WA 6, Draft 1: Time to Change

I welcome the opportunity to address this international council. I have spent a good amount of time, as I’m sure we all have, thinking about the many issues that confront humanity. The HIV/AIDS epidemic, global warming, and the growing problems created by terrorism, are a few. As I thought about each of these problems I began to realize that they might well be linked to a critical issue that has faced humanity for centuries - poverty. No age, no race, no sex, no nation escapes its grasps. Global Poverty threatens the health, welfare and education of men, women, and children, and poses a threat to the environment, the economy, and politics.

Poverty as a threat to the health of men, women, and children: Measles, malaria, and diarrhea are the three biggest killers of children. These three diseases are treatable and preventable. HIV/AIDS affects around 39.5 million people (According to “Avert” there were 2.6 million adult AIDS-related deaths in 2006.) A United Nations report estimates that there are currently 14 million AIDS orphans and by 2010 it is estimated there will be 25 million. HIV/AIDS can be slowed down with education programs and money for medications.

Poverty as a threat to the environment and economy: The inability of poor countries to address environmental issues poses a threat to life. The economies of the rich and poor markets are linked. Rich countries control much of the world’s capital, trade, and technology but they depend on low-paid workers in developing countries to produce many goods. In 1998 according to “Global Issues” the United States spent 8 billion dollars on cosmetics; Europe spent $11 billion on ice cream, $50 billion on cigarettes, and $105 billion on alcoholic drinks; together the United States and Europe spent $12 billion on perfumes and $17 billion on pet food. The same report estimates the cost to achieve global access to basic needs in developing countries: $6 billion for basic education, $9 billion for water and sanitation, $12 billion for reproductive health for all women, and $13 billion for basic health and nutrition. What are our priorities? The divide between rich and poor countries is more than an illusion.

Poverty as a threat to world politics: According to “Global Issues” half the world lives on less than two dollars a day. Poverty is a full time job. Given that, people in poverty do not have time to involve themselves in politics. This may make it easier for a power hungry leader to take control of a country and make harsh reforms that may not benefit the country.

How might we lessen poverty? We can help poverty stricken countries meet basic health and education needs. We can provide better health and delivery systems with vaccines and information available for all. This requires time and money. Let’s make a commitment now, before it’s too late.