Over 1.2 billion people live on less than $1 per day—yet the world has never been so prosperous.The world has enough money, resources and technology to end poverty forever. So why are people around the world still forced to live in poverty?
End poverty by 2015. This is the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 when they agreed to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. World leaders have agreed to achieve the MDGs by 2015.
The Goals are achievable; they have timelines and deadlines; they are locally defined and measurable. For the first time, there is an agreed global compact in which rich and poor countries recognise that they share the responsibility to end poverty and its root causes.
The 8 Millennium Development Goals are:
- End Hunger
- Universal Education
- Gender Equity
- Child Health
- Maternal Health
- Combat HIV/AIDS
- Environmental Sustainability
- Global Partnership
Famous people have used their staus and voice to back the MDG - from Shakira to Lenny Kravitz and Michael Douglas. Be one of those people - this year be one of the millions who stand up and speak out. This year, let’s break the World Record, and break the record of broken promises.
Last year, 23.5 million people stood up against poverty. They stood up to remind their governments to keep their promises. The promises they made seven years ago with the Millennium Development Goals.
It’s up to us to make sure leaders follow through on these commitments. The United Nations Millennium Campaign supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals. Join the UN Millennium Campaign and be part of the generation that puts an end to poverty. Click on the link below to go to the End Poverty website and find out how you can become part of making history.