White Band Day I, July 2nd, 2005, is reported to have been the most effective GCAP event in terms of civil society mobilization in 2005. The involvement of celebrities such as Bono, Bob Geldof and Richard Branson, made the event a glittering extravaganza. The accompanying Live8 concerts, occurring in eight cities around the globe also made the event the “good copy” for the world media. Much less known is the fact that many campaigners in developing nations marched to G8 embassies and presented petitions to ambassadors and high commissioners demanding Debt Cancellation, Trade Justice as well as More and Better Aid.

However, increased awareness came at a high price. Once celebrities are placed at the forefront of campaigns like GCAP, it can be difficult to maintain control of statements they make to the media. Bob Geldof’s endorsement of the G8 outcomes was one such instance. Although celebrities bring valued publicity to a cause, they can also be unpredictable. Not surprisingly, wide criticism was expressed of the focus on – and investment in – high visibility celebrity events which often worked to the detriment of other more substantive activities. At this point, the long-term impact of celebrities was seriously questioned.

In addition to the concerts, there were other Public Relations events which occurred in the run up to and during July 2005. These included the wrapping of buildings and monuments in white. London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral received a white band make-over. There was also the Postcard to Tony Blair Campaign, followed by the “send my friend to school” campaign.

Three million cutout figures called “buddies” were made by school children from all over the world. These paper dolls represented the 100 million children, worldwide, who are missing out on an education. Each one was a direct plea from a child to the G8 leaders insisting they honour the promises made by politicians in the year 2000 and to provide every child in a basic primary education by 2015.

At the same time, the global South was scarcely represented at White Band Day I. African organizations in particular pointed to the lack of African representation. This occurred despite GCAP’s focus on Africa. Detractors spoke critically of the few people being airlifted north of the equator as token spokespeople and to provide an African face to the event. And, for those from the south who attended, many felt there was little in the way of adequate preparation. Their lack of input, and especially not being able to meet with the G8 ministers led to bitter disappointment.

Also at this time, there were questions as to how GCAP was launched. The obvious lack of southern representation and participation led to charges of a northern and donor-driven agenda. It appeared to some that positions taken by GCAP were not sufficiently progressive or responsive enough to champion southern issues. A number of the original “core group” recognized in retrospect that an inadequately southern civil society perspective was a serious shortcoming in their initial efforts. 

"GCAP has shown its potential to bring together groups that do not usually work in common and of reaching audiences in a way that has more impact than what the sum of its parts could have achieved.”

                   – Roberto Bissio, Social Watch, in the GCAP Future Questionnaire