[afro-nets] Eliminating world poverty: making governance work for the poor (5)

["Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima" <dabesaki@yahoo.com>]

Eliminating world poverty: making governance work for the poor (5)
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Dear everyone,

I want to add my voice to this discourse on world poverty, but perhaps from a different perspective. I have always held the position that although the world has become a global village, intercountry dependency is the greatest problem that is plaguing the world, with each country wanting to hold fast to its hard earned position in the global economy. The sincerity of most global institutions to end poverty in third world countries is far from what appears on paper, its really far from the impression that we get from global decision making processes. The solution to poverty reduction in Africa like I have always said is to enhance the capacity of these countries to effectively mobilise, harness and utilise the resources they have.
   
In the meantime, many global events will keep focusing on poverty, many consultants will keep writing fine blue prints and strategies, and we will keep distracting ourselves from addressing the real issues. The MDGs that was agreed upon by the UN in 2000 was a fine blue print. It touched on the key issues affecting the people on the ground. It touched on maternal health, child health, education for boys and girls, HIV/AIDS, poverty and hunger and sustainable livelihood. what more can a development goal have that is not contained in the MDGs.  That was the key to ending poverty. But why is this not working? I feel that the people at the helm of affairs in many countries are not sincere with these goals, they usually just want to have them as the basis to ask for loans or grants. What has happened to many of the PRSPs that have been developed in Africa? What has happened to the much celebrated NEPAD?
   
On August 12, the international youth day will focus on Tackling Poverty together. What hope does the present poverty reduction efforts hold for the future of this young generation. This is a question world leaders should find a way to answer.

Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima 
Director,Development Partnership International
4 Eleme/Onne Road off Eleme Junction, 
Port Harcourt 500001 NIGERIA 
   
http://www.developmentpartnership.org 
mailto:dabesaki@developmentpartnership.org 
Phone: +234 84 751 002 
Fax:     +234 84 751 002 
Mobile: +234 805 518 2526 

Co-Founder, Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS 
http://www.youthaidscoalition.org dabesaki@youthaidscoalition.org