Raise Your Voice: We are at risk of missing global targets to improve life in the poorest nations

The G20 summit begins in London tomorrow (April 1st) and carries thru the 2nd.  The most powerful men & women in the world will meet to try to reach a consensus on how to solve the global economic crisis.  Many reports suggest that this economic crisis threatens to reduce development assistance by at least $4.5 billion and push more than 50 million more people into poverty.

My hopes are captured in what The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said:

The G20 meeting takes place in an atmosphere of high expectation: many people believe that this is a moment for the world’s leaders to reaffirm their moral commitments to the welfare of all, especially the poorest, and to the care of the planet for future generations, as well as responding to the immediate challenges of securing a degree of financial stability. As religious leaders, we shall be praying that these expectations will be met and that the gathered politicians will be inspired to share a word of hope with all of us.

Salil Shetty, Global Director of the Millennium Campaign, an offshoot of the United Nations which lobbies governments to do their bit to meet the Millennium Development Goals, says less talk and more action are vital to achieve the goals by 2015.

"All the goals are at risk if we don't see significant progress at the G20 meeting," Shetty said in advance of the meetings.

I add my voice to the hopes expressed by composer and recent Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who composed the song Pray for me Brother to draw attention to this moment :