ISODEC calls on world leaders to tackle poverty

Source: Today Newspaper  -  Policy Analyst at the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC,) Mr. Bernard Anaba, has affirmed that the time has come for leaders of Ghana and the rest of the world to put in place measures to tackle poverty, inequality and climate change.

Mr. Anaba observed with concern that the global financial system fails developing countries most, adding that for every $1 gained, $2 is lost, stressing the need for the leaders of the world to step up and show that they are committed to fighting poverty and climate change.

"2015 is a transformative year for Ghana and the rest of the world hence we have the opportunity to tackle poverty, inequality and climate change. 

"...with two historic summits within three months of each other in 2015–one in September on development to usher in the post 2015 AGENDA, one in December on climate change – we have a unique opportunity to change the world for the better, Mr. Anaba stated in a statement signed and issued by him and copied to Today in Accra.

He noted that these summits are opportunities for world leaders to make ground-breaking commitments for people and the planet. 

"We are working hard under the Action/2015 banner to ensure they live up to the challenge. But there is an elephant in the room, finance," he added.

According to him, words alone will not make these commitments a reality stating that it will take money and political will to deliver, adding that financing for development summit and third crucial summit taking place in July this year in Ethiopia is the place to be. 

He indicated that the Financing for Development conference is "our chance to turn the ambitious development goals and climate agreements currently being discussed at the United Union (UN) into reality."
He asserted that as leaders around the world prepare to attend the Financing for Development Conference, Action/2015 campaigners are calling on them to do three vital things of keeping their promises: they must step up to aid, human rights and spending commitments whether in health, education or other priorities

"And we expect them to be transparent–only then, can we unlock people’s power and hold our leaders to account. It’s time to deliver and tackle tax injustice to ensure the richest, including multinational businesses, pay their fair share. Addis is a chance to put in place a fairer tax system and encourage governments to work with the private sector responsibly and for the benefit of the people," he added.

He averred that the development goals and the actions needed on the climate will only be delivered “if we put the poorest and most vulnerable first so that they can take control over their own development.

He suggested that in 2015 "we can start along our journey towards a better world. We want everyone to get involved."

Throughout 2015, he noted that the campaign will provide ways for everyone everywhere to get involved in influencing the outcomes of these global debates that could achieve an end to poverty in all its forms.

He said the meeting of fundamental rights, tackling inequality and discrimination; an accelerated transition to 100% renewable energy; world where everyone can participate and hold their leaders accountable.

Though he said money exists to finance “our future” he added that it is hidden in offshore accounts

According to Mr. Anaba, it is wasted on debt interest and expensive dirty fossil fuel subsidies, adding that it is time to share "our common wealth and finance our future" because the money governments spend is our money."

On Saturday 11th July, he said backed by everyday experts and by prize winning economists, "we will have our say and take action on how it is raised and spent."

"..and we will keep taking action up until we are sure the climate and development goals we seek are fully funded. In Ghana, the ACTION/2015 campaign is calling on the leaders to attend the conference and to make their commitment count too," he said.

…Together, as a global movement of citizens, we will raise our voices today but also for the generations of tomorrow.