The IMF is about to make a decision at its annual Spring Meeting this weekend that will impact millions of people in some of the poorest countries in the world. This weekend, there is an opportunity for the IMF’s governing body to decide what to do with the proceeds from a planned sale of a small portion of their gold reserves. Will they use those funds to build up their endowment to pay their staff? Or, will they use the lion’s share of the money raised to help the global poor weather the current financial crisis?
ONE members have a strong opinion, and in just one week, more than 60,000 have signed our petition to the Managing Director of the IMF Dominique Strauss-Kahn. The petition reads:
Dear Dominique Strauss-Kahn,
Please use the revenue from gold sales to create as much funding as possible for developing countries and ensure that this doesn’t create new debts or have harmful conditions attached.
Yesterday, anti-poverty campaigner Bob Geldof met with Strauss-Kahn and delivered the petition. Afterward, he took a moment to record this message:
April 25, 2009 at 9:54 am
I would just like to thank Bob Geldof for taking his time & for taking a large portion of his life and devoting it to the future survival & progress of the African Continent.
He does not have to do this but because he cares so much for the People of Africa and believes deeply in the concept of social & economic justice – he chooses to do what he does for Africa and I think that this type of unselfish advocacy is something for the world to be proud of – not apologetic for.
We need more of us to STEP FORWARD & STAND UP for the millions of the world’s poorest people who have no voice in the international political arena and secure a healthy future for them as we advocate for a healthy future for ourselves.
WE ARE ONE….WE ARE FAMILY.~
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
May 1, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I want to say thank you Bob, if many other people would be dedicated like you then this world will be a better place. I know what is going on in the world and how poor people are been treated, and it should not be happening. I wish I could get people to listen to my situation about my 86 year old Mom and how the Bahamian Government is treating her. I wish I could get that type of media and voice for my 86 year old Mom who has been in the hospital for almost three months. If anyone out there that can help me I would appreciate all the help I can get.
May 1, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I would like to second Debbie in thanking Bob and all those who are trying to help those in proverty and less fortunate. God bless you! Hugs, Amy
May 1, 2009 at 7:02 pm
What is so complicated about trying to eliminate poverty, and assist with this cause…???? TY Bob G. and Bono.. People.. restart.. reboot yourself and look deep inside… THIS IS TRULY PAINFUL!!! TAKE ACTION! We are the voice of millions that can’t bbe heard, their cry for help is in our hands.. ONE at a time..
Peace
Rita
May 1, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I Second Debbie.. Great remarks!
I want to add… With what Bob has done….
Imagine what possibilities he could have, once again in reuniting the members of Pink Floyd.
May 1, 2009 at 9:55 pm
As Geldof mentions, we exist to help the poor!
It is our humane duty to help the impoverished, as it is theirs to expect it from us…we are all ONE!
May 1, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I am so tired of hearing the phrase, “God bless America”…God HAS blessed us, immensely. We, and others, need to bless Him by eliminating poverty, providing clean water, AIDS medications, malaria prevention, the list goes on…I fear that complacency will be our downfall. We want God to bless us, while ignoring the fundamentals of what He would have us do. See Isaiah 58.
Thank you, Bob, and fellow One members, and bless YOU for taking action!
Howie
May 2, 2009 at 12:15 am
I am grateful to know of the many that cares for those who made not have much. May God continue to strength us all to that we may press on doing for others.
Take care and God blessed, ALWAYS.
May 2, 2009 at 5:32 am
I want to remember Bob Geldof that not only americans standed for his petition. Europeans too (like myself, a portuguese citizen).
Keep on the good work!
May 2, 2009 at 5:46 am
I am very grateful for ONE, the care and concerned from the people here to give time and help aid Africa it is so important to do for the poverty and lack of resources that we have here and some may take for granted…that would be a gold mine to them there..am thankful i saw ONE last year in my community and i will be a supporter of this from now on. May God continue to guide the leaders of this fine Foundation and make headway to touch and reach every single continent on the face of this planet in God’s Holy Name….amen
God’s Blackdiamond
May 2, 2009 at 5:46 am
Thank you Bob and Bono and everyone at ONE and all active members of ONE for helping our small voices get amplified and be heard. From where I live (Bulgaria) it’s one of the few opportunities to contribute to poor nations in the world. I know that what I do (sign petitions and stay informed) is not much, but it’s something. I hope that you are able to reach your goals, which are our goals too.
I work with an NGO and I know how difficult helping the disadvantaged and poor could be. But we need to press on. This is what makes us human.
May 2, 2009 at 5:56 am
thank you Bob for being exceptional in representing the hearts of many people across the continent, you have been the engine that has made the wheels of the plight of the poor and the marginalised turn. it gives us hope in Africa that even as the world becomes a global village,we shall not stand intimidated or feel less important because we know that one stands as a voice of reason, advocacy ,petition and care for the needs and interest of the developing nations, you are a blessing to me and forever i stand to support our cause.
forwards ever
May 2, 2009 at 6:29 am
Thanks for keeping up the fight everyone, and let’s move a step further to ending poverty in our lifetime.
May 2, 2009 at 9:36 am
Bob Geldof has been caring about poverty for so long that I feel honored that he delivered the petitions.
May 2, 2009 at 10:32 am
We are ONE!!!!
Thanks Bob, Bono and all One members for taking action!!!!
May 2, 2009 at 10:55 am
this is positive and noble. Do the proceeds of the “Playing for Change” dvd go towards world poverty? Just wondered as just bought the cd and dvd and it is wonderful
Thanks
Sandi
May 2, 2009 at 10:59 am
It is our humane duty to help the empoverished as it is their right to accept it….afterall, we are ONE!
May 2, 2009 at 11:59 am
Thanks for keeping this movement active for the african people. We are the “Daddy” of the world.
The USA starting with the Beatles in the 60′s started to bring this full front and my thanks to them.
Just think….if we help God’s children in these poor nations….maybe we can make this “Heaven On Earth”. I am so proud to be a member of ONE . Let’s keep up the great work we are doing.
Thaks to all!
Barbara Hirsh
May 2, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Dear One
The movement is already global. Please acknowledge this in your addresses. I personally am from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Keep spreading the word!
Lena Smith
May 2, 2009 at 3:07 pm
this results are because the union and love for each other!
May 2, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Thank you Bob Geldof for delivering the petitions. With your help we are able to be ONE!!!!! Awesome job ONE members for letting your voices be heard.
May 2, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Thankyou for the help and support you and others like you do to try to stop the exploitation of the poor in this suffering world. If only there were more caring people in this world to speak out against the unfairness that is happening in the third world.
May 2, 2009 at 7:23 pm
John & Amy, thanks for your positive remarks concerning my post about Bob Geldof that started out the comments in this thread. I truly appreciate them.
BTW – maybe Bob could use his masterful skills at diplomacy & re-unite Pink Floyd….or at least the Eagles? (lol)
Whatever happens, we still love & respect the other B-man too – Bob Geldof. ~
All the Best, debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
May 3, 2009 at 3:50 am
I would like to agree with Lena Smith, the movement is global,Isle of Wight UK here……. Thanks Bob for all the work you have done and are doing….
May 3, 2009 at 5:33 am
I want Bob to knowthat even if we people from Africa don’t have the means to make our voices heard we will find one way to make our thanks reach your ears! Thanl you Bob, thank you for being one with us.
May 3, 2009 at 7:24 am
The efforts of all involved to better the lives of ordinary people living in Africa are truly appreciated. Would like to know how, as someone living in Zimbabwe, I can get practical ideas to an organization like this so as to be part of the much needed effort to combat real poverty afflicting real people. Regards, Graeme
May 3, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I am very glad that Bob is doing such a great job since many years. Here in German, Berlin, you can spread out ideas, people have the courage to say their word, to act. Its never enough but it is never too late to make a point. To help eliminate poverty. Anywhere. Thank you Bob and don t give up.
Regards Theodora
May 3, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I amvery happy to hear that Bob has been helping the world for many years. I think that no matter how old or for how long you’ve been helping others you can always help, even in the littlest way. Thank you Bob for all your work in eliminating poverty in the world.
May 4, 2009 at 1:03 am
Though I can’t understand so much English, I prove ONE work. GOGO
May 4, 2009 at 9:44 am
It is a pleasure to see that people are starting to fight for empoverish countries. It is time that the world wake up and fight to reverse the inegality of the world. The richs are too rich and the poors are becoming worst. None of us can go to our Saviour with material things. It does not make any sense to collect all and left none for others. IMF must do something to help Africa, South America and all the other poor countries during that financial crisis. I applaud the initaitors of this mouvment
May 4, 2009 at 10:08 am
Tahnk you for the fight for monetary aid to poverty stricken peoples of our world. Keep it up!
Sister Esther (U.K.)
May 4, 2009 at 1:31 pm
i want to join my voice with the people of the world and say that we must think for the poor.we must engage our best resources to eliminate poverty.we should do our best and must not depend on others for charity, as charity begins at home.
May 5, 2009 at 3:08 am
The rich is becoming richer and poor poorer. Why not join hands to give a helping hand so that they can be dragged out of poverity. once i went to Zambia and i know the worsening social and economic conditions. some countries are already giving their tiny portion of support yet it’s far beyond enough. thinking about the dying children suffering from deadly disease and extreme poverty. isn’t it the time we do something substantial?
May 5, 2009 at 12:57 pm
somehow i only halfheartedly read and support the “one” activities. but after watching the message from bob geldorf i was really moved. how cool it is that people dedicate themselves to help others. i want to join those who you speak up for those that have no voice.
May 5, 2009 at 2:27 pm
It IS what we exist to do- to give and to help people who are not as blessed as we might be. Sounds like we are all in agreement about that which is a great feeling- kindred souls!
Someone asked, “What is so complicated about trying to eliminate poverty, and assist with this cause…???? ” That’s what I want to know. How and when did such greed become the norm? And to hear people say, “Why are you sending money to Africa? Help your own people!” That line always makes me ill. Thank you, Bob and Bono for dedicating so much to helping others. As a Native American, I have heard it all my life, “We Are All Connected.” Great talk. Even greater when folks can live their lives by that philosophy.
louloufranks@rocketmail.com
May 5, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I keep struggling to come up with ideas of how I can directly be involved.I don’t have money-but it seems that we need much money from IMF to solve poverty.I have more questions than answers.Before I criticise any one for not doing enough I’d like to say what exactly should be done-I DON’T HAVE THESE IDEAS.I wish I did.The only thing I can come up with is better-more fair gobal trade policies.Mohomad Yunis wrote a great book about micro loans,as many know.Also talks about social businesses-an example is Dannon Yogurt has a social business in Ethiopia.The company doesn’t make a profit,but doesn’t loose money either.seems there should be ways that farming practises could be improved,etc.It’s good to tell the world about how Shell oil has ruined Nigeria,I think-but then what .Perhaps boycot Shell?I feel lucky to be part of this-Mike
May 6, 2009 at 10:09 am
I would just like to say Thank you Bob Geldof and everyone envolved with the ONE campaign. Bob I think the reason we understand this is because people like you let us know what’s happening and what we can do to help and because of the internet we can sign petitions, send money and help to do what’s right (they can’t slide things under the rug anymore). It’s because of you and everyone involved with ONE that we can take action and make it right. I believe as ONE we will make this world a better place for everyone that walks this Earth, the way it should be. Thank you so much!
May 7, 2009 at 8:00 pm
MIke Keeler– I know how you feel. Bless you for how you feel.
All I can say is do what you can where you are.
If every person in the US and the UK did so, the world would be so different. And for those who do what they do, thank God, because it could all be so much worse. You alleviate one person’s suffering and you empower them to alleviate the suffering of another.
What is close to your heart? Africa is close to mine so I put my time and energy there and it wasn’t my idea but that’s okay. I’ve had lots of great ideas in my day but no takers so I say go with what ever someone else has going. You know any organization would be so grateful for the help. Best of luck to you. You sound like a good person.
May 8, 2009 at 6:57 am
A day without a smile is a day lost; All die, but not all truly live !!!
Poverty is reduced not reproducing. If you fight someone defends.
We think every time , we make an action or there is an idea!
Their wealth is in the reduction of poverty physical, moral and intellectual.
May 8, 2009 at 7:01 am
Are the actions that count. Our thoughts, however good they may be, the pearls are false until they are transformed into action
Write me if you think the same …..email : giogiuro@gmail.com
August 5, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Очень рада, что возникло желание взять этот пост в цитатник!
August 10, 2009 at 10:13 am
Wow, Amazed, People will make a difference, and this generation will change the world. ^^5 and props to bob and all of you at one.org
ang
August 10, 2009 at 10:15 am
Thanks for providing the vehicle for me to share my voice on these important actions!I pass that same opp
Opportunity on to my junior high students regularly!
October 9, 2009 at 7:34 am
Блин, только что хотел это сказать.
October 10, 2009 at 1:47 pm
ага точно, точно )
October 10, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Так и есть, только хотел написать это.
October 11, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Лучше фильм пойду посмотрю
October 22, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Класс добавил в избранное!
November 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Спасибо было интересно читать.
November 11, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Спасибо за пост.
November 16, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Спасибо за пост.
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