British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will use this week's G8 meeting to urge fellow leaders to push ahead with plans to boost the global economy _ despite suggestions that the worst of the financial crisis has passed.
A spokesman for Brown, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said the British leader will tell his counterparts among the Group of Eight wealthiest nations that the global economy is at a pivotal point and there is no room for complacency.
Recent data around the world has suggested that many economies may have bottomed out, but Brown will argue that ongoing constrained bank lending, rising oil prices and increased protectionism are posing threats to any economic recovery.
"The need for coordinated international action to implement the decisions we have taken has never been more crucial," Brown will say. "If we do not take the necessary action now to strengthen the world economy and put in place the conditions for sustainable world growth we will be confronted with avoidable unemployment for years to come."
World leaders are meeting July 8-10 in L'Aquila, Italy, to discuss the financial crisis and a host of other topics including food security and climate change.
Brown's five-point plan for the summit encompasses increasing bank lending, reducing volatility in oil prices, curbing trade protectionism, boosting private investment and safeguarding the jobs of younger people.
