But after the G8’s broken aid promises, the G20 needs to show it is ready to deliver more than empty promises. They urgently need to raise their game next year.

“The G20 have got halfway to an action plan on development - they have a promising plan but where is the action?

“The Seoul Consensus appears to be that development is important but that concrete action will have to wait despite one billion hungry people and the millions forced into poverty by the economic crisis.

“Instead we need Seoul Development Consensus that delivers the resources to pay for the schools, healthcare and small farmers that are vital to sustainable economic growth. It would see rich countries setting a timetable to provide the aid they have already promised. A crackdown on tax evasion and a tax on the financial sector offer fair, popular and workable ways to find additional funds for the poor without increasing the burden on ordinary taxpayers.”

On trade and the Doha round

Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: "Beating the broken drum of Doha is generally a sign of desperation – or obfuscation. This week the G20 couldn’t even agree the first step, opening their markets to the poorest countries. For a full trade deal, rich countries would have to make concessions they have steadfastly refused to make for the past nine years. It ain't gonna happen."