HUNTSVILLE--The leaders of the world's richest nations warned Saturday the global recovery was still fragile and the economic crisis had compromised development goals set by the United Nations.

"Our annual summit takes place as the world begins a fragile recovery from the greatest economic crisis in generations," Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States said in a joint communique.

The Groups of Eight nations warned the economic slowdown harmed efforts to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, targets for improved living conditions for the world's poorest people.

"The crisis has jeopardized advancement toward meeting some of the 2015 targets. Renewed mutual commitments are required," the statement said, warning that "both developed and developing countries must do more."

The rich G8 countries have been fiercely criticized by activists at their summit in Canada, and stand accused of falling short of meeting previous aid promises made five years ago by 20 billion dollars.

Leaders vowed to improve their monitoring mechanisms so that in future they can be held accountable if they do not live up to their promises.

"We, the G8, are determined to exercise leadership and meet our obligations," they said. "We emphasize the importance of regular reports on the progress made in implementing our commitments."

The Millennium Development Goals were agreed by United Nations member states as a list of human development targets due to be met by 2015, reducing poverty and hungers, boosting women and children's right and improving education.