Imagine being asked to summarize 25 years of efforts to fight poverty in just 10 minutes. That’s exactly what Chris Anderson asked me to do for TED. As an Irishman, I found the request for brevity quite amusing, but I saw it as an opportunity to channel my passion for social justice. So, let’s take a journey back 3,000 years to the roots of our fight against inequality and poverty.
Picture ancient civilizations along the Nile, where Jewish shepherds boldly declared to the Pharaoh, “We are equal to you.” The Pharaoh was incredulous, but they stood firm, citing their holy texts. Fast forward to modern times, and we see a similar spirit in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring, where people used social networks to challenge traditional power structures. This movement showed us the power of information in fighting inequality, as people everywhere yearn for freedom and the chance to improve their lives.
We have powerful facts that can counter cynicism and apathy, guiding us to what works and what doesn’t. These facts are crucial in meeting the challenge Nelson Mandela set in 2005 for a generation to end extreme poverty. Since 2000, significant progress has been made: 8 million more people with AIDS now receive life-saving drugs, and child mortality rates in eight Sub-Saharan African countries have dropped by 75% for children under five. This means 2.65 million fewer child deaths each year, or 7,256 lives saved daily. Such progress is monumental, yet often goes unnoticed.
This progress wasn’t accidental; it was the result of dedicated campaigning and effort. The number of people living in extreme poverty has fallen dramatically—from 43% of the global population in 1990 to 21% by 2010. While there’s still much to do, this decline offers hope, especially for those living on less than $1.25 a day. If current trends continue, we could see a significant reduction in extreme poverty by 2030.
Some might think this progress is limited to Asia or Latin America, but Sub-Saharan Africa tells a different story. A group of countries known as the “Lions” has benefited from debt cancellation, increased aid, and foreign investment, leading to better domestic resources, reduced child mortality, and higher education rates.
The opportunity to eradicate extreme poverty is real, but so are the challenges. We must overcome inertia and build momentum, especially when some politicians propose cutting life-saving programs. Advocacy is crucial; you can urge leaders to maintain these essential programs.
In Oslo, oil companies are fighting to keep their payments to governments secret. By joining campaigns like the ONE Campaign, you can support transparency laws that ensure natural resource wealth benefits the people.
Corruption is a significant obstacle, but transparency offers a solution. Technology is exposing corruption, making it harder to hide. In Uganda, the U-Report empowers 150,000 young people to use mobile phones to hold the government accountable for budget spending. This is transformative, and once you know about it, you can’t ignore it.
By 2030, we could see remarkable improvements in governance and quality of life. I hope to inspire you to join this movement for change. Together, we can embark on this journey toward equality.
Let’s answer Mandela’s call with science, reason, facts, and yes, emotions. Activists have feelings too. We can win because we dream and are willing to stand up for those dreams. We can win if we work together, as the power of the people is far greater than the power of those in authority.
Thank you so much.
Engage in a role-playing exercise where you and your classmates reenact key moments from the historical struggle for equality, such as the Jewish shepherds confronting the Pharaoh or the protests in Tahrir Square. Reflect on the impact of these events on modern social justice movements.
Analyze data on poverty reduction from 1990 to 2010. Work in groups to create visual presentations that highlight the progress made and identify areas that still need attention. Discuss how these facts can inspire further change and counteract cynicism.
Research and present a case study on one of the “Lions” countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Focus on how debt cancellation, aid, and investment have contributed to improvements in education and health. Share your findings with the class to illustrate the diverse paths to poverty reduction.
Design a campaign to advocate for the continuation of life-saving programs. Use the information from the article to craft compelling messages and strategies to influence policymakers. Present your campaign to the class and discuss potential real-world applications.
Participate in a debate on the role of technology in promoting transparency and combating corruption. Use examples like the U-Report in Uganda to argue for or against the effectiveness of technology-driven transparency initiatives. Reflect on how these tools can be leveraged to improve governance by 2030.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any inappropriate language and ensuring clarity:
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[Music][Applause] Chris Anderson asked me if I could summarize the last 25 years of anti-poverty campaigning in 10 minutes for TED. That’s an Englishman asking an Irishman to be succinct! I told Chris that would take a miracle. He suggested that it would be a good use of my passion for social justice. So, I thought, let’s go even further—let’s go back 3,000 years to a time when the journey for justice and the fight against inequality and poverty really began.
Imagine civilization just starting on the banks of the Nile, where some Jewish shepherds proclaimed to the Pharaoh, “We are equal to you.” The Pharaoh replied, “Oh no, you must be kidding.” They insisted that their holy book said otherwise. Fast forward to our century, in the same country, with crowds gathered in Tahrir Square, turning a social network from virtual to actual, rebooting the 21st century.
The aftermath of the Arab Spring has been messy, but it has shown us what’s possible when the traditional power structures are challenged. It has demonstrated that information and its sharing can combat inequality because people desire freedom, and when they are free, liberty is often within reach—even for the poorest among us.
We have facts that can challenge cynicism and apathy, facts that tell us what is working and what isn’t, so we can make necessary changes. These facts could help us meet the challenge that Nelson Mandela posed in 2005 when he called for a generation to overcome extreme poverty.
So, I decided to focus on the facts today. I have embraced my inner advocate, stepping away from my usual style. The facts show that humanity’s long journey toward equality is actually speeding up. Since the year 2000, there are 8 million more AIDS patients receiving life-saving antiretroviral drugs. In eight countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, child mortality rates have been cut by 75% for children under five.
That’s a reduction of 2.65 million child deaths each year—7,256 children’s lives saved each day. Let’s pause and think about that. Have you read anything recently that is as significant as that? It’s frustrating that most people don’t seem to know this good news.
This progress didn’t happen by accident; it was fought for and campaigned for. This great news leads to even more great news. The number of people living in extreme poverty has declined from 43% of the world’s population in 1990 to 33% by 2000, and then to 21% by 2010.
While the rate is still too high, and there is much work to be done, this progress is astounding. If you live on less than $1.25 a day, this data is not just numbers; it represents hope for a better future. If the current trajectory continues, we could see a significant reduction in extreme poverty by 2030.
Some may think this progress is limited to Asia or Latin America, but look at Sub-Saharan Africa. A collection of ten countries, often referred to as the “Lions,” has seen a combination of debt cancellation, increased aid, and foreign direct investment, which has led to improved domestic resources. This has resulted in reduced childhood mortality and increased education completion rates.
The opportunity to eradicate extreme poverty is real, but so is the jeopardy. We need to accept that we can achieve this goal. We must combat inertia and build momentum. There are obstacles, especially in difficult times when some politicians want to cut life-saving programs. You can advocate for these programs and tell leaders that these cuts cost lives.
Right now, in Oslo, oil companies are fighting to keep their payments to governments secret. You can join the ONE Campaign and support leaders advocating for laws that ensure wealth from natural resources benefits the people living above it.
The biggest challenge we face is not a disease but corruption. However, there is a solution: transparency. Technology is helping shine a light on corruption, making it harder to hide wrongdoing.
For example, the U-Report in Uganda involves 150,000 young people using mobile phones to expose government corruption and demand accountability regarding budget spending. This is transformative. Once you have this knowledge, you can’t ignore it.
By 2030, we could see significant advancements in governance and quality of life. I hope to inspire you to join this movement for change. Together, we can embark on this journey toward equality.
Let’s respond to Mandela’s call with science, reason, facts, and yes, emotions. Activists have feelings too. We can win because we dream and are willing to stand up for those dreams. We can win if we work together, as the power of the people is far greater than the power of those in authority.
Thank you so much.
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This version maintains the essence of the original message while ensuring it is appropriate for all audiences.
Poverty – The state of being extremely poor, where individuals lack the financial resources to meet basic living needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. – The study of poverty in urban areas reveals significant disparities in access to education and employment opportunities.
Equality – The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. – The principle of equality is fundamental to democratic societies, ensuring that all citizens have the same legal rights and access to public services.
Corruption – The abuse of entrusted power for private gain, often involving bribery or fraudulent activities. – Corruption in government institutions can undermine public trust and hinder economic development.
Transparency – The quality of being open and honest; the extent to which actions, decisions, and processes are visible and understandable to the public. – Transparency in governmental processes is essential for maintaining accountability and fostering public confidence.
Advocacy – The act of supporting or arguing in favor of a cause, policy, or group, often to influence public opinion or policy. – Advocacy for human rights has played a crucial role in shaping international law and protecting vulnerable populations.
Progress – Forward or onward movement towards a destination, goal, or more advanced state, often in terms of social, economic, or technological development. – Social progress is often measured by improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards.
Inequality – The state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities, often leading to social and economic disparities. – Economic inequality remains a significant challenge, affecting access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, aimed at developing knowledge and skills. – Access to quality education is a key factor in reducing poverty and promoting social mobility.
Africa – The second largest continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and histories, as well as its significant role in global economic and political affairs. – Africa’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources offer immense potential for sustainable development and international cooperation.
Justice – The quality of being fair and reasonable, often associated with the legal system and the protection of rights and punishment of wrongs. – The pursuit of justice is central to the legal system, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and equitably to all individuals.
