World Leaders block progress on UN poverty goals

World Leaders block progress on UN poverty goals

“You cannot score goals when you are standing still”, said Kumi Naidoo, chair of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. “15 million people around the world have called for action on poverty and their leaders are not listening. We would give this summit a 5 out of ten for rhetoric, and 2 out of ten for action.”

Source: GCAP

The world’s largest anti-poverty movement believes politicians are blocking progress on the Millennium Development Goals. Whilst millions in poverty etch out an undignified living, decision makers are not acting on their commitment to halve poverty by 2015. The Global Call to Action against Poverty provides a platform for campaigners in over 90 countries to demand their governments live up to their promises. At the current rate of progress, there will be no goal scoring in 100 years, let alone ten.

This week at the UN World Summit the leaders of the world sidestepped their responsibility to lead the fight against global poverty. While some progress was made on gender, peace and security, there were no new commitments on debt and aid, and things have actually slipped backwards on trade. Over the next two months, campaigners turn their attention to the World Trade Organisation ministerial in Hong Kong, focusing their efforts on pressurizing governments to commit to a trade deal that delivers justice for the world’s poor.

“We have heard too many commitments expressed over the years,” continued Naidoo. “Bitter experience requires us to be skeptical of the validity of the rhetoric. In fact, well-meaning speeches risk being nothing more than a regurgitation of stale and unfulfilled promises.”

© Scoop Media