries and most fragile states. Our efforts globally to build a safer, more stable, and more economically productive world depend on the success of women and girls.

“As always, the success of this ‘theme’ will depend on the ambition of the policy and funding it delivers. Building on Canada’s strong tradition of bold G7 and G8 initiatives — including the launch of signature, massive, and financed commitments to maternal and child health and debt relief — Prime Minister Trudeau should be similarly ambitious. He should ensure his vision is supported by action that ensures women and girls everywhere get the education, resources, and economic opportunities they deserve to thrive.”

ONE is a policy and advocacy organization of more than 8 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Not politically partisan, ONE was co-founded by U2 lead singer Bono to raise public awareness and press political leaders to combat AIDS and other preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programs.