A Manifesto for the End of Extreme Poverty
A Manifesto for the End of Extreme Poverty
In the best traditions of the Cluetrain Manifesto, I'm going to attempt to set out my thinking on this subject. It may not be fully formed in all areas, but I hope my thoughts will set you thinking and perhaps move you to act in some way. Here goes.....
1. The situation has improved substantially in the last twenty years. When I first looked at the issue of extreme (starvation-level) poverty, the daily death toll as a direct consequence of extreme poverty was approximately 35,000. The figure today is approximately 25,000, despite the world population having increased significantly in that same time-frame. However, 25,000 is still a big number, and they're mostly children, so the search for a solutions remains an urgent priority in my eyes....
2. The presence of "sweat-shops" is a positive sign, indicating that a country or region has at least moved from extreme poverty to moderate poverty. In general, a move to labour-intensive manufacturing is a solid indicator that a country or region has moved on to the first rung of the ladder of economic development. From there, it usually takes only a couple of decades for further significant increases in the general standard of living to be take place.
3. One of the key things that needs to happen is a shift in the prevailing mind-set concerning ending extreme poverty once and for all, particularly amongst people in the developed world. The progression is something like this:
"It can't be done" >> "It CAN be done" >> "It MUST be done" >> "I MUST do something" >> I WILL do something"
4. The future hasn't happened yet, so anything's possible. In fact, even things we "know" to be impossible.... are possible.
5. There are technologies available today that didn't exist 10 years ago, 5 years ago, 1 year ago, or even six weeks ago. It's perfectly possible that something is about to be released or widely adopted that can make an enormous impact on ending extreme poverty. Some examples of things that might have an impact are:
* Mobile telephony, particularly grid/mesh systems, wherein each hand-set becomes a call routing device, eliminating the need for masts and base stations.
* Online networks, such as Ecademy, which can provide a powerful catalyst for information sharing and the propagation of ideas
* The development of new ways of thinking, including spiral dynamics, system dynamics, integral thinking, etc.
6. There are several blueprints already in existence, for eradicating extreme poverty, one village or region at a time. These have been developed by organisations such as The Hunger Project and Practical Action.
7. There are, perhaps, 50 to 100 people who could, if they chose to act decisively and in consort, bring about the end of extreme poverty within a few years. These include:
* Political leaders
* Business leaders
* Wealthy individuals
* Religious leaders
* Media owners
* Opinion formers
* Academics
* Deep thinkers
* Technologists
What this means is that the continued existence of extreme poverty on the planet is a matter of choice. If those 50 to 100 people choose to end it, it will be ended.
My mission, for what it's worth, is to identify those people and find ways to encourage them to make different choices, so as to bring about the end of extreme poverty, globally, within the shortest possible time. If you're moved to lend me your support, I'll be delighted to hear from you.
All the best,
Patrick
