 |
|||
|
Throughout history young people have been the instigators of radical social change. They have lead rebellions, challenged governments, fought wars and unashamedly stood up for what they believe in.
Now is the time that young people come together to take a stand against poverty. It is time that we show the world that we care about suffering and that enough is enough. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, choose to take action. On October 24 you can STAND. and make a difference. Bring a candle, bring your voice, bring your silence. Around Australia, young people will STAND. together to respond and remind. On one night, young people will unite and make a statement in silence and in candlelight - 8 minutes of silence will be marked for the 8 Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Development Goals are a set of agreed measures that all nations need to adopt in order to halve world poverty by 2015. The MDGs include measurable, time-bound targets addressing poverty and hunger, education, maternal and child health, the prevalence of diseases including HIV/AIDS, gender equality, the environment, debt, trade justice and aid. The MDGs will only be achieved through partnership between developed and developing nations. The responsibilities of developed nations focus on three main areas: 1. fairer trade rules 2. cancellation of debt for Highly Indebted Poor Countries 3. more and better directed aid. The MDGs require that Australia increases the direct amount allocated towards overseas aid and development to 0.7% Gross National Income (GNI). As a participating nation, Australia has made a promise to which they must remain committed. Currently Australia spends just 0.36% of its GNI on overseas aid and development. Informing and involving civil society is critical to ensuring that governments keep these promises. Please visit these web links to learn more about what we want: www.un.org/millenniumgoal www.makepovertyhistory.com.au www.makepovertyhistory.com www.live8live.com |
|||
|
|||
