A week of action at the UN: Douglas Alexander's New York diary
26 September 2008
New
York is currently playing host to a week of action at the United Nations aimed
at increasing the pace in the fight against world poverty. Amongst those
attending is International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander - visit this
page throughout the week to read his regular updates from this historic event:
Thursday 25 September, 9.00 p.m. EDT - "A leading role"
Over the next few years 15 million kids will go to school for the first time.
They'll be there because today the world has shown it cares.
Cynics have sniped at the UN summit in New York but I can now say with absolute
confidence that they were wrong.
Wealthy nations, NGOs, faith groups and donors have together pledged almost £9
billion to help the poorest people in the world.
That money will deliver not just teachers and schools but doctors, nurses,
hospitals, food, water and sanitation to countless millions of people.
It will make difference but it won't solve the world's problems. That will take
more money, more commitment and more determination. But today I am proud that
the UK has played a leading role in making that change.
Thursday 25 September, 12.00 a.m. EDT - "Today's the day"
Today's the day for the world's wealthy donors to step up to the plate and make
good on their commitments to the poor. And it looks like that's exactly what's
happening.
By lunchtime in New York we'd seen a pledge of £1.7 billion that should help
ensure that by 2015 deaths from malaria are virtually eradicated.
That will be achieved both through providing millions more bed nets and by
financing anti-malarial drugs. And it's a triumph of cooperation between
governments, NGOs and major philanthropic organisations like the Gates
Foundation.
There's also been wider progress on meeting health targets. The UK has pledged
£450 million over three years for hospitals, doctors and nurses - part of a
multi-billion pound drive to save the lives of mothers and babies.
In America we're only mid-way through the day, but the signs so far are all
good.
Thursday 25 September, 5 a.m. EDT - "One simple aim"
At an event like this, bringing together people from all over the world, there
are moments when you realise that the struggle against global poverty can unite
in a way that applies to few - if any - other causes.
Last night I found myself in the company of Queen Rania of Jordan at a ceremony
to mark the contribution of big business to the developing world. Her passion
and commitment is every bit as strong as that of Bob Geldof, who's here
campaigning as always for justice for the poor. Will Smith's in town too.
Under the umbrella of the UN, celebrity rubs shoulders with socialism,
capitalism and nationalism in an otherwise unthinkable alliance. And that unity
has one simple aim - to save the lives and improve the livelihoods of millions
of our fellow citizens.
For me it's humbling to reflect that the interests of common humanity can still
overcome the world-weary cynicism which afflicts our political systems.
Wednesday 24 September, 12.00 a.m. EDT - "More than philanthropy"
It's fashionable in some quarters to have a go at big business, but the truth is
multinationals have a vital role to play in tackling world poverty.
Far from exploiting people in poor countries, a growing number of large
companies are now investing for growth in the developing world.
I met CEOs from a number of companies - from Coca Cola to Tata and Ericsson - at
the UN today. They are among more than 60 who have responded to Gordon Brown's
Business Call to Action. And each of them has exciting projects in poor
countries, creating profits for them and jobs and wealth for local people.
This is more than just philanthropy, important though that is. It's big
companies investing as part of their core business - showing it's possible to
make profits at the same time as helping developing economies.
That's the point of this week's meeting in New York. It takes more than
governments to beat poverty. It needs commitment also from business, faith
groups and NGOs.
The more I talk to people in New York the more clear I am about the urgency of
getting the Millennium Development Goals back on track.
Wednesday 24 September, 5 a.m. EDT - "A wake-up call"
Late last night and hotfoot from the Labour Party conference in Manchester,
I arrived in New York for what promises to be a whirlwind round of diplomacy at
the United Nations.
Dozens of world leaders are in town for the opening of the new UN session, the
people of Manhattan face traffic gridlock - and we have a priceless opportunity
to make progress in helping the world’s poor.
Away from the bright lights, the restaurants and the receptions, politicians and
officials from scores of countries will be closeted in stuffy meeting rooms
trying to hammer out agreement on how best to meet the Millennium Development
Goals.
That’s why this week is important. Eight years ago world leaders forged an
ambitious and historic pact to wipe out world poverty by 2015.
Half-way through the process we are drifting off course. For the sake of
millions of poor people, we can’t allow that to happen.
It is in all our interests for people in the developing world to have access to
basic health and education and to secure food supplies.
Growth and prosperity in poor countries can through trade help promote growth
and prosperity in the advanced industrial economies.
The challenges are formidable. In addition to food shortages and rising prices,
the livelihoods of tens of millions of people are now under threat from climate
change.
The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has already said this week should be a
"wake-up call" to world leaders. Gordon Brown and I are determined to do all in
our power to make sure that it is heard.
Come back here throughout the week for further updates
