Open Letter: June 9, 2023

Dear Prime Minister Rishi Sunak,

We are writing to you as a group of UK Civil Society organizations to urge you to attend the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, taking place in Paris on June 22 and 23. The Summit, organized by President Macron, could not come at a more crucial moment.

The combined fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and continued economic challenges, alongside the growing impact of climate change, have put the whole world under increasing pressure.

We need to see concrete action if we are to rise to today’s challenges. We welcome your Government’s support for both the Bridgetown Agenda and the recommendations of the CAF review.

The commitment within the Integrated Review Refresh to reform the global financial system is a critical step forward. We believe IFI remodeling is an area where the UK can show real leadership on the world stage by driving forward an ambitious agenda.

High-level participation is expected at the Summit, with attendance already confirmed by Chancellor Sholz, the President of the European Commission, Prime Minister Mottley, President Assoumani, President Bongo Ondimba, President Ould El-Ghazouani, President Nyusi, President Sassou Nguesso, and the World Bank President.

Your presence at this Summit would demonstrate serious intent to deliver upon your Government’s rhetoric and commitments.

The UK must signal that it is still very much a reliable and trusted international partner. Leadership at the Summit is crucial for UK success as a major world economy and trailblazer on climate finance, and will strengthen the UK’s position across multiple multilateral fora, including in the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28.

Moreover, the UK’s support can help to ensure the Summit is a truly global event. It is vital that the voices of low income countries are heard around the table and the UK uses its diplomatic power to encourage their active participation.

We hope that you will accept President Macron’s invitation to take part in this significant milestone for global progress, and illustrate that the UK will not step back from tackling the global challenges confronting us all.

Kind regards,

Romilly Greenhill, UK Director The ONE Campaign

Nick Mabey, CEO E3G

Jamie Drummond, Founder Sharing Strategies

Gwen Hines, CEO Save the Children UK  

Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder Global Citizen