The Zimbabwe Global Call To Action Against Poverty Campaign
Zimbabwe like most of the countries in the developing world is likely not to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals as indeed the past few years have seen the rapid decline in the Human Development Index on many counters. For a generation widely regarded as the only generation with the potential to make poverty history, this remains unacceptable. The bottom line is that we need to see more action being taken on the primary drivers of Global poverty Debt, Aid and Trade. As such Zimbabwe joins the millions of people around the world participating in the Global Call To Action Against Poverty [GCAP] to call for increased and concerted action to eradicate extreme poverty and to surpass the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Zimbabwe Global Call To Action Against Poverty Campaign
Zimbabwe like most of the countries in the developing world is likely not to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals as indeed the past few years have seen the rapid decline in the Human Development Index on many counters. For a generation widely regarded as the only generation with the potential to make poverty history, this remains unacceptable. The bottom line is that we need to see more action being taken on theprimary drivers of Global poverty Debt, Aid and Trade. As such Zimbabwe joins the millions of people around the world participating in the Global Call To Action Against Poverty [GCAP] to call for increased and concerted action to eradicate extreme poverty and to surpass the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
"Join us on Tuesday the 24th of May 2005 for lots info, food and friendsas we launch the Zimbabwe Global Call to Action Against Poverty Campaign at the Anglican Cathedral from 5pm - 7pm"
Why Fight poverty
In the 21st Century it is unbelievable that we still allow millions of people to die everyday simply because they are poor. However, the most frustratingfact of all is that we can stop it. The amount of money required to end extreme poverty is less than what was spent on the war in Iraq. If rich countries simply met the promise they made in 1970 to give 0.7% income in Aid then poverty would become a thing of the past. At the same time, the reform of the grossly unjust and rigged global Trade rules would allow vital opportunities for the poorest countries to grow and develop. It is clear that the world has the resources and knowledge to end poverty. What is missing is the political will from leaders across the world. By campaigning together with the millions of Organisations and individuals around the world we hope to create a sea of change in the attitudes of governments worldwide.
Why Fight poverty in 2005
The year 2005 is vital for development, with a number of key moments during the year offering the opportunity for action on Debt, Aid and Trade. On Africa Day millions of people across the continent will stand in unity to celebrate liberation from colonialism and call for liberation from poverty and hunger. On the day of the African Child, With the Africa Commission reporting before the G8 summit in July, there is opportunity for some real action by leaders to end poverty in Africa by canceling debt and increasing aid. In September the UN Heads of Nations meet to measure the progress on the MDGs of which there is unanimity as to the need to press world leaders to do more towards the achievement of the modest MDG targets. Again there is opportunity at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in December to call for changes in the unfair rules of trade that perpetuate poverty in poor countries. The Global Call To Action Against aims to bring together millions of people around the world on these key dates to call on world leaders to do more to fight against poverty.
What are we calling for
Put simply we are calling on world leaders to take urgent action to deliver on their promises to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the MDGs targets. Towards these ends we are calling for debt cancellation, increases in aid inflows, fair trade rules and increased transparency and accountability from governments. Show your support to this call by taking part in the events lined up and by wearing a white band.
Further DETAILS
For further information and details please contact the following details 703579/700090/700030 or visit www.whiteband.org .Please note that the police have been notified about the launch event. You are free to bring for distribution at the launch any literature on poverty and development. Refreshments will be provided.
Inserted by NANGO in conjunction with the National Taskforce on the MDGs and GCAP with excerpts from Owain James (2005).