World should fight poverty collectively: UN chief

from the Times of India

UNITED NATIONS: On the occasion of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day had fallen and it remained on track to meet the MDG target of halving extreme poverty.

The Secretary-General however cautioned against uneven development in sub-Saharan Africa. Ban Ki-moon said the world must refocus its attention, and its resources, on the places and people that are being left behind.

"Our task is to address these failings. As suggested by the theme for this year’s observance, we have to view people living in poverty as agents of change. This requires us to encourage national ownership of development strategies," the Secretary-General said.

Elaborating on the message, the UN chief said," Today, we join hands with the poor in a collective effort - one which brings in civil society, the private sector, and individuals around the world. Tens of millions of people are making their voices heard by standing up against poverty - at sports and cultural events, in universities and schools."

In his closing statement he said, "On this twentieth International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us all stand up. Let us demonstrate the political will required to end the scourge of poverty once and for all."