At Gleneagles in 2005 the world’s 8 richest countries promised to increase foreign aid to $50billion by the end of 2010 But, some of these countries are failing to meet to their own individual targets means yet another promise is on the verge of being broken. World leaders are also letting us down with regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). They promised to get all children into school. They promised to stop 500,000 women dying in childbirth and pregnancy every year. They promised to provide HIV positive people with universal access to treatment and care. And they promised to give 0.7% of their national income to aid.
The MDG goals will not be met by the 2015 deadline unless something dramatic happens. Now, more than ever, we need world leaders to keep their promises. The economic downturn will hit the poorest hardest. So let’s stop side-stepping commitments and breaking promises.
The Big Promise is Oxfam’s campaign about challenging world leaders to keep their promises. Rally round. Set an example. Let’s show them that a promise is there to be kept.
Your promise doesn’t have to be big or daunting – just something you can keep. Something to raise a smile. And raise a voice. From more tea to less chat, make a promise. Say it. Do it. Keep it. Share it with your friends. And show world leaders how it is done.
My ‘Big Promise’ it to write this blog entry to help raise awareness.
