In September of 2000, leaders of the 191 United Nations member countries met in New York City and formulated a plan to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Unanimously, these leaders agreed upon eight comprehensive, holistic, and attainable goals, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). If fulfilled, the MDGs will provide the poorest 17% of the world, who live on less than a dollar a day, with the opportunity to attend primary school, access to clean water, better child and maternal healthcare, and a sustainable future.
Since 2002, the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has saved more than five million lives. However, there remains a $1.2 billion dollar shortfall in funding for these life-saving programs. We have a significant amount of ground to cover within the next five years.
As citizens of the United States, we must unite our voices and push our leaders to fulfill the promises they have already made. Thousands of Americans have already stepped up to take action—musician and humanitarian John Legend affirms his commitment to the MDGs here:
Be among those to lend their voice.
Commit in September is a grassroots movement demonstrating young Americans’ passion for global education, health, development in Haiti, and achievement of the UN MDGs. The campaign has been led by students calling out to peers, non-profits, and celebrities. The ONE Campaign, Water.org, Malaria No More, Rainn Wilson, Olivia Wilde, 30 Student Body Presidents and so many others are using their voices on Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word today and through the end of the month.
We know the MDGs are achievable. The most pressing question that remains is whether or not we as Americans will take small steps within our own means, to stand up and do something to end poverty in our time. Will you?
Add your name to grow the youth movement for sutainable international development: www.commitinseptember.com. Thanks for your voice.
-Amanda Adami, Millennium Campus Network