I am glad to congratulate the State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis on joining a worldwide movement to recognize the challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations and people.

Without question, disease, famine, and poverty are rampant afflictions that take the lives of millions every year while depriving many millions more of a future full of their potential. Solving these problems is a common interest in our state, our nation and our world. Regardless of political convictions, religious upbringing or personal background, those who fight for the world’s less fortunate are bound by their commitment to service and their concern for humanity.

I have long worked on hunger issues as a member of Congress, and there is one incomprehensible contradiction in this fight: the difference between our ability to fight hunger and our efforts to do so. Eliminating this difference requires us to follow up on the pledges made today with actions that target the sources of poverty’s ills. We can seek solutions through public policy, by contacting our elected officials, in our personal lives, and with faith-based institutions.

The challenges before us are significant, but our response is full of a uniting promise. I appreciate Governor Blunt and Mayor Slay for joining the efforts of ONE, and I thank you all for raising awareness about global poverty.

-Jo Ann Emerson, Member of Congress, 8th District – Missouri