Dedication at its Finest!

Nisha Noor is a fellow that started working for the Borgen Project in January 2011. After nearly a year of dedication, she has now reached 800 hours of work.

Nisha grew up in Bangladesh and graduated from the University of Dhaka, the largest University in the country, with a Masters in Economics. She then came to the U.S. to attend the Saint Louis University. She is currently in the process of graduating with a degree in Political Science. Last year, she moved with her husband to Seattle, WA and began working at the Borgen Project as an Intern. She then was promoted twice from Fellow and recently to the Human Resources Director. She has been an integral part of the organization and has interviewed most every volunteer that has gone through the application process. She spearheaded the PSA project, sending out over three hundred BP clips to TV stations across the country. She has also contributed to the blog and has done research on Economics and Politics in regards to global poverty.

Nisha is inspired by people such as Abraham Lincoln, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, and Aung San Suu Kyi who stood up for democracy efforts in Burma now Myanmar. She enjoys watching cricket, soccer, and tennis. You also won't be surprised to find her laughing to the newest political commentary on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart or the Colbert Report.

She is both a wonderful person and a hard worker. Soon she will be finishing up her newest degree and looking to start her career in the non-profit sector. In her lifetime, she would like to see a poverty-free world where every person has the basic needs for a successful life.

Congratulations Nisha! You deserve a good star in dedication to poverty reduction. We at the Borgen Project wish you all the best in your future endeavors and are looking forward to working with you further.

-Chelsey Dambro and the rest of the Borgen Project Staff Past and Present

United Front to Help The Poor

Today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will address the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, Republic of Korea.  A united front from the international community needs to happen if the Millennium Development Goals are to be reached.  The forum will be in process until Thursday to discuss the effectiveness of aid and how it is vital for those who are desperately in need.  The forum will focus on how aid will be delivered, how MGDs will be achieved, and measures to help reduce maternal mortality and severe poverty.  It is known that a worldwide economic crisis is underway, but by no means is it an excuse to hide behind it.  Now is the time to come together and live up to your commitments.  

-Georisa Chang

SOURCES: UN News Center

UN Reports Drop in HIV Infection Rates and HIV-Related Deaths

Today, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reported progress in the world’s fight against the AIDS epidemic. The study found a significant reduction in contraction of the disease, a reduction in HIV-related deaths, and an increase in access to treatment for the disease.

There were 2.7 million new HIV infections in 2010 and 34 million people living with the disease. This is the lowest increase since 1997 and reflects a significant drop in those dying from AIDS.  Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS - 68 percent of those living with the disease live in this region - but the report showed that the greatest declines in HIV prevalence were in countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The UN credits behavioral changes for the improvements including greater access to antiretroviral treatment, use of condoms, and fewer sexual partners per individual.  We still have a lot to achieve.  Nearly half of those eligible for antiretroviral therapy do not have access to the treatment, and nearly 1.5 million people die from HIV-related deaths each year.  However, the UNAIDS report shows significant progress in our fight against the disease and helps guide the path for the future.

-Kjersti Hall

SOURCES: United Nations, UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report

Record High Migration to Yemen

The accumulated total number of refugees and migrants to make it from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is at a record high of 84,656.  It has been reported by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that numbers are expected to grow even further by the end of this year.  The majority of refugees have come from Ethiopia, and have since 2009 constituted as the "largest group among those to cross the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden."  Sailing patterns have shifted significantly over the years due to increase in traffic on the Red Sea.  With more frequent boat arrivals, more refugees are able to seek safety and opportunities on Yemen grounds.  However, leaving their countries by no means guarantee them an abundance of freedom.  There is concern regarding the increasing trend of abductions, extortions, kidnappings, and sexual assaults directed at refugees, particularly Ethiopian migrants.  Yemen is to host more than 200,491 Somalian refugees and 445,679 displaced Yemeni civilians are to be displaced throughout the country.

--Georisa Chang

SOURCE: UN News Center

WTO Sidelines Developing Nations

A decade has passed since the proposed agenda to put developing nations at the center of international trade.  Has the World Trade Organization failed to deliver on their promises?  It appears so when economic and political interestes are of concern for global powers.  The future of the world's poor looks grisly if genuine cooperation amongst competing nations don't happen soon.         

Some notable WTO failures effecting the poor:

• Cotton: barriers created for 15 million cotton farmers across West Africa trying to trade their way out of poverty, but are forced out of business due to subsidies ($47 bn) allocated to rich-country producers
• Agricultural subsidies: overproduction due to subsidies paid to rich country farmers 
• Trade agreements: unclear and ambiguous rules making it easier for rich nations to manipulate the poorest countries
• Medicine: lack of accessibility to affordable medicine (ambiguity between government protection and IP rights of pharmaceutical companies)
• Legal costs: lack of improvements made to accessibility to expensive and complex legal system (400 cases initiated)
• Natural disasters: immediate alleviation of suffering in developing nations 
• Decision-making: inability to break the link between market size and political weight - trumps the voice of poor countries in trade negotiations

Should developing nations take the back seat?  Most definitely not.  We are all interconnected and it is imperative that we help the weak to strengthen our global community as a whole.  

--Georisa Chang

SOURCE: The Guardian

African Women Need Choice

Reaching 7 billion in population is a feat worth noting.  However, the true nature of this marking is much more complicated and destructive than we realize.  The current growth rate anticipates 78 million more people each year.  How many is too many we ask? 

The increase in population growth is attributed to the conditions of developing nations.  Africa’s population growth rate is at 2.3%, which doubles that of Asia’s.  The reason for this rapid increase in population lies within gender, believes Tewodros Melesse, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Foundation.  Being stripped of the freedom to choose whether or not they want to have a child is the root of the problem.

With poor accessibility to contraceptives, lack of education, and pressures of society essential to economic survival, constant reproduction is what becomes of these women.  In many countries, girls are married off at a young age, become pregnant too early, and their education gets cut so that they can care for their young family.

Light needs to be shed on this matter.  Women need empowerment and to know that the number of children they bear does not determine their own self-worth.  Be provided with easier accessibility to resources, medical care, and information when needed.  Ultimately, be given a choice.   

 -Georisa Chang

SOURCE: CNN

UN Chief Underlines Role of Peacekeeping in Ensuring Just Use of Natural Resources

In a message commemorating the International Dar for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, the UN Secretary General, Ben Ki-moon, said that the United Nations has an important role to play in protecting the environment. Ban noted that United Nations peace keeps are in a unique position to influence how the environment is protected and natural resources are managed. Since the day was first recognized ten years ago, the United Nations has made a great deal of progress in understanding the relationship between war, environment, and the role that natural resources play in fueling and financing instability and violence.

Although environmental factors are rarely, if ever, the sole cause of violence, the exploitation of natural resources and related environmental stresses can be implicated in all phases of the conflict cycle, from contributing to the outbreak and perpetuation of violence to undermining prospects for peace. Since the 1990s at least eighteen violent conflicts have been fuelled by the exploitation of natal resources. Recent research suggests that over the last sixty years at least forty per cent of all interstate conflicts have a link to natural resources. Civil wars such as those in Liberia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo have centered on “high-value” resources like timber, diamonds, gold, minerals and oil. Other conflicts, including those in Darfur and the Middle East, have involved control of scarce resources such as fertile land and water. As the global population continues to rise, and the demand for resources continues to grow, there is significant potential for conflicts over natural resources to intensify. While the relationship between the environment and conflicts multidimensional and complex, three principle pathways can be drawn

1.  Natural resources and the environment contribute to the outbreak of conflic
2. Natural resources and the environment help to finance and sustain conflict 
3. Natural resources and the environment can undermine peace and security  

In his commemorative statement Ban said that “As we mark this International Day, let us recognize the wide-ranging and long-term consequences of damaging the environment – both in peace and times of war. And let us reaffirm our commitment to the sustainable management of natural resources as a critical element of durable peace and security.” Mr. Ban’s commits are an important step in integrating environmental questions into peacekeeping strategies. 

 -Madeline Lee  

SOURCE: UN News

Religious Leaders Stand for International Aid

The battle over federal spending is far from over, in fact, it’s about to get ugly.  Religious leaders are coming at Congress with full force lobbying for the preservation of foreign aid.  Their approach, it’s a moral obligation.  “Part of the discussion centered on the importance of reminding the American people that hunger and poverty around the world has a human face – that we’re not just talking about statistics, but real people,” states Reverend John McCullough, Director of Church World Service.  It is much easier to sympathize to a face than it is to the idea of giving monetary aid to the poor.

The limited amount of the federal budget already allocated to foreign aid has proven to make a huge impact on millions upon millions suffering from sever poverty.  The United States should see foreign assistance as much more than “tangible benefits to the world’s poor,” but an investment for the growth of our own economy as well as raise our international standing among other wealth nations.  

Can we turn the other way and ignore these desperate people in this crucial time of need?  Allow them to starve?  Leave them to die because they weren’t able to receive the necessary medical care?  We simply cannot.

“We’re talking about lives – great numbers of lives that are saved with minimal input on our part.”

-Reverend Denis Madden

Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore and Vice Chair of Catholic Relief Services

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: The Washington Post

Results of Summit to Rebalance Global Economy

After two days of intense discussion among G20 leaders, a consensus has been met concerning the financial and economic future of the eurozone and developing nations.  It has been decided that plans to increase the resources of the International Monetary Fund will take place in hopes of re-stabilizing the global economy with the promise of growth.  Understand that the additional contributions to be made into the IMF are to help countries in severe distress, not for the purpose of alleviating the debt crisis of the eurozone alone.  There are more poverty stricken nations that are in much dire need of the financial assistance.

It is certain that coming out of the eurozone debt crisis will be no easy feat, even more so when countries outside of the eurozone are reluctant to contribute to the bailout fund, confirms German Chancellor Angela Merkel.  But, should the rest of the world be taking on the problems of the eurozone?  Not all European nations are on board for increasing taxes on their citizens.  Despite Europe's current financial anguish, G20 leaders have come together and devised a final communiqué that will confront the current global structural issue directly.

To achieve the ultimate goal of global stability and growth requires a collective and ambitious action.  It is in the hands of G20 to make the change and make a difference in the lives of the suffering. 

“Europe has the capacity to meet this critical challenge... understanding that these problems will not be solved overnight...”  

-President Barack Obama

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: BBC News

Innovation with Impact: Bill Gates Asks G20 to Boost Development Efforts

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates addressed the G20 summit on Thursday as part of a continuing campaign for a Robin Hood tax on finance. Gates’ report, “Innovation with Impact: Financing 21st Century Development,” explained how developed and developing countries could raise an extra $48bn a year to fight global poverty by levying a small tax on share and bond trading. Despite hostility from Britain and the United States, Gates added weight to his campaign for a Robin Hood tax by explaining that a levy on finance would help hard-pressed nations meet their aid pledges to the poor. Underlying his recommendation is the idea that innovation can multiply the impact of resources.

In his report, Gates stresses the need for rich countries to continue their generosity, stating that if the G20 does not commit to increasing the pool of resources dedicated to development they risk causing irreparable damage to the livelihoods of millions of people. Beyond rich countries responsibility, Gates noted that the rapidly emerging economies represented in the G20 also play a growing role in driving progress and development. Gates also uses the report to identify new ways that the private sector can contribute to progress and development.

Gates said he thought his report would make a difference to the G20 discussions. "I think it will help keep development on the agenda when there is a temptation to look at short-term issues… If the G20 takes up this challenge, I'm optimistic we can get through this economic crisis and save millions of lives and lift millions more out of poverty."

- Madeline Lee 

SOURCE: The Washington Post 

U.S. Withholds Funding in Light of Turbulent Times

UNESCO’s Director General, Irina Bokova, addressed regretfully the recent decision made by the United States to withhold dues to the agency.  The consequence of this action will surely have an impact on program implementation, support for emerging nations, and the fight against extremism.  She strongly believes it is strategically vital to promote global stability and democratic values during this time of economic turmoil and social transformation. 

Support from the U.S. enabled the agency to develop and sustain free and competitive media in Iraq, Tunisia, and Egypt as well as implement literacy programs in other conflict-affected countries gradually alleviating extremism. 

“The U.S. is a critical partner in UNESCO’s work.  The withholding of U.S. dues and other financial contributions – required by U.S. law – will weaken UNESCO’s effectiveness and undermine its ability to build free and open societies,” states Ms. Bokova.

Should the U.S. be pulling back knowing all the good it’s capable of doing?

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: UN News

The Gumption of Youths to Shape Our Future

In light of the many challenges the world is currently faced with, rising unemployment rates to severe climate changes, people are apprehensive about what lies ahead.  Despite the global unease, the young people are taking charge.

Don’t underestimate the power of the young people in the world.  This segment of society plays a vital role in building a better future that ensures “peace, prosperity, freedom, and justice for all”.  They are accomplishing more to shape this world for the better than we actually give them credit for.  Their efforts in fighting poverty and hunger, protecting the environment, acts of HIV/AIDS prevention, and taking a stand against discrimination (gender, race, or sexual orientation) should not go unnoticed.  With the limited resources they have and their gumption to stand up for what they believe in, there is no stopping them from changing this world for the better.

Also, communication today has transformed with advancements in technology and social media allowing them to globally connect and widen their perspective on the world around them.  The more they interact with the world, the more they learn, the more likely they will want to get involved.  They are our future; let their voice be heard, loud and proud.    

“They are, in short, demanding the dignity and opportunities that are their right.”

-Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: UN News

The UN World Food Program Responds to Food Shortages in Niger

 The United Nations World Food Program announced plans to scale up its operations inside the country of Niger, where more than one million people are in need of emergency food aid. According to humanitarian agencies, conditions in Niger are particularly bad this year, due to a poor harvest, drought, and insect attacks. The situation was worsened by the return of almost 200,000 migrant workers from Libya and Cote d’Iovire.

Gaëlle Sévenier, a spokesperson for the UN World Food Program, told reporters in Geneva that $60 million is required to fund food aid interventions for the most vulnerable over the next six months, as the country deals with an estimated deficit of 500,000 tons of cereal. Sévenier also added that the number of people in need could rise to two million, by the end of next year.

The UN Food Agency reassured the state of Niger that they would act quickly in the face of crisis. So far, the UN Food Agency has doubled the number of people it plans to feed in Niger during next month’s general food distribution.

- Madeline Lee 

SOURCE: UN News