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Whiteband Day 2007 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

17 October 2007

 

Douglas Alexander with representatives from NGOs that make up GCAPImage courtesy of Concern Worldwide


Today, October 17, is Whiteband Day, a day on which the external linkGlobal Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) asks the world to "Stand Up and Speak Out" against poverty and inequality. Last week (12 October) International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander met with representatives from GCAP, as they put forward a range of issues around poverty. Here, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Douglas Alexander reaffirm the UK's commitment to fighting poverty in the developing world. 

Joint statement from the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for International Development

The Millennium Development Goals are promises to the world which we must keep – aspirations which must become achievements.

We can be proud of the progress that has been made towards them in some areas, but still we face a development emergency.

For example, on current trends our aim to reduce child mortality by two-thirds will not be met by 2015, and will not even be met by 2050 unless the pace of progress improves.

That is one of the reasons why we, on behalf of the UK Government, welcome the actions of millions of people around the world this week to show their commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.


Douglas Alexander with Gavin McLellan, Chair of GCAP Scotland - A People's Declaration from the Global Call to Action against PovertyImage courtesy of Concern Worldwide


Earlier this month we showed we are keeping the promises we have made. The UK Government is raising its development aid to over £9.1 billion by 2010/11, keeping us on track to reach our pledge to spend 0.7% of gross national income on development by 2013.

An important promise kept - but together we have many more to keep if we are to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals.

What we need now is an international effort that harnesses the power of everyone: the private sector, individuals, consumers, faith groups, cities, civil society organisations, as well as governments, north and south, to work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

In the coming year we will work with these different partners to develop concrete action plans. We will aim to make key European Union, G8 and United Nations meetings in 2008 moments of delivery.

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