Poverty, general scarcity
or dearth, is the nature of existence for the majority of the world’s
underdeveloped nations. Regrettably, synonymous with “developing country” has
become “poverty.” Despite the drumbeat of horrifyingly graphic imagery
presented in the media, poverty levels in developing nations
have actually improved over the past decade. The article above seems to suggest
that more so now than ever before, the dream of a poverty-free world is a
possibility. Eliminating extreme poverty is a
daunting and complex challenge, for while poverty has many causes it admits of
no single, or simple, solution. The complexity of the challenge does not mean,
however, that the task cannot be conquered.
Bleak are the
statistics detailing world poverty. Nearly half of the world, more than 3 billion
individuals, subsist on less than $1.25 a day; this
meager sum buys barely enough basic food, clean water and cooking fuel to
prepare two meals. The majority of these
3 billion individuals live in poor, Third World countries. The poor do not so
much live, at least not by Western standards, as they survive.
The article above
offers 10 ways in which the new EU trade chief can help reduce poverty in
developing countries. The article illustrates that while the challenges of
combating extreme poverty remain imposing, opportunities for success are, with
each generation, expanding. What was once considered improbable, a world
essentially free of poverty, has been shown in the past half-century to be
possible and economically sound. I believe we must help others realize that it
is indeed possible to eliminate extreme poverty, that we are already making
significant gains, and that common-sensical, practical steps can be taken to
overcome remaining challenges. Ultimately, a world free of poverty in which all
thrive can be achieved but only when we start by fundamentally re-thinking the
rules and systems that have historically kept individuals and nations
poor.
Combating extreme poverty is a difficult task. However, this article offers some good ideas that are a step in the right direction. Hopefully more people will realize that this is not an impossible task so we can begin to work towards improving living standards in these developing nations.
ReplyDeleteI hope some of these ideas are implemented, because we should be working to end extreme poverty. I think it is likely that the EU will increase trade with developing countries, since it is mutually beneficial and there is a lot of potential for growth.
ReplyDeleteI also found the article to have some very practical and realistic ideas. I especially liked the first idea to strengthen the link between development and trade in EU policymaking. I think the first step is to ensure that countries recognize the importance of trade. Not only does trade increase living standards; trade contributes to the financial health of a country as a whole.
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