Today marks the ninth anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. A day none of us will ever forget. From the view of my couch, I watched the memorials. I listened to the family members list the names of their lost beloved. I participated in the moments of silence at the timing of the first plane striking the first tower to the last tower falling. And with tears clouding my eyes, I couldn't help but reflect on why this horrible act of violence happened to innocent Americans and other global citizens.
The truth of the matter is extremists will always exist in a world of such vast inequalities. Extremists will excel where education is squelched. Extremists will thrive where gender inequality exists. Extremists will rule where poverty and hunger prevail. As long as our world is a world where deep poverty exists, extremists will threaten our security and the security of our allies.
In exactly one week from today millions of people around the world will "Stand Up and Take Action" to demand our world leaders end poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In September 2000, 183 world leaders signed and adopted the MDGs at the United Nations Millennium Summit. The eight MDG's serve as a roadmap to end poverty and its root causes:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
In September 2000 these goals were agreed upon as cutting deep poverty in half by 2015. Although some progress has been made, it is far too little. We are now ten years into the signed declaration and have five years remaining to tackle the root causes that perpetually continue the vicious cycle of deep poverty. The same poverty that ultimately is the root cause of extremism and terrorism.
The weekend of September 17th-19th affords all global citizens the opportunity to participate in the "Stand Up and Take Action" events happening worldwide. Those participating in this event will shine a spot light on the MDGs and let their world leaders representing their country know they stand behind these MDGs and want to see the declarations through. No more empty promises. Today, in 2010, ONE BILLION people live in poverty and 75 MILLION school aged CHILDREN do not have the opportunity to be educated. This is a call to action.
In 2009 more than 173 million people participated in this global event in more than 100 countries. This is something we can all do! Instead of turning our heads and pretending the atrocities of deep poverty don't exist because it is too painful to look at and acknowledge, we can instead look at it head on and be part of the movement and solution that says we will no longer stand for it. Together we can raise our voices and create political will so when our world leaders gather at the United Nations later this month for the MDGs Review Summit, "the voices of their citizens will follow them, telling them, loudly and clearly: "We will no longer stay seated or silent in the face of poverty and the broken promises to end it!"
The promise to the world is one of peace, security, human rights, fundamental freedoms and opportunity. This is the greatest call to action the world has ever organized. We are all connected. We are all global citizens. And as global citizens we acknowledge a universal call that extends beyond the borders of our individual nationalities. It is our responsibility to help our citizens in need, no matter where they reside. Charity has no boundary. Using our voice to stand up for those who are silenced, because of the epidemic of deep poverty, is our responsibility.
It is only when our world is a land of opportunity and equality for all that we will truly be free and safe from terrorism. It is in these universal actions of peace and love that we honor the lives of those lost on September 11th. WE will never forget. And we won't forget the men, women and children who live in poverty and are victims every day.
Three things YOU can do:
1. Have our political leaders see through the MDGs they created by 2015- Participate in or organize a "Stand Up and Take Action" event on September 17th-19th (go to www.standagainstpoverty.org)
2. Support organizations and individuals who are actively addressing the roots of deep poverty, such as the Maji Mazuri organization
3. Change our mindset- understand we are all global citizens & all are affected by the global issues we face
