Imagine having 10 minutes to speak to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President Barak Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with the other world leaders who make up the G8. What message would you seek to convey?

Leaders from the world's main religions met at the University of Winnipeg from June 21-23 to agree upon a statement to present to G8 leaders. Close to 150 delegates and observers from North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Region gathered just prior to the meetings of the G8 and G20 in Huntsville, Ont., and Toronto.

Representatives from the Christian community, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Shintos, Baha'is and other faith groups were part of the assembly. The Salvation Army was well represented with Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial commander, serving as co-chair of the Canadian delegation alongside Susan Tamas of the National Assembly of Baha'is. Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, The Salvation Army's international director for social justice, was one of several keynote speakers that included Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg, and Lt-General The Honourable Roméo Dallaire.

Much debate and discussion followed the various presentations, not so much on what the key messages to the world leaders should be but how they should be worded.

The issues were clear: extreme poverty, universal education, gender equality, child health, maternal health, HIV/AIDS and malaria, environment sustainability and global partnerships. Eight challenges, eight countries, eight pledges. Pledges that were made by the same countries that gathered in Huntsville for their G8 Summit. Pledges that dated back to 2000 with a target of 2015 for completion.

The leaders of faith communities from around the world asked their political counterparts to fulfil the promises made 10 years ago. Much is at stake. More than one billion of the world's population continue to live in extreme poverty. Too many of the world's children lack access to a basic primary education. Millions die unnecessarily each year from malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis due to the lack of insect nets and proper medicines. Violent conflict claims tens of thousands of lives every year. The environment continues to deteriorate due to humankind's willful neglect.

Steven Fletcher, MP and Minister of State, received the statement from the religious leaders at the conclusion of the Winnipeg Summit in a ceremony that took little more than 10 minutes. “The world is counting on you. You promised and we are holding you to these promises,” was the final message conveyed to world leaders.

Click on box below to read the official statement.