A Time for Inspired Leadership and Action

“A Time for Inspired Leadership and Action” issued by the 2010 G8 Religious Leaders Summit addresses critical issues such as global poverty, environmental sustainability, and international peace. Signed by 80 senior members representing the Aboriginal, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, and Sikh religious traditions, the document produced by the Religious Leaders Summit strongly urges G8 countries to reduce poverty worldwide by providing financial aid to developing countries, cancelling debts of poor countries, maintaining business and labor ethics, and ensuring workers obtain minimum wages. On the issue of environmental sustainability, the religious leaders explain that wealthier countries must create alternative energy sources and help ensure that global temperatures remain stagnant, while developing countries ensure that their agricultural areas are protected from wasteful developments. In terms of international peace, the religious leaders call for a reduction in the arms race, the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons, and the need for transparent dialogue.