Monday, October 24, 2011, was United Nations Day.
“UN Day is a day on which we resolve to do more. More to protect those caught up in armed conflict, to fight climate change and avert nuclear catastrophe; more to expand opportunities for women and girls, and to combat injustice and impunity; more to meet the Millennium Development Goals.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message on UN Day, 24 October 2011
The Millennium Development Goals established in 2010 with an achievement goal of 2015, are: 1) end poverty and hunger; 2) achieve universal education; 3) promote gender equality and empower woman; 4) reduce child mortality; 5) improve maternal health; 6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; 7) ensure environmental sustainability, and 8) develop a global partnership for economic development.
None of these goals have been achieved yet in the United States. In what ways has involvement in wars interfered with achieving those basic goals in this relatively rich nation? In what ways is it in the interest of Americans to work towards these goals, not just at home but around the world?
As always, the question is, how can one individual make a difference? In an earlier post, Alan O’Hare discussed the importance of sharing stories. In response to the fact that the world population is about to reach 7 billion, the UN Population Fund has undertaken an initiative called 7 Billion Actions, gathering the stories of individuals and organizations around the world striving to make a positive difference in the world.
And for a wonderful fictional film on one individual fighting to make a difference, watch this excerpt from the film “The Girl in the Café”: