Countries in poverty traps literally cannot help themselves. But, smart targeting of resources and manpower by developed countries can break the cycle so poor nations can eventually survive without outside help.
Developed countries now have a historic opportunity. After 25 years of economic growth, we have enough resources to help the extremely poor for a fraction of one percent of our national incomes. Only 0.7 percent of developed nations' gross national product is needed.
The key to ending extreme poverty is to target the funds with the Millennium Development Goals in mind.
These goals reflect the parts of the poverty trap. Focused efforts to achieve them in extremely poor countries can break the trap and save untold lives.
We know what to do. All we need are the funds and political will to act. The American public is already there: more than 60% of Americans believe that contributing 0.7% of GNP to meet the Millennium Development Goals is the right thing to do.
Unfortunately, our political "leaders" are backsliding. The United States repeatedly signed agreements to provide 0.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to help fight extreme poverty. But the U.S. gives only 0.16 percent, a smaller percentage than any other developed country in the world.
Politicians don't lead on these issues because they're afraid they'll be hung out to dry. You must show them if they take a stand, you'll stand with them.
You're the missing piece. Your voice, and the voices of your friends and family, will move our leaders to take up our generation's calling: to cure extreme poverty by 2025.
Get started now. Visit our Action Center to learn how you can make a difference.
From the Monterrey Consensus, agreed to by the United States on March 22, 2002:
"...We urge developed countries that have not done so to make concrete efforts towards the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP) as ODA [Official Development Assistance] to developing countries..."