Be
that great generation
We're wearing our white bands and
we've got all the tents up. Now we head down to the Upcote Farm lake, which has
been surrounded by a band of white torches, to formally open our camp and
remember, once again, why we're all here.
At the ceremony we hear the words of Nelson Mandela, when he spoke to the public
in London in February:
"I
am privileged to be here today at the invitation of The Campaign to Make Poverty
History. As you know, I recently formally announced my retirement from public
life and should really not be here. However, as long as poverty, injustice and
gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. Moreover, the
Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty represents such a noble cause that we
could not decline the invitation.
Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our times –
times in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology,
industry and wealth accumulation - that they have to rank alongside slavery and
apartheid as social evils.
The Global Campaign for Action Against Poverty can take its place as a public
movement alongside the movement to abolish slavery and the international
solidarity against apartheid. And I can never thank the people of Britain enough
for their support through those days of the struggle against apartheid. Many
stood in solidarity with us, just a few yards from this spot. Through your will
and passion, you assisted in consigning that evil system forever to history. But
in this new century, millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain
imprisoned, enslaved, and in chains.
They are trapped in the prison of poverty. It is time to set them free.
Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be
overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty
is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a
fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.
While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.
The steps that are needed from the developed nations are clear. The first is
ensuring trade justice. I have said before that trade justice is a truly
meaningful way for the developed countries to show commitment to bringing about
an end to global poverty. The second is an end to the debt crisis for the
poorest countries. The third is to deliver much more aid and make sure it is of
the highest quality. In 2005, there is a unique opportunity for making an
impact.
In September, world leaders will gather in New York to measure progress since
they made the Millennium Declaration in the year 2000. That declaration promised
to halve extreme poverty. But at the moment, the promise is falling tragically
behind. Those leaders must now honour their promises to the world's poorest
citizens. Tomorrow, here in London, the G7 finance ministers can make a
significant beginning. I am happy to have been invited to meet with them. The G8
leaders, when they meet in Scotland in July, have already promised to focus on
the issue of poverty, especially in Africa. I say to all those leaders: do not
look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for
action, not words. Act with courage and vision.
I am proud to wear the symbol of this global call to action in 2005. This white
band is from my country. In a moment, I want to give this band to you – young
people of Britain – and ask you to take it forward along with millions of others
to the G8 summit in July. I entrust it to you. I will be watching with
anticipation.
We thank you for coming here today. Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be
great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course
the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity,
against which I ask all humanity now to rise up. Make Poverty History in 2005.
Make History in 2005. Then we can all stand with our heads held high.
Thank you."
We float boats on the lake
bearing our wishes for the world. And we sing the song
I Want to Live, remembering those in the world
who don't have the chances we have, who have to struggle just to stay alive. And
then we watch as our young people light up the darkness with their fire
juggling.
We return to the camp for cocoa and to sit around the campfire, singing and
warming ourselves. And we're all still wearing our white bands.