<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"><channel><title>Global Citizen</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/content/feed/</link><description>Global Citizen is the world's largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW. We post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together improving lives. By downloading our app, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards, which can be redeemed for tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world.</description><atom:link href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/feed/" rel="self"/><language>en</language><lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 15:27:14 +0000</lastBuildDate><item><title>Africa’s Internet Shutdowns: Where, Why, and How Do They Happen?</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/africa-internet-shutdowns-impact-human-rights/</link><description><p><b><i>Editor’s Note: </i></b><i>On top of the journalistic research for this article, we’ve also included the voices of our Global Citizens. You can find their quotes woven into this explainer. For their protection, only their first names were used. </i></p> <hr/> <p>As Sudan experiences a civil war where one of the <a href="http://theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/24/sudan-extreme-food-shortages-2023-food-insecurity">most severe hunger crises</a> of 2023 (<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/6/sudan-war-could-trigger-worst-famine-in-world-wfp">and 2024 so far</a>) is ongoing, access to humanitarian aid is <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/sudan-25-million-people-dire-humanitarian-need-say-un-experts">both dire and scarce</a>, and innocent lives are being scraped off the planet every day — authorities added insult to injury by shutting the internet down when citizens needed it most. </p> <p>It was mid-February 2024, almost a year into the ongoing violence, when Sudan’s internet would be disrupted for around 10 days. While the current civil war has been ongoing for over a year, violence and conflict have clung to Sudan’s back — on and off — <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sudan-conflict-explainer-how-can-i-help/">for years</a>, and throughout, internet shutdowns have been the norm. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 939288 " id="939288" title="Embeddable Action - 939288"></cms-plugin> <p>A humanitarian <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/03/sudan-internet-shutdown-threatens-delivery-of-humanitarian-and-emergency-services/">aid worker in the country explained the most recent shutdown’s impact on their work on the ground, saying</a>: “Because of the internet shutdown, we are unable to communicate with our volunteers, we are unable to buy food, medicine and deliver these services to those in need. Most of our soup kitchens in the greater Khartoum are cut off and therefore not working.” </p> <p>A civilian <a href="http://accessnow.org/the-sudan-conflict-how-internet-shutdowns-deepen-a-humanitarian-crisis/">expressed</a>: “Due to war, using online banking apps for transactions has gained popularity given the lack of liquidity. Now, however, we are almost starving because of this shutdown, as we can’t even buy food and medicine. All my interactions, including business and online courses, have come to a stop too.” </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939289 " id="939289" title="Related Stories - 939289"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Whether or not access to the internet should be considered a human right is no longer up for debate: it should be. The internet has become a vital part of the engine that propels the world forward, and to block someone’s access to it is to block someone’s access to their already existing human rights. </p> <p>Access to education, food, employment, health, and humanitarian aid, <a href="https://www.amnestyusa.org/updates/is-internet-access-a-human-right/">are all within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights</a> — and because the internet has overwhelmingly become the means by which we access these rights, it should suffice that access to the internet itself should be a human right. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/internet-access-basic-human-right/">We go deeper into this argument here.</a> </p> <p>So when an entire region or nation has been denied the right to access the internet due to political agendas that are not always in the best interest of the people, we should be worried as a global society. </p> <p>Internet shutdowns <a href="https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6a760859-7b23-44e1-b6c2-e73a335024e1">have increasingly become the norm across the African continent</a>, and as uprisings and protests erupt, elections are scheduled and rescheduled, and wars and conflicts continue, it has become both a weapon and a currency. Internet shutdowns across the African continent are not only frustrating, but they are increasingly harmful. Here’s what more you should know: </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939290 " id="939290" title="Related Stories - 939290"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>What are internet shutdowns? </b></h4> <p>We’re not talking about an outage here. An outage is when an error or accident occurs and the internet goes off as a result, for instance in times of extreme weather where infrastructure is destroyed, or in the case of maintenance repairs. A shutdown, on the other hand, is the deliberate turning off of the internet to control a population or the information flow surrounding a situation, and is often orchestrated by some form of authority.</p> <p>One of the most prominent internet crackdowns in recent history <a href="https://timep.org/2020/12/17/from-free-space-to-a-tool-of-oppression-what-happened-to-the-internet-since-the-arab-spring/">was that of the Arab Spring pro-democracy protests</a>. Egypt’s authorities at the time caught on to the fact that demonstrators were using the internet to mobilize and multiply the protest movement, and so they shut off the internet — directly impacting access to an open civic space for the right to protest and speak freely. While it wasn’t the first internet shutdown in history, because of the magnitude of the Arab Spring protests, the world opened its eyes to how internet shutdowns can be weaponized. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939291 " id="939291" title="Related Stories - 939291"></cms-plugin></p> <p>A similar thing happened <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/eswatini-schools-closed-pro-democracy-protests/">in the last African monarchy-state, eSwatini, in 2021</a>, when pro-democracy and anti-police brutality protests erupted, the state shut down the internet citing “security reasons”, depriving children of their education, businesses of their income, and citizens alike of their free speech. </p> <p>If it’s still not clear why these shutdowns are a bad thing, a Global Citizen from Ghana, who wished to stay anonymous, broke it down for us: “The internet means Information, which means power in the hands of the people. The reason governments like to impose restrictions is so the information flow can be stagnant, robbing people of their power to be seen and heard.”</p> <h4><b>How do governments shut down the internet? </b></h4> <p>There are <a href="https://theconversation.com/internet-shutdowns-heres-how-governments-do-it-211081">two ways that governments can turn off access to the internet</a>. They can either rely on what’s called a routing disruption, which is to stop the transmission of information altogether, meaning people using the internet can’t connect to it, and information being sent will not find its destination. This is largely what we’ve seen across the continent, particularly in the case of Sudan and eSwatini. The second is called packet filtering, where parts of the internet or specific sites are shut down, or specific content is targeted, for instance, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/nigeria-twitter-ban-could-hurt-economy/">Nigeria blocking access to Twitter in 2021</a>. </p> <h4><b>What impact is it having on people’s lives? </b></h4> <p><b>Civic space and West African court cases </b></p> <p>After making the mistake of breaking Twitter’s “abusive behavior” regulations, former Nigerian <a href="https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-twitter-deletes-buharis-tweet-on-dealing-with-secessionists/">President, Muhammadu Buhari’s Tweet was deleted</a> by the social media platform. In retaliation (or what the government referred to as protecting the state from “undermining Nigeria's corporate existence”) the government banned Twitter for the entire country. A ban that would last for seven months. This move also came mere months after the end of the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/endsars-young-nigeria-protest-police-brutality/">#EndSARS protests, in which protesters used Twitter</a> as a tool to organize and mobilize their movement. </p> <p>At the time, <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/06/07/nigerias-twitter-ban-follows-pattern-repression">Human Rights Watch</a> and other organizations raised alarm about the impact of freedom of expression and an open civic space, however, these calls were ignored by Buhari’s government. What’s more is that any use of Twitter, including by journalists and media houses, was deemed “unpatriotic”, and could result in persecution.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939292 " id="939292" title="Related Stories - 939292"></cms-plugin></p> <p>A Global Citizen from Nigeria, Jeremiah, reminisced on how the Twitter crackdown impacted the community:</p> <p>“The sudden ban of Twitter, now referred to as X, several years ago sent shockwaves through communities, significantly affecting not only individuals' ability to connect and share but also disrupting businesses and revenue streams dependent on the platform.” </p> <p>He added: “It highlighted the interconnectedness of individuals and businesses in the digital realm, where disruptions to online platforms can have far-reaching consequences on livelihoods.” </p> <p>Eventually <a href="https://www.mediadefence.org/news/ecowas-nigeria-twitter-blocking/">the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) court found the government</a> in violation of freedom of expression, and ordered the country to never ban the website again.</p> <p>In 2024 Senegal is experiencing Nigeria’s history, <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/civil-society-groups-take-senegalese-govt-to-court-over-internet-shutdowns-20240214">as civil society organizations are taking the Senegalese government to the ECOWAS court</a> regarding internet shutdowns that took place in June, July, and August 2023 as presidential elections were meant to be en route and popular opposition leader (and fierce critic of President Macky Sall) Ousmane Sonk was criminally charged and held in custody. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939293 " id="939293" title="Related Stories - 939293"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The country saw <a href="https://cpj.org/2024/02/senegal-delays-election-authorities-cut-mobile-internet-revoke-walf-tvs-license-harass-journalists/">another internet blackout in Feb. 2024</a> around the time of the country’s elections. The blackouts not only limited the right to access information and the freedom of expression of everyday citizens, but it also limited the work of journalists on the ground. The government went so far as to <a href="https://cpj.org/2024/02/senegal-delays-election-authorities-cut-mobile-internet-revoke-walf-tvs-license-harass-journalists/">suspend the license of a broadcaster</a> during the election period in Feb. 2024.</p> <p>Speaking to Global Citizen on the internet blackout in Senegal, the African head of the International Federation of Journalists, Louis Thomasi said: “Political interference is really putting a dent in qualitative journalism. If you look at what’s happening in Africa all over, it is now a norm that during election periods, the internet will be cut off. Even yesterday again [13 Feb. 2024] in Dakar, in Senegal, the internet was cut off.” </p> <p>“It’s a deliberate attempt to suppress freedom of expression and media freedom in general,” he added.</p> <p><b>Internet shutdowns and crimes against humanity</b></p> <p>We’ve already mentioned that there’s an ongoing war in Sudan and the country has had its internet cut off several times in the face of the civil war. Sudanese Global Citizen, Mazen, explains what having online access means to them: “Nowadays, the Internet means life. It makes you aware and connected with the world.”</p> <p>Internet blackouts in the country have heavily impacted people’s lives, but their impacts are a lot worse than you can imagine. The loss of the internet has also meant that conflict-related atrocities can continue without being reported. Advocacy organization, Access Now, has consistently kept tabs on the violent impacts of shutdowns in Sudan. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939294 " id="939294" title="Related Stories - 939294"></cms-plugin></p> <p><a href="https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/update-internet-shutdown-sudan/">The organization noted that in 2021</a>, the day before a pro-democracy protest was to take place, the internet was cut off along with phone and SMS services. The protest continued regardless. With citizens having no ability to transmit information inside or outside of Sudan, authorities took the opportunity to crack down physically on protesters. At least 17 people were killed, and 250 people were injured as a result. </p> <p>“The internet blackouts are doing their job and providing cover for the military’s violent takeover and hijacking of a possible democratic future for Sudan,” Marwa Fatfta, MENA Policy Manager at Access Now, <a href="https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/update-internet-shutdown-sudan/">said of the situation</a>.</p> <h4><b>What can we do? </b></h4> <p>“I have experienced natural disasters such as earthquakes, social unrest causing violent protests, terrorist attacks, all sorts of events that caused or forced involuntary internet shutdowns,” Rwandan Global Citizen Gabriel said. “The one thing I missed the most in any of those instances was critical services and the ability to connect with my loved ones. This is what the internet means to me.”</p> <p>It’s futile to deny the importance of online access to people across the continent. However, for as long as the internet exists, there will be ways to exploit it for the use of harm towards everyday citizens in African countries, and around the world. Since 2011, the United Nations has called for universal internet access as a human right, however, this has not been implemented across countries despite the growing call for it. </p> <p>Right now what Global Citizens can do is remain informed about internet shutdowns and their impacts on communities, and spread the word about them so that their impacts do not go unnoticed and underreported. You can also follow organizations like <a href="https://www.accessnow.org/">Access Now</a>, the <a href="https://www.internetsociety.org/">Internet Society Foundation</a>, and the <a href="https://www.accessnow.org/campaign/keepiton/">Keep it on Coalition</a> (hosted by Access Now) to stay informed.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Khanyi Mlaba</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 15:27:14 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/africa-internet-shutdowns-impact-human-rights/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/5a/90/5a90ba16-f1f4-4fa1-96af-692fa52c8fd4/endsars_protest_ap.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP Photo/Sunday Alamba</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Brazil Floods: 12 Ways to Help After the Deadly Rains in Rio Grande do Sul</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/brazil-floods-how-to-help/</link><description><p dir="ltr">Heavy rains which caused widespread flooding in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have left hundreds of towns under water.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68968987">At least 85 people</a> have died in the floods and about 150,000 have been displaced alongside an estimated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/06/weather-tracker-torrential-rainstorms-cause-death-and-destruction-in-brazil">500,000 people</a> without power and clean water, officials have said.</p> <p>The floods have destroyed roads and bridges in several cities triggering landslides and leaving a path of destruction. Some towns remain isolated and hopes of finding the more than <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/death-toll-brazil-downpours-climbs-83-2024-05-06/">130 people</a> who are still missing are dwindling.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Drone footage shows flooded buildings in Porto Alegre, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brazil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brazil</a> after heavy rains.<br/> Death toll continues to climb. Storms and flooding in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RioGrandedoSul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RioGrandedoSul</a> have killed at least 78 people so far<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Storm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Storm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brasil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brasil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flashflood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flashflood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inundacio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Inundacio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chuva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chuva</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Weather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Weather</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Viral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Viral</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Climate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Climate</a> <a href="https://t.co/SUJaLbepme">pic.twitter.com/SUJaLbepme</a></p> — Earth42morrow (@Earth42morrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/Earth42morrow/status/1787485402447646921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Further heavy rains forecast for this week are expected to exacerbate the crisis.</p> <p>Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/death-toll-brazil-downpours-climbs-83-2024-05-06/">asked Congress</a> on May 6 to recognize a state of public emergency.</p> <p>Here is a list of local charities and organizations working on the ground that you can support, and we’ve included a few non-monetary ways you can help, too. Read on to find out exactly how to help those impacted by the deadly floods.</p> <h4 dir="ltr">1. Volunteer on the Ground</h4> <p>The Rio Grande do Sul State Civil Protection and Defense Coordination has created a form for volunteers who wish to work on organizing, selecting, and sorting humanitarian aid donations. Institutions, companies, and groups interested in volunteering can also register.</p> <p><a href="https://casamilitar-rs.com.br/voluntariado/%20.">Fill in the volunteering form</a><b>.</b></p> <h4 dir="ltr">2. Donate Resources</h4> <p>The Brazilian government is coordinating donations of bedding, blankets, canned foods, personal hygiene items, and more in Porto Alegre.</p> <p><a href="https://sosenchentes.rs.gov.br/o-que-e-onde-doar">Find out more about the items they are needed and where to take them</a>. </p> <h4><strong>Donate to Brazilian Humanitarian Organizations</strong></h4> <p><strong>3. SOS Rio Grande Do Sol</strong></p> <p>The Brazilian government has created a donation channel to raise funds for humanitarian support for flood victims and for the reconstruction of municipal infrastructure.</p> <p><a href="https://sosenchentes.rs.gov.br/inicial">Find more support actions for victims and donate now.</a> </p> <p><strong>4. </strong><b>Scalabrini International Migration Network</b></p> <p>This international aid organization has launched a campaign to raise funds for emergency aid, including food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and more. </p> <p><a href="https://simn-global.org/donate/"><b>Send a donation here.</b></a></p> <p><strong>5. Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Manaus</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">In solidarity with all the people of Rio Grande do Sul, Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Manaus is promoting a campaign to raise funds to be passed on to the victims of the heavy rains.</p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6q_zlZAE2C/?hl=en">Donate now</a>. </p> <p><strong>6. Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra </strong></p> <p>The Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) is an autonomous social movement in Brazil that seeks to articulate and organize rural workers and society to achieve agrarian and land reform. MST has created an emergency fundraising campaign to raise money for residents affected by the floods.</p> <p><a href="https://donate.stripe.com/bIYdRy3E5cFO05W6or">Donate now</a>. </p> <h4>Learn + Understand</h4> <p><strong>7. How Are Floods and Climate Change Linked?</strong></p> <p>You might be familiar with the connection between extreme heat and climate change but what about the link between extreme flooding and the climate emergency?</p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdBTD4JW_g/?img_index=1">Understand</a> what floods have to do with climate change.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div> <div> <div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <div> </div> <div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdBTD4JW_g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"></a></div> <div> <div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdBTD4JW_g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdBTD4JW_g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Global Citizen (@glblctzn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>8. How Does the Climate Crisis Impact Poverty?</strong></p> <p>From heat waves to hurricanes, the impacts of the climate crisis disproportionately threaten the world’s poorest. Understand the link between the climate emergency and poverty by <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/climate-crisis-poverty/">taking a quiz</a>.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 939264 " id="939264" title="Related Stories - 939264"></cms-plugin></p> <p><strong>9. Why Protecting Indigenous Communities Can Help Save The Planet</strong></p> <p>For thousands of years, indigenous communities have protected their lands, respected wildlife, and produced sustainable foods while using resources carefully.</p> <p>As the world scrambles to reduce the impacts of the climate crisis which has increased food insecurity around the world, we cannot forget this community which uses rich knowledge passed down through generations to help save the planet.</p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/indigenous-peoples-can-save-the-planet-quiz/">Take our quiz</a> to find out how much you know about indigenous peoples and how much we all can learn from them.</p> <h4>Take Action</h4> <p><strong>10. World Leaders: End The Climate Finance Delay</strong></p> <p>High-income countries promised to send $100 billion in annual climate support to poorer nations, but they have not delivered yet.</p> <p>We need them to urgently deliver. Ask key governments to step up and close the climate finance gap <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/deliver-climate-finance/">by tweeting now</a>.</p> <p><strong>11. Rich Countries: Climate Reparations Now</strong></p> <p>Climate disasters are devastating countries like Brazil who’ve contributed the least to climate change. We need big emitters to step up for the world's poorest.</p> <p>Tell rich countries to deliver urgent climate relief <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/rich-nations-loss-damage/">by emailing now</a>. </p> <h4><strong>12. Raise Awareness</strong></h4> <p>If you can’t donate at this time but want to help, consider sharing this article with friends, family, or on your social media accounts — it could well end up in front of someone who is in a position to support the relief effort financially.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 22:21:16 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/brazil-floods-how-to-help/</guid><category>Emergency Response</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/dc/bd/dcbd140c-c097-4c53-a9c5-e156b9d91422/brazil_floods_2024.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP Photo/Andre Penner</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>7 Ways We Drove Impact and Action on Poverty at Global Citizen NOW New York 2024</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-new-york-2024-heres-the-highlig/</link><description><p dir="ltr">Action is the process of doing something and impact is the result. Transformative change occurs when the impact of these actions has the power to profoundly influence the thoughts and lives of those directly involved. For Global Citizens, transformative change means <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/take-action/">confronting the world's most significant challenges</a>, including climate change and global poverty, head-on — and persisting, against all odds, until solutions are found. At <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/">Global Citizen NOW</a>, New York City, in its third year, dozens of panels convened the greatest global minds in the single pursuit to drive transformative change: for our planet, for equity, and to help address the root causes of poverty.</p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 938899 " id="938899" title="Embeddable Action - 938899"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p>Set against the backdrop of the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/">2024 Global Citizen Prize</a>, the two-day summit, held from May 1 to 2 from Spring Studios in New York City, served as a pivotal platform for advocacy and <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/impact/">real-world impact</a>. Leaders from public and private sectors, along with artists and advocates convened on stage across two days to address <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8pBPS91keo&amp;ab_channel=GlobalCitizen">humanity's most pressing issues</a> — now. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Energy poverty is poverty, the foundation around the world has been working on this issue in emerging markets helping more than 150 million people gain access to electricity" — "<a href="https://twitter.com/eyee5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eyee5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RockefellerFdn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RockefellerFdn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nj77nZYDiM">pic.twitter.com/Nj77nZYDiM</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1786057962756206962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The event attracted a wide range of participants, including artists and advocates including TV personality and chef Andrew Zimmern, actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou, and TV host and activist Padma Lakshmi, and co-chairs, including musician and advocate Anitta, award-winning actor and Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, and Oscar winner and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh. The summit also convened esteemed figures like former Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, former Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, H.E. Phillip Davis, former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen J. Harper, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Gaston Browne, among other global leaders.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Hugh Evans Open Global Citizen NOW as Summit Returns for its Third Year</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">This year, Global Citizen NOW New York was all about finding ideas for urgent action and the opening panel set the tone for these crucial conversations. It included the Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy &amp; Purpose Officer of Cisco, Fran Katsoudas, Global Citizen and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Danai Gurira, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Gaston Browne, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, and former Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson to the Vice President of the United States, Symone Sanders-Townsend, alongside artists, advocates, and political leaders, all dedicated to driving impactful change. </p> <p dir="ltr">"We have to recognize that practically every country on the planet is suffering from climate effects, we are destroying the earth, it involves collaboration from all... to fight this [climate] crisis,” said PM Browne. “As a consequence, small island states are now suffering, and most countries have coastal communities which are now under threat — all of us must be committed, to ensure we reduce emissions and holding large polluters accountable — ensuring we preserve our common humanity.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> returns for its 3rd year from NYC, uniting artists, advocates, political leaders, and YOU to drive change! <a href="https://twitter.com/DanaiGurira?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanaiGurira</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FranKatsoudas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranKatsoudas</a> Hon. Gaston Browne <a href="https://twitter.com/Hughcevans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hughcevans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SymoneDSanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SymoneDSanders</a> kick off 2 days of panels and performances! Watch live! <a href="https://t.co/L71bOQVP2d">https://t.co/L71bOQVP2d</a> <a href="https://t.co/eRhAKmTpZm">pic.twitter.com/eRhAKmTpZm</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1785767564733296797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><b>Global Citizen Economic Summit Unveiled as Power Our Planet' Campaign Re-Launches</b></p> <p dir="ltr">A year ago, the inaugural Global Citizen's ‘<a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/es/info/power-our-planet/">Power Our Planet’</a> campaign launched at the 2023 Global Citizen NOW, urging governments, polluters, and banks to address climate change and allocate funding for critical needs. </p> <p dir="ltr">Two months later, in Paris, the event drew support from NGOs, governments, and leaders worldwide. Successes included a new debt pause option for disaster-affected countries that has freed up billions of dollars in funding for small island developing states facing natural disasters like hurricanes.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2024, the campaign will focus on unlocking resources for African economic development and continuing to call for global support to help unlock critical financing for countries impacted by climate change. As part of the campaign, Global Citizen and partner Bridgewater Associates will hold an economic summit in Côte D’Ivoire in October.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We need multilateral development banks and G20 countries to implement reform proposals, extending debt pause clauses and tapping into additional sources of funding to deliver for the poorest and most vulnerable countries,” said Global Citizen CEO and Co-Founder Hugh Evans.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"We need multilateral development banks and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a><br/> countries to implement reform proposals extending debt pause clauses..." — <a href="https://twitter.com/Hughcevans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hughcevans</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PowerOurPlanet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PowerOurPlanet</a> will be back! Announced live at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> by Nir Bar Dea, <a href="https://twitter.com/Hughcevans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hughcevans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtzn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlblCtzn</a>, Tshepo Mahloele and <a href="https://twitter.com/DanaiGurira?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanaiGurira</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Regx6vKcGZ">pic.twitter.com/Regx6vKcGZ</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1785774750909780450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Gavi Launches Largest Ever Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign across Africa and Global Leaders Call for Increased Aid to Tackle Poverty and Climate Change in Developing Nations </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew Ddembe, recipient of the Global Citizen Prize, joined Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, on the Global Citizen NOW stage to unveil a groundbreaking initiative for 2024. Gavi is set to initiate its most extensive measles/rubella vaccination campaign in Africa, spanning over 20 countries across the continent and globally. With an ambitious target of reaching up to 100 million children by the end of the year, this campaign marks a monumental effort in combating preventable diseases worldwide. </p> <p dir="ltr">"[Gavi] has immunized a billion children, halved child mortality, and saved 17 million lives," said <a href="https://twitter.com/SaniaNishtar">Nishtar</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The ambitious target comes at a time when there has been an <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/make-health-history/">alarming rise in cases, outbreaks, and mortalities following the vaccine coverage drop</a> globally. Recent data published by WHO-CDC shows that in 2022, 37 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks compared with 22 countries in 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gavi’s initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring the health and well-being of millions of children and underscores the importance of collective action in combating preventable diseases worldwide.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"[Gavi] has immunized a billion children, halved child mortality and saved 17M lives" — <a href="https://twitter.com/SaniaNishtar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaniaNishtar</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/gavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gavi</a> is launching its largest ever measles/rubella vaccination campaign across Africa, supporting 20+ countries on the continent and globally, reaching up to 100M children. <a href="https://t.co/wVJztKsS3W">pic.twitter.com/wVJztKsS3W</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1785807418141614152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Gavi's announcement followed the panel titled “Building a Stronger World,” which delved into the crucial topic of bolstering aid to assist developing nations in addressing challenges such as poverty and climate change.</p> <p dir="ltr">The panel featured speakers including Gargee Ghosh, Director of Development Policy and Finance (DPAF) at the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation; Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; Wangari Kuria, CEO of Farmer on Fire; and Symone Sanders-Townsend, offering diverse perspectives on global development issues.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amidst climate change, conflict, and more developing nations rely on foreign aid to fight poverty — yet funding from donor countries is decreasing. <a href="https://twitter.com/Stefan_Lofven?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stefan_Lofven</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisIsGargeeG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThisIsGargeeG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gatesfoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GatesFoundation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WangariKuria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WangariKuria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SymoneDSanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SymoneDSanders</a> call for increased <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ODA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ODA</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZS49m5wTc">pic.twitter.com/PZS49m5wTc</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1785781197336903685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><b>HeadCount Announces ‘I Am A Voter’ Merger at Global Citizen NOW</b></p> <p dir="ltr">At Global Citizen NOW in New York, <a href="https://www.headcount.org/">HeadCount</a>, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing voter registration and engagement, unveiled its latest registration initiative, '<a href="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/headcount-i-am-a-voter-merger-stars-vote-1235990779/">I am a voter</a>.' HeadCount Executive Director Lucille Wenegieme announced the program alongside panelists including A Starting Point Director Mark Kassen and artist and advocate Jordan Fisher.</p> <p dir="ltr">The announcement follows the 2023 challenge by musician <a href="https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/john-legend-global-citizen-now-1235317207/#:~:text=John%20Legend%20Challenges%20Young%20Voters,at%20the%202023%20activists'%20summit.">John Legend during the Global Citizen NOW event 2023</a> event calling for increased voter engagement among the 18 to 30 age demographic across the United States.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">With the upcoming elections on the horizon, it’s crucial that you are aware of your voting rights and are fully prepared to make your voice heard at the ballot box.<br/> <br/> We've teamed up Chris Evans’ civic engagement platform <a href="https://twitter.com/ASP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASP</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/headcount?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Headcount</a> to help you turn your passion into… <a href="https://t.co/bpLLlrgRsj">pic.twitter.com/bpLLlrgRsj</a></p> — Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtzn/status/1786021953121165392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Music's Impact on Poverty and Growth: New Research from Center for Music Ecosystems and Global Citizen Announced at Global Citizen NOW</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">During the day two “Powering Progress in Africa” panel, Shain Shapiro, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Music Ecosystems, made a significant announcement of the launch of extensive research aimed at uncovering the transformative power of music on a global scale, particularly in addressing pressing issues like extreme poverty. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Together with Global Citizen and Universal Music Group, and partners at the United Nations, we are launching a vision today... to see how music can be a tool to eradicate global poverty,” said Shapiro, in an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/H8pBPS91keo?si=_8XwWFertXbYxApC&amp;t=2623">address to the panelists</a> from the audience. </p> <p dir="ltr">The research aims to explore how music and its ecosystem can serve as potent tools in the fight against global poverty.</p> <p dir="ltr">You can read the full report <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6569f72475466870e0789945/t/6631153efbcb5a20a6fa2417/1714492737995/CENTER+FOR+MUSIC+ECOSYSTEMS+Music+Vision.pdf">here.</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Health and Climate Foundation Partnership With Global Citizen Announced to Address the Climate Emergency’s Impact on Healthcare Systems</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">“Climate change isn't just a distant threat — it's impacting human health now, from extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, the dangers are real," emphasized Ineza Umuhoza and Loss Damage Youth leader during the Global Citizen NOW Day two panel, ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People.’</p> <p dir="ltr">The climate emergency is also a health emergency, which is why Dr. Cecilia Sorensen also took the opportunity during the panel to announce Global Citizen's partnership with the Climate and Health Foundation during the event. to highlight linkages between healthcare systems and the climate crisis. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm excited to announce a new partnership and the Climate and Health Foundation together we are joining forces to address the climate emergency with a focus on health," said Sorensen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two physicians took the stage as panelists to present an art installation featuring doctor's white coats adorned with climate disaster motifs, highlighting the critical issue of extreme heat and its profound impact on global health.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Climate change isn't just a distant threat, it's impacting human health now. From extreme heat to mosquito-borne illnesses, the dangers are real," <a href="https://twitter.com/InezaUmuhoza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InezaUmuhoza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/YZpTjsqekV">pic.twitter.com/YZpTjsqekV</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1786127194357436879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Anitta and Puyr Tembé Call Global Climate Action Ahead of COP30 and Protection for the Brazilian Amazon </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The summit wrapped up with two panels focused on climate action, showcasing prominent voices from Brazil and beyond. Puyr Tembé, the Pará State Secretary of Indigenous Peoples, commenced the first panel discussion which underscored the critical importance of her work and emphasized her call for indigenous involvement in shaping climate policy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We need each one of you to join this movement and to come together — let's support Indigenous Peoples because they are the best guardians of our planet,” said Tembé.</p> <p dir="ltr">The panel was preceded by a special video message from the First Lady of Brazil, Rosângela da Silva, calling for global leaders to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/H8pBPS91keo?si=Ac_x_WjOBc-BsyDn&amp;t=22836"> join the Global Alliance to end hunger.</a> </p> <p dir="ltr">which deeply resonated with participants, further emphasizing the indispensable role of indigenous communities in environmental protection.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brazilian artist and advocate, Anitta, joined COP15 president, Alain-Richard Donwahi, and state secretary of the environment, Pará, Brazil, Mauro O'de Almeida on stage for the final panel, ‘A New Deal for the Planet: the Road to COP30 in Brazil’ to build optimism ahead of the 2025 COP30 in belém, brazil, and highlight the urgency to protect critical global treasures like the amazon rainforest. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We want to see the environment doing well, to see the planet doing well, even if that means the rich people are not going to be as rich... let's make sure the platforms are obligated to show [climate] content to everybody,” said Anitta.</p> <p dir="ltr">The projected success of COP 30 Brazil demonstrates that when nations, civil society, and indigenous peoples unite in purpose, meaningful progress toward a sustainable future is not only possible but inevitable. </p> <p dir="ltr">From <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-melbourne-the-biggest-moments-d/">Australia to New York</a>, and with each new year, Global Citizen NOW reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration and driving tangible change for all. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, this gathering serves as a beacon of hope, uniting individuals and audiences in the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future for all.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Thank you to our Global Citizen NOW partners Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, P&amp;G and Verizon, and our Global Citizen Prize partners Cisco and Citi.</em></p> </description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Camille May</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 18:22:18 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-new-york-2024-heres-the-highlig/</guid><category>The Movement</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/c1/cd/c1cde902-44a3-4cd2-8510-06effd22481e/gcnow-ryanmuir-208477.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Peace Boat Empowers Young People to Advocate for the SDGs — Here’s How They Do It</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/peace-boat-empowers-young-people-un-sdgs/</link><description><p>In 1983, a group of university students in Japan got together and devised a plan to build community within the Asia-Pacific region — they would charter a boat and travel to neighboring countries to hear from people who were directly affected by Japan’s history of military aggression.</p> <p>Because of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/12/news/the-ongoing-battle-over-japans-textbooks.html">censorship campaigns</a>, during which the Japanese government softened accounts of past military invasions and battles, these students set sail to discover the truth of how Japan had impacted different communities in the region. They wanted to initiate a people-to-people exchange, uncover a shared history with other Asian countries, and chart a course toward a more united future together.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 938288 " id="938288" title="Embeddable Action - 938288"></cms-plugin> <p>That voyage became the first of many Peace Boat global voyages As an international, youth-based NGO, <a href="https://peaceboat.org/english/project/">Peace Boat</a> has since organized over 100 voyages and traveled to more than 80 countries. Promoting peace, human rights, and sustainability, the organization is at the forefront of helping young changemakers create a future in which nuclear weapons are banned, civic space is assured, and sustainability efforts are supported.</p> <h4><b>Setting Sail for Peace and Sustainability</b></h4> <p>Peace Boat’s efforts to increase civic space include rallying the global community around the world’s most challenging problems. Inviting human rights and environmental defenders and other members from civil society on board, the organization hosts workshops, facilitates guest lectures, and fosters connections between participants who can work together and find solutions.</p> <p>Since its founding, one of Peace Boat’s core goals is nuclear disarmament. Based in Japan, the organization uses its platform to discuss the humanitarian impact of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the danger that nuclear weapons continue to pose to the world.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Renewable energy transition - Panama.jpg " id="938289" title="Image - Renewable energy transition - Panama.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>“As we sail around the world, we have guest speakers come on board to give lectures or host workshops about important issues: human rights, gender equality, nuclear disarmament,” Emilie McGlone, director of Peace Boat US, told Global Citizen. “For instance, we bring survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki to speak out against nuclear weapons and shed light on their humanitarian impact.” </p> <p>The “<a href="https://peaceboat.org/english/news/2024-relaunch-of-peace-boat-hibakusha-project">Global Voyage for a Nuclear-Free World</a>” project invites members of the Hibakusha, which refers to the survivors of the atomic bombs, to share testimonies of their experiences with others and advocate for nuclear disarmament.</p> <p>In addition to on-board activities, Peace Boat organizes port programs related to each voyage’s itinerary. These learning opportunities give participants the chance to interact with key members of civil society — such as human rights and environmental defenders, Indigenous groups, and NGOs — wherever they’re based. They’re also able to take part in a valuable cultural exchange, linking communities around the world.</p> <p>“We brought youth from Baltic countries together in Iceland to participate in a climate demonstration, and we often organize educational events at universities,” McGlone said. “Relating to energy issues, [we’ve] organized a museum exhibit in various countries including Venezuela after [the nuclear accident in] Fukushima to demonstrate the ongoing impacts and promote a renewable and nuclear-free future for all.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 938290 " id="938290" title="Related Stories - 938290"></cms-plugin></p> <p>“We collaborate with governments, civil society, youth, UN partners, Indigenous groups — making sure all voices are represented equally is really important to us,” she added.</p> <p>The other half of Peace Boat’s activations relates to SDG13, which calls for climate action, and SDG 14 for the protection and conservation of life below water. Partnering with UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as part of the UN <a href="https://oceandecade.org/">Ocean Decade</a>, Peace Boat seeks to bring renewed attention and research toward building a sustainable relationship with the ocean.</p> <p>“We recognize that operating a cruise ship has an impact on the ocean and try to be as sustainable as possible,” McGlone told Global Citizen. “Engaging young people on energy conservation and working toward a 100% renewable energy future is central to our work.”</p> <p>The organization's latest project is constructing <a href="https://ecoship-pb.com/">the world’s most environmentally-sustainable cruise ship</a>, Peace Boat’s Ecoship, which features reduced CO2 emissions, a nearly zero-waste operations model, and increased reliance on renewable energy sources. The boat will host educational voyages focused on climate action, and carry out workshop-based training programs for civil society campaigns.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 938448 " id="938448" title="Related Stories - 938448"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>Empowering Young Changemakers</b></h4> <p>As a youth-focused organization, Peace Boat believes that the future of the world depends on its next generation of leaders. Many of the organization’s programs are geared toward training young people in civic action and advocacy.</p> <p>In 2015, Peace Boat US launched the <a href="https://peaceboat-us.org/programs/youth-for-the-sdgs/">Youth for the SDGs</a> program to encourage engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this program, anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 is invited to apply to join Peace Boat on an upcoming voyage, engage with fellow youth activists, and share their passion for the SDGs.</p> <p>“Peace Boat has always been a very creative and dynamic organization where anyone can share new ideas to create a positive impact,” McGlone said. “Young people need to have these experiences and capacity-building training — our programs provide those opportunities to learn and be part of a global community.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 938446 " id="938446" title="Related Stories - 938446"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The organization also hosts a <a href="https://peaceboat.org/english/news/117-ukraine-youth-ambassadors">Ukraine Youth Ambassadors</a> program, wherein young people impacted by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine can share their experiences, educate others about Ukrainian culture, and learn about peacebuilding tactics. </p> <p>Additionally, Peace Boat’s <a href="https://peaceboat.org/english/project/ocyap">Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador</a> program invites youth from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to educate government representatives and others about climate change’s impact in their communities. All these programs in turn are essential to protecting civic space internationally, and at home, for all the activists so they can continue to grow their work.</p> <p>“These programs give youth a voice to ensure their experiences are heard, particularly by leaders in the Global North,” McGlone said. “Peace Boat has always been a platform for youth engagement. Through our civil society actions and our partnership with the UN, we always try to find a way to raise the voices of young people around the world.”</p> <p>As a result of their time with Peace Boat, many former participants have remained in civil society, either as experts in their fields or by working for organizations and agencies that champion the Global Goals.</p> <p>Khadija Stewart, an Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador from Trinidad and Tobago, joined Peace Boat in 2019 to sail to Malta, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and New York. She had the opportunity to meet with government officials and environmental leaders, learn about environmental degradation in other participants’ countries, and host an interactive session on climate change’s impact on Trinidad and Tobago.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Khadija Stewart - SDG 13.jpg " id="938447" title="Image - Khadija Stewart - SDG 13.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>“[Stewart] attended the Our Ocean conference in Norway with Peace Boat and the host of the youth summit, Sustainable Ocean Alliance [in 2019]. Now, she works as the Caribbean Hub Coordinator for Sustainable Ocean Alliance, which was one of our partners at the conference,” McGlone said.</p> <p>Other former participants have gone on to work at the UN and other civil society organizations, utilizing the skills and connections they made onboard.</p> <h4><b>How Can Global Citizens Get Involved?</b></h4> <p>Peace Boat’s next voyage will travel between Mexico, Canada, and Alaska this July. Coinciding with the United Nations World Oceans Day theme of the year, “<a href="https://unworldoceansday.org/un-world-oceans-day-2024/">Awaken New Depths</a>,” participants will have the opportunity to learn about mangrove reforestation, ocean biodiversity, coral reef restoration, and other projects in partnership with local NGOs and Indigenous groups.</p> <p>“We’re looking at the ocean to see how we can have a more sustainable relationship and positive climate future,” McGlone told Global Citizen. “We want the [youth participants] to think through solutions that can be replicated and shared across communities. A lot of the youth on board Peace Boat face similar challenges, so they can share similar solutions.”</p> <p>Global Citizens who are interested in joining Peace Boat’s upcoming voyages can <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdD4B0iZK9Yw5MnHXXMOvd1do2dZircHKZO5L2ys_3D9ZipZw/viewform">submit an application</a> for the Youth for the SDGs program. Then, follow Peace Boat on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peace.boat/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peaceboat">Facebook</a> to learn about upcoming events on land, such as any activities Peace Boat is hosting for the United Nations <a href="https://peaceboat-us.org/events/">World Oceans Day</a> on June 8.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Jaxx Artz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 15:23:30 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/peace-boat-empowers-young-people-un-sdgs/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/a3/97/a39787eb-04ce-4fe3-a17a-44755476dd6a/youth_arctic_1.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Supplied by Peace Boat.</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How Citi Foundation Supports World Food Programme USA’s Efforts to Address Food Security in Zambia – and How You Can Help Fight Hunger Worldwide</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-citi-foundation-supports-world-food-programme/</link><description><p dir="ltr">Many Zambians face a harsh reality: hunger and food insecurity threaten their well-being every day. Zambia's malnutrition rates remain among the highest in the world. Before the <a href="https://www.unicef.org/zambia/press-releases/united-nations-responds-zambias-drought-disaster-and-emergency">declaration of disaster</a>, 48% of people (17.4 million) in Zambia were unable to meet their minimum calorie requirements and 35% of children experienced stunted growth due to malnutrition. Factors such as erratic weather patterns, economic instability, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated food shortages, pushing vulnerable communities to the brink of hunger. </p> <p dir="ltr">Yet, in the face of adversity, hope shines bright through World Food Programme’s work, which is not only addressing immediate food crises but also laying the groundwork for a future where every Zambian has access to nutritious food. </p> <p dir="ltr">In 2023, the Citi Foundation helped World Food Programme take a significant step forward in this mission by awarding a $500,000 grant to World Food Program USA as part of the inaugural <a href="https://www.citigroup.com/global/foundation/programs/global-innovation-challenge/recipients">$25MM Global Innovation Challenge</a> to support the piloting or expansion of ideas that address food security around the world. With the Global Innovation Challenge model, the Citi Foundation recognizes the role philanthropy plays in catalyzing change to address some of society’s most pressing needs. </p> <p dir="ltr">World Food Programme is teaming up with small scale farmers in Zambia to strengthen resilience to climate crises and boost financial inclusion. With a strong focus on women farmers, the works towards addressing gender disparities by empowering women and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes. </p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Image - annie-spratt-m0DUL38R49Y-unsplash (1).jpg " id="932633" title="Image - annie-spratt-m0DUL38R49Y-unsplash (1).jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">Through the program, farmers receive training on financial literacy skills, agricultural practices, access to affordable credit and risk insurance, and forecasting services. WFP also is scaling up the use of the Maano – Virtual Farmers Market application. On this app-based e-commerce platform, farmers’ surplus and buyers’ demand for crops are advertised and marketed. "Maano", which means “intelligent” in Tonga, makes buying and selling easier, cutting costs, and giving everyone a better view of what's available. </p> <p dir="ltr">Teaching farmers how to budget effectively and plan their finances can help them allocate resources more efficiently. This means they can better manage their income from crops, prioritize spending on essentials like food, and education, and save for periods of low income or emergencies. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite commendable efforts, the global fight against hunger is far from over. WFP finds itself facing a crippling funding crisis, posing a severe threat to its ability to deliver life-saving assistance to millions of vulnerable individuals worldwide. Without additional financial support, the consequences could be dire, jeopardizing years of progress in combating hunger and malnutrition.</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition to the support World Food Program USA is receiving from the Citi Foundation, Citi has donated $200,000 to kick off a donation campaign in support of WFP and is calling upon Global Citizens to join in donating to this critical cause by sharing a meal with someone in need. By rallying support from individuals worldwide, the aim is to bolster resources and ensure that essential food assistance reaches those who need it most. It takes just $75 to feed a family for an entire month. $75 a month is only $2.50 per day, which is less than buying a cup of coffee. Every day, people are choosing to share their meal through WFP’s <a href="https://sharethemeal.org/en-us/">ShareTheMeal app</a>. With just a few taps on your phone, you can choose to donate and share your meal with someone in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in someone’s life.</p> <p dir="ltr">The urgency of this appeal cannot be overstated. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, now is the time for collective action. Together, we can forge a path towards a world where no one suffers from hunger, where every individual has access to nutritious food, and where communities thrive in resilience and prosperity.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Global Citizen Staff</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 21:18:17 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-citi-foundation-supports-world-food-programme/</guid><category>Food & Hunger</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/64/3a/643a3d47-8802-46dc-90ce-824f0f6b39e3/cropped_farm_zambia.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Adam Ojdahl/IWMI/Flickr</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How Tony’s Chocolonely Uses 5 Sourcing Principles to Reshape the Cocoa Supply Chain for Good</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-tonys-chocolonely-uses-5-sourcing-principles-t/</link><description><p dir="ltr">In the world of cocoa and confections, where chocolate reigns as king, lies a bitter truth beneath the sweetness. While savoring a bar of chocolate may seem like a blissful indulgence, the cocoa industry is marred by issues like <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/higher-priced-chocolates-curb-child-labor/">child labor</a>, forced labor, economic exploitation, and environmental degradation. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 1.56 million children were engaged in hazardous work in cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana in 2019, and poverty among cocoa farmers is widespread, with many living on less than $2 per day. </p> <p dir="ltr">But amidst these challenges, Tony's Chocolonely, a <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/rewards/">Global Citizen Rewards partner</a>, emerges as a champion for change, blending their passion for chocolate with a commitment to ethical sourcing that aims to eradicate exploitation from cocoa production.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Tony’s Chocoloney Origin Story</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Tony's Chocolonely isn't just another chocolate company. It's a movement fueled by a mission to change the cocoa industry and eliminate exploitation. But the journey began with a single individual – Teun van de Keuken, a Dutch TV journalist. In 2003, Teun (AKA Tony) stumbled upon a news article exposing the prevalence of forced labor in the cocoa industry. Shocked by this, he embarked on a mission to shed light on the dark realities of cocoa production.</p> <p>Teun's quest for justice took many forms, from confronting chocolate companies to exploring legal avenues. Despite facing resistance and challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission to make a difference. In a bold act of protest, Teun consumed chocolate likely produced through exploitative labor and sought to hold himself accountable under Dutch law.</p> <p dir="ltr">This symbolic gesture laid the foundation for Tony's Chocolonely – 5,000 Fairtrade, traceable milk chocolate bars wrapped in brightly colored packaging, symbolizing Teun's solitary pursuit of a fairer cocoa industry. What began as a one-time initiative has blossomed into a thriving enterprise driven by a shared vision of ethical sourcing and social responsibility.</p> <p></p> <p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-dbc04c9f-7fff-cb4a-7d68-6314c443cbeb">5 Principles to Responsibly Produce Chocolate</b></p> <p dir="ltr">Today, the company is guided by <a href="https://tonyschocolonely.com/int/en/our-story/our-mission">five sourcing principles</a>, each designed to ensure that the cocoa they source benefits farmers as much as it does chocolate enthusiasts. Here’s a little breakdown on how it work:</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>1.Traceable Cocoa Beans:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">By meticulously tracing cocoa beans back to the farmer by ensuring they are purchased directly from partner cooperatives (Kapatchiva, Ecojad, Socoopacdi and ECAM in Ivory Coast and ABOCFA, Asetenapa and Asunafo in Ghana) Tony’s has created unprecedented transparency for the chocolate supply chain. It's not merely about crafting delicious chocolate; it's about empowering farmers with fair wages and dignified working conditions.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Paying a Fair Price:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Dismissing the notion of "you get what you pay for," Tony's Chocolonely pays a premium for cocoa beans, ensuring farmers receive just compensation for their labor. They introduce a premium, including the Fairtrade premium and an additional Tony's premium, to bridge the gap between current and decent living incomes for farmers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3.Building Partnerships with Strong Farmers:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Cocoa farmers aren't just suppliers; they're partners in a shared mission. Together, they forge relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. It's a collaborative effort to create a cocoa community where farmers thrive and chocolate lovers rejoice. Tony’s has put effort into making the farmers they partner with stronger. They help them improve how they run things and organize themselves better. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4.Long-Term Commitment:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Creating lasting change requires patience and persistence. That's why Tony's is in it for the long haul. They're not content with quick fixes; they're dedicated to nurturing cocoa farming communities for generations to come. How do they do this? Tony’s partner with farmers for at least five years. This means farmers know they'll get extra money for their crops from Tony's Chocolate for several years. This helps them plan ahead and invest in their farms for the long term. For example, they can buy new cocoa plants or better equipment. Additionally, there are programs like the <a href="https://tonyschocolonely.com/nl/en/our-mission/serious-statements/clmrs">Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS)</a>, that help with issues like child labor and farmers' rights. But first, they aim to make sure the community supports these efforts before they can tackle child labor or slavery.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>5.Higher Quality and Productivity:</strong><br/> Tony's premium payment motivates farmers to improve crop yield, leading to better beans and potentially doubling cocoa output. Through training and collaboration, farmers can significantly enhance productivity, contributing to their economic empowerment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Recognizing that no company operates in isolation, Tony's embraces collaboration and transparency. They believe in sharing knowledge and resources to drive systemic change across the chocolate industry. Together, with their <a href="https://www.tonysopenchain.com/">Open Chain</a> initiative which aims to assist chocolate brands in overhaul their cocoa supply chains, positioning them as leaders in sustainability – they're reshaping the narrative of cocoa sourcing, one transparent partnership at a time.<br/> <br/> <strong>The Proof Is In the Numbers</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">It’s all good and well to have these steps in place, but do they work? Well, looking back in their 2022 to 2023 financial year, over 17, 740 farmers were positively impacted – about 2, 977 than the previous year. Furthermore, Tony’s Open Chain sourced a whopping 14,826 metric tons of cocoa beans from over 17,000 farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. That's not just cocoa, it's cocoa with a side of empowerment. By buying up more beans at better prices, they’re not just making chocolate, they’re making cocoa farmers smile with those sweet, sweet earnings.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their mission allies are the secret sauce in their recipe for success. Tony’s aim to grow their market share tenfold, reaching a delicious 5% of the entire West African cocoa market. It's not just about the business growth, though — it's about changing the way cocoa is sourced for good, making sure every bean is sourced responsibly and sustainably. </p> <p dir="ltr">At the rate they’re going, things are about to get trace-tastic! We're not just talking about tracking beans; we're talking about knowing those beans inside and out. Every bean in their supply chain has its own story, from the farm it came from to the journey it took to get to the consumer. And they’re not stopping there — social traceability helps us sniff out child labor issues, while environmental traceability lets them map out every cocoa farm with GPS precision. Read more <a href="https://online.flippingbook.com/view/559995764/">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">As Tony's Chocolonely continues its sweet revolution, it's not just about cocoa; it's about weaving a tapestry of empowerment, one chocolate bar at a time. With each bite, savor not just the flavor, but the journey towards a world where ethics and indulgence happily coexist.<br/> <br/> <em>Want to know more about our Global Citizen Rewards? Click <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/rewards/">here</a> for details on how you can earn rewards for the actions you take. </em></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Mel Ndlovu</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:00:59 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-tonys-chocolonely-uses-5-sourcing-principles-t/</guid><category>Inequalities</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/2b/70/2b709298-e1a2-4f7d-9809-e620e3224d49/pablo-merchan-montes-scbq6ukcymy-unsplash.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>This VR Experience Brings You to the Frontline of the Fight Against Polio in Zambia</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/polio-last-mile-virtual-reality-experience/</link><description><p>A few decades ago, the world was grappling with a major health crisis. Polio, a viral disease, was rife and resulted in <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-fight-polio">the paralysis of hundreds of thousands of children around the world each year</a>. In <a href="https://polioeradication.org/polio-today/history-of-polio/#:~:text=Rotary%20International%20launched%20a%20global,1000%20children%20worldwide%20every%20day.">1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)</a> was launched to fight the disease. At that time, polio was present in more than <a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-development/polio#:~:text=At%20a%20glance,by%2099%20percent%20since%20then.">125 countries and was responsible for paralyzing around 1,000 children every day</a>. </p> <p>However, the tide turned with implementation of widespread immunization efforts, reaching nearly 3 billion children. This led to a staggering 99% decrease of polio cases, <a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-development/polio#:~:text=At%20a%20glance,by%2099%20percent%20since%20then.">according to the Gates Foundation</a>. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 933038 " id="933038" title="Embeddable Action - 933038"></cms-plugin> <p>The virus is now confined to a few regions in Pakistan and Afghanistan. As of 2020, the entire African region became the fifth region to be certified free of wild poliovirus, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitis">according to the World Health Organization (WHO)</a>. </p> <p>It’s important to acknowledge the pivotal role of community health workers around the world, who are predominantly women, in this fight. Their diverse and multifaceted roles have been instrumental in safeguarding children from polio, contributing significantly to the progress in eradicating the disease. The world is now on the cusp of eradicating the disease entirely, thanks to the power of immunization. </p> <p>Despite this progress, failing to stop wild polio transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan could trigger a global resurgence of the disease. If this happens, we could see up to 200,000 new cases of polio each year within the next decade, <a href="https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/341938/9789240024830-eng.pdf">according to a WHO report titled "Polio Eradication Strategy 2022–2026"</a>. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 933039 " id="933039" title="Related Stories - 933039"></cms-plugin></p> <p>You may be wondering what’s stopping us from passing the finishing line and eradicating polio globally for good? <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/why-hasnt-world-eradicated-polio">Conflicts, misinformation and opposition to vaccines stand in the way</a>. The COVID-19 pandemic also added to the challenge, as polio vaccination efforts were halted, causing <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/world-polio-day-the-effect-of-covid-19-and-what-to-do-next/">millions of children to miss routine vaccinations</a>.</p> <p>However, there is still hope for a polio-free world. On April 28, 2024, Saudi Arabia pledged $500 million over five years to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) efforts to vaccinate 370 million children against polio and strengthen health systems. This announcement marks <a href="https://polioeradication.org/news-post/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-pledges-us-500-million-to-protect-children-around-the-world-from-polio/">a significant increase in funding</a> for the global effort to eradicate polio.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 933040 " id="933040" title="Related Stories - 933040"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The global fight to eradicate polio may seem distant and abstract. However, with the use of virtual reality (VR) technology, this distance can be bridged. <a href="https://www.polioslastmile.com/">Polio's Last Mile</a>, a VR experience developed by <a href="https://www.rem5studios.com/">REM5 Studios</a> with the support of the <a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/">Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation</a>, is not just an immersive experience. It's a powerful tool that aims to educate, engage, and most importantly, inspire its users to join the fight against polio. It offers a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of community workers fighting polio in Zambia, providing life-saving polio shots to children all across the country. </p> <p>Amir Berenjian, the co-founder and CEO of REM5 Studios and Brian Skalak, Director at REM5 Studios, spoke to Global Citizen about their latest project, an immersive and interactive experience that takes users on an emotional journey to a polio vaccination campaign in Zambia. Berenjian and his team have been in the immersive technology space for almost a decade, always focused on leveraging technology for social good and elevating learning and development.</p> <h4><strong>What is the inspiration behind Polio’s Last Mile?</strong></h4> <p>Berenjian: Our goal is to make the tech fade away into the background and let the user focus on the story, content, purpose, and call to action. The primary goal of the project is to build advocacy and support for the mission of polio eradication and emotionally connect people to the mission, whether it's volunteers, people, rotary members, or a Ministry of Finance.</p> <p></p> <h4><strong>What’s the potential for VR technology in the global health sector?</strong></h4> <p>Skalak: When we attended the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, we were able to demo the Polio’s Last Mile VR experience to representatives from a various of organizations present, such as UNICEF, Rotary, and Gavi. We were thrilled that during the showcase, many attendees asked the question: "What else could we do with something like this?" Polio’s Last Mile is just the first chapter of a series of immersive experiences that we would love to produce. </p> <p>One of the compelling cases for the next project using VR technology could be to show how malaria is similar in struggle and yet different in approach [to polio]. The immersive experience would allow people to put on a headset and learn about the issues. This could be tailored to different audiences. We hope to build a larger experience that will have great content that levels up to a lot of similar shared goals across organizations all over the planet. </p> <p>Berenjian: VR is a more natural and accessible piece of technology than any of its predecessors. While it may seem intimidating on the surface, putting on a VR headset and transporting oneself to a location like Zambia is an experience that anybody can have, regardless of their tech expertise. Traditional methods of communication like YouTube videos or TikTok clips can only hold people's attention for a short period of time, whereas VR can immerse users in an environment and hold their undivided attention for 10 minutes or more. By seeing and feeling the effort that goes into vaccinating millions of children, users can develop a deeper appreciation for the cause and be more likely to take action to support the fight against polio.</p> <h4><strong>How did you develop the experience?</strong></h4> <p>Shalak: In October 2023, we used a 360 degrees camera to document the polio campaign in Zambia. We filmed at various locations, including just outside the city center of Zambia's capital city Lusaka. The footage gives viewers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of vaccination efforts and highlights the vital role of community workers in the fight against polio. Despite challenges like overheating cameras and large file sizes, the team overcame technical difficulties and walked for hours in the scorching Zambian heat to create a stunning VR experience. </p> <p>Berenjian: Being in an environment where volunteers walk 10 miles a day going door to door to vaccinate children put things into perspective and was part of the beauty of the mission.</p> <h4><strong>Why is it important to spotlight community health workers?</strong></h4> <p>Skalak: Meeting the field teams on the ground was the most profound part of the entire trip. There were tens of thousands of teams like those they met, doing the same work across the country. These teams were mostly volunteers who wanted to keep their communities safe from polio to ensure a prosperous future.</p> <p>Berenjian: The tone of the experience was designed to celebrate the individuals who are relentlessly fighting on the ground to eradicate polio, rather than having a somber tone. We wanted to highlight the hard work and dedication of these individuals and celebrate their achievements.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 933041 " id="933041" title="Related Stories - 933041"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>What’s next for the team?</strong></h4> <p>Skalak: We plan to showcase the project at Rotary International in Singapore and continue working with the Gates Foundation and other partners to create more immersive experiences. We’re democratizing the experience and have 900 8th graders visiting our physical location in Minneapolis to experience the VR unit. We're also launching an online immersive museum to make the experience more accessible.</p> <p><em>Learn more about the experience by visiting the <a href="https://www.polioslastmile.com/">website</a>. To experience the VR, you can either use the <a href="https://www.polioslastmile.com/webapp.html">non-VR headset alternative</a> option or <a href="https://www.polioslastmile.com/vrapp.html">download Polio’s Last Mile app</a> via <a href="https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/7506095509419541/">Meta</a> if you have your own Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest Pro headset.</em><br/> </p> <hr/> <h4><strong>We tried Polio’s Last Mile VR experience. This is what it was like.</strong></h4> <p>It was my first time using a virtual reality headset and it was a significant improvement from previous virtual experiences like 3D glasses at the cinema. The VR headset was comfortable over my glasses and provided an interactive, educational, and visually stunning experience through 360-degree video and augmented reality. I gained insight into the global progress in eradicating polio, witnessing firsthand the impactful work of community workers and volunteers administering life-saving polio shots to children in a local community in Zambia's capital Lusaka. This experience provided an emotional connection, spotlighting those on the frontlines of the global fight to eradicate polio.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:01:54 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/polio-last-mile-virtual-reality-experience/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/30/9e/309e8657-e6c1-44dc-ad41-a161b707e651/polio_last_mile_event.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Ana Isabel</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Meet the Global Citizen Prize Winner Using Digital Solutions to Transform Healthcare Access in Rural Africa</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/meet-the-global-citizen-prize-winner-using-digital/</link><description><p dir="ltr">In the bustling city of Kampala, Uganda, amidst the challenges of poverty and limited access to healthcare, a visionary named Andrew Ddembe emerged from humble beginnings with a determination to enact change. From his childhood in the slums to becoming a renowned health lawyer and social entrepreneur, Ddembe's journey embodies resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of health equity.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a recent interview, Ddembe provided insights into his upbringing and the birth of his groundbreaking initiative, <a href="https://mobiklinic.com/">MobiKlinic</a>. Born into a family of ten children, Ddembe experienced first-hand the disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. Despite facing economic hardships, education was prioritized, laying the foundation for Ddembe's journey. He recounted, "We grew up poor, but we took education very seriously," he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">The concept of digital health became Ddembe's focal point as he traversed Africa, witnessing the stark realities of healthcare inequities. It was during this period that the seeds of MobiKlinic were sown. Ddembe identified a critical need to empower communities with basic healthcare knowledge and bridge the gap between frontline providers and limited medical resources. He explained, "Our African communities have the people... Let's decentralize and democratize basic healthcare knowledge."</p> <p dir="ltr">The MobiKlinic Digital Health Safety Net is an innovative digital health app designed for community health workers. It facilitates the delivery of essential health services, such as maternal and child healthcare, routine non-communicable disease care, and immunizations, both routine and during campaigns. With its user-friendly interface, the app enables accurate data collection and seamless communication with remote healthcare professionals. Moreover, it empowers community health workers to identify and refer complex cases to advanced health centers promptly.</p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 930460 " id="930460" title="Related Stories - 930460"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">MobiKlinic's innovative approach hinges on leveraging technology to empower community health workers, providing them with the tools to deliver essential healthcare services efficiently. Ddembe emphasized, "Our innovation lies in the digital safety net... enabling interface between first-line providers and the few doctors we have," he said. By harnessing digital platforms, MobiKlinic ensures timely consultations, integrated referrals, and efficient vaccine distribution, thereby transforming last-mile healthcare delivery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Equipped with this technology, community health workers can easily track which community members have received specific vaccines or services. By aggregating this data, they can identify gaps in vaccination and service provision, allowing the team to tailor targeted community outreach interventions.</p> <p dir="ltr">The journey of MobiKlinic has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Securing funding and navigating resource constraints have posed significant hurdles. However, Ddembe's unwavering commitment to impact drives the initiative forward. He reflected, "The highlights for me are the impact... seeing lives touched and communities transformed,” he explained. “We so far reached close to 200,000 people and trained about 650 community health workers.”</p> <p dir="ltr">One pivotal moment was MobiKlinic's recognition by Novartis International, leading to crucial seed funding and global validation. Ddembe also highlights the expansion into Kenya and collaborations with international partners as milestones in the initiative's evolution. Despite the obstacles, MobiKlinic continues to thrive, guided by a dedicated team and a steadfast mission.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ddembe draws inspiration from mentors and advisors who have supported his journey, including the esteemed board of non-executive directors. Their collective expertise and commitment bolster MobiKlinic's vision of health equity. Looking ahead, Ddembe envisions a legacy of transformative impact. He shared, "A hundred years from now, I want to be remembered for making the world a fairer place... reinventing our health systems for universal access to healthcare."</p> <p dir="ltr">As his journey unfolds, Ddembe’s vision of health justice and equity resonates as a pillar of encouragement for communities across Africa and beyond. Through MobiKlinic, he continues to rewrite the narrative of healthcare, one empowered community at a time. In the words of Ddembe, "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege." And with each stride forward, he brings that vision closer to reality.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The <a href="https://glblctzn.me/gcprize-winners">Global Citizen Prize</a>, is an annual award that recognizes and celebrates the unsung activists who are positively impacting their communities and going above and beyond to tick things off the world’s most important to-do list: <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">the United Nations’ Global Goals</a>.</em></p></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:07:24 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/meet-the-global-citizen-prize-winner-using-digital/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/12/14/12149043-500b-4a53-938f-645c6a9a0b16/gcprize_andrewddembe_uganda_suhailpatelforglobalcitizen-007.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Cancer Is Killing Women in the Global South at Higher Rates. This Doctor is Fighting Unequal Care</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cancer-is-killing-women-in-the-global-south/</link><description><p>Cancer is not an equal illness. If you get lucky, you’ll whiz through the tests, get an early diagnosis, receive treatment, and live a long and healthy life in remission. But for those living in developing countries, the outcome could be much worse. And if you’re a woman, your chances are even more bleak. </p> <p>A recent World Health Organization (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services">study</a> shows 20 million people globally were diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Yet, 61% of countries are failing to meet the needs of patients — and that’s mostly in the Global South. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 927000 " id="927000" title="Embeddable Action - 927000"></cms-plugin> <p>Women across the globe are subject to overlapping forms of discrimination and inequity which influence their rights and opportunities to avoid cancer risk factors and impede their ability to seek and obtain timely diagnosis and quality cancer care, <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1002297">according to a 2023 Lancet Commission</a>. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926999 " id="926999" title="Related Stories - 926999"></cms-plugin></p> <p>After returning from training and working as a pediatrician in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu witnessed the reality of this first-hand in Nigeria, where mothers in rural and disadvantaged communities were having to make impossible decisions, forgoing necessities to support their children and often being forced to delay urgent healthcare until a late stage in their illness.</p> <p>“There were inequities in terms of gender, education, economic capacity, and more,” she says. “As a pediatrician, I was interacting with mothers more than fathers in the clinics. Not only was I amazed at the misinformation I was hearing but also the lack of access. In the UK, there were one-stop clinics where you could have all your tests done. The diagnosis is that much quicker. [In Nigeria,] we had nothing like that.”</p> <p>Each year, about <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO.22.00107#:~:text=The%20total%20number%20of%20new,of%20the%20cervix%20at%2016.4%25.">70,000 women</a> in Nigeria are diagnosed with cancer, more than half of whom will die. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926997 " id="926997" title="Related Stories - 926997"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Dr. Bagudu was moved to action. “I tried to do something about it informally by bringing women together. We had open evenings where we talked and educated women. This grew into a more formal structure that had outreach programs and screenings.”</p> <p>That more formal structure became a comprehensive diagnostic medical center and then she founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), an organization that has worked for the past 15 years across the full spectrum of cancer care — from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. Through awareness and outreach programs, screenings, and more, they’ve disbursed over $3 million, helped over 1,000 patients, and impacted over 10,000 people. </p> <p><span id="cke_bm_108S"> </span><span id="cke_bm_328S"> </span><span id="cke_bm_205S"> </span><cms-plugin alt="Image - Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu -004.jpg " id="928510" title="Image - Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu -004.jpg"></cms-plugin><span id="cke_bm_205E"> </span><span id="cke_bm_328E"> </span><span id="cke_bm_108E"> </span></p> <p>“It might not sound like much,” says Dr. Bagudu, who has been advocating for women’s health with a focus on cancer for over 20 years. “But it takes a lot to be able to run it and sustain it for the length of time that we have been able to. It’s not about just giving services. We are teaching communities about the importance of prevention. We raise funds for patients’ treatment. We give lectures. We run workshops. We interact with doctors. Amplifying the message is really important.”</p> <p>As Dr. Bagudu explains, there are policies, frameworks, and funding set aside for cancer in Nigeria. The issue, a lot of the time, is that people just don’t know about them. </p> <p>“We have to work harder at communicating all the efforts that are being made,” she says. “Most importantly, we need to amplify early detection and prevention so that it’s not late stages that people come to us.”</p> <p>Cervical cancer is particularly deadly in Nigeria — it’s the <a href="https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/nigeria-vaccinate-77-million-girls-against-leading-cause-cervical-cancer">third most common cancer</a> and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926998 " id="926998" title="Related Stories - 926998"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Last year, Nigeria achieved a significant milestone by incorporating the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization programme. Since HPV is known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers, this could make a tangible difference to women and girls.</p> <p>Yet, Dr. Bagudu doesn’t think it’ll be enough to deliver on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.</p> <p>“I am not sure that more than two or three countries will reach that target,” she says. “Unfortunately, with the vaccination pillar, we didn’t get on board as early as we should have. But with a lot of hard work and advocacy, it’s started. And It’s going well.”</p> <p>Some of the challenges have countered initial expectations. “Strangely enough, in the first phase of the roll-out in October 2023, the states that [saw greater uptake of the vaccine] seemed to be the less educated states apart. It seemed that the more information people had, the less the uptake was.”</p> <p><span id="cke_bm_289S"> </span><span id="cke_bm_237S"> </span><span id="cke_bm_165S"> </span><cms-plugin alt="Image - Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu -002.jpg " id="928511" title="Image - Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu -002.jpg"></cms-plugin><span id="cke_bm_165E"> </span><span id="cke_bm_237E"> </span><span id="cke_bm_289E"> </span></p> <p>The reality was that it wasn’t about the quantity of messaging around the vaccine, but the quality. “There was a lot of misinformation and negative anti-vaccine messaging going around WhatsApp and the radio. This news traveled at a much faster rate, wiping away years of work done.”</p> <p>“We’d assumed that health care workers automatically understood the benefits of the vaccine,” she explains. “But what we found was that a lot of the misinformation was coming from these health care workers. We had been training them on how to administer the vaccine, not how to accept the vaccine.”</p> <p>One of the biggest myths to circulate: the vaccine makes girls infertile. Instead of shying away from it, she advises, “let’s get our scholars, doctors, and researchers to counter this and tell it in a way that is relatable.”</p> <p>But changing people’s minds about vaccines requires more than just the naked science. It requires the most low-tech of tools: a conversation. </p> <p>Dr. Bagudu suggests one particularly innovative way of fostering positive messaging about the vaccine, using sport as the forum for dialogue. “[We realized] each area we worked in had a sports coach. They’re respected figures in the community. The younger generation and the parents defer to these people. We can use those types of mechanisms.”</p> <p>It’s a tool that’s often forgotten about in high-level board-room discussions about vaccine delivery, but conversations shouldn’t be underestimated for their impact. <br/> </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:18:49 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cancer-is-killing-women-in-the-global-south/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/6c/80/6c80181f-5407-4a09-8465-f937a52a6002/dr_zainab_shinkafi-bagudu_-001.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Courtesy of Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Meet the “Green Lawyer” Risking His Life Fighting for Human & Environmental Rights in the Congo</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/green-lawyer-congo-environment-human-rights/</link><description><p dir="ltr">“You cannot put a price on this work. If death happens, it will have been worth dying for.”</p> <p>These are the words of Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole, a Congolese environmental rights defender and lawyer from North Kivu, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country embroiled in a decades-long conflict that has left approximately <a href="https://www.fpri.org/article/2022/09/conflict-in-eastern-congo-a-spark-away-from-a-regional-conflagration/#:~:text=The%20ongoing%20conflict%20in%20the,armed%20groups%20fuel%20the%20fighting.">six million dead</a> and <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231030-record-6-9-million-internally-displaced-in-dr-congo-un-says">almost seven million people internally displaced</a> as of October last year, making it one of the deadliest crises since the second world war. </p> <p>Unsurprisingly, the huge number of displaced people brings with it a hunger crisis and has also triggered a cholera outbreak – with more than 41,000 cases and 300 deaths – <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/a-new-resolve-to-eliminate-cholera-in-drc#:~:text=After%20a%20few%20years%20of,of%20cholera%20in%20the%20world.">according to the World Health Organization</a> (WHO). The latest UN projection indicated that <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137902">nearly 26 million</a> Congolese people faced starvation in 2023 because of violence.</p> <p>Neighboring Uganda and Rwanda, Ndoole’s native province of North Kivu is home to volcanoes, lakes, savanna elephants, mountain gorillas, gold, cobalt, and the oldest and best protected area in Africa Virunga National Park — a single 20-kilometer stretch of which <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/virunga-congo-conservation-jobs-sustainability/">contains more</a> species than all those found in continental Europe. It has also been one of the flashpoints of the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the military conflict in the region. It’s also home to millions of people living in extreme poverty.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920019 " id="920019" title="Related Stories - 920019"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The Mouvement du 23 Mars (<a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1533/materials/summaries/entity/m23">M23</a>), an armed group that eyewitnesses say receives general military supplies from the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and from Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), is one of the most notorious in the region for killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, illegally exploiting and trafficking natural resources, and forced displacement. Other armed groups like Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the Islamist rebel group Allied Democratic Forces from Uganda and local armed groups also relentlessly attack the local population and environmental defenders. </p> <p>Growing up, Ndoole remembers: “All conflict which we had in that rural area was about land. Local communities were forced out by politicians and armed rebels. They couldn't get enough to eat. Their homes had been burnt down. Some were killed. Some lost body parts. But it was always the poorest people — widows, orphans — who suffered the most.”</p> <p>Driven to action by their plight, Ndoole found himself studying law to secure justice for the victims of land and environmental injustices in the DRC as has come to be known as the “Green Lawyer’’ for his work in defense of Virunga Park, its workers, and people. The communities he represents face economic expropriation and exploitation of their land and resources, issues that have predominantly affected women and children – many women have lost their husbands in the conflict and are left vulnerable. They are then driven off their land, which plunges them into grave insecurity. Ndoole ensures that they are not forgotten.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920020 " id="920020" title="Related Stories - 920020"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In 2008, Ndoole co-founded an NGO, <a href="https://www.acedhrdc.org/">Alerte Congolaise pour l’Environnement et les Droits de l’Homme</a> (Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights). The non-profit provides legal advice and support to communities caught up in the overlapping currents of commerce, armed conflict, and conservation.</p> <p>One case he has been working on since 2012 involves a land dispute between former workers for the now defunct Belgian-owned SICIA tea plantation and older members rom the rebel movement Congolese Rally for Democracy-Goma (RCD-Goma).</p> <p>During colonial rule, SICIA operated tea plantations in the Congo but following the country’s independence in 1960, the company’s owners left but SICIA’s workers remained on the land, growing crops mostly for their own consumption.</p> <p>In 2002, the former plantation land was allocated to RCD-Goma, a pro-Rwandan armed group, and 36,000 farmers and their families were to be expelled.</p> <p>In 2015, Ndoole and other activists took the issue to court and other public institutions. “We wanted to support the community leaders who were being harassed by the opposing side. But most of the former owners, the former rebels, were close to [then Congolese president] Kabila’s corrupt regime. In the middle of the night, unidentified armed people presumed to be from the intelligence service came to my house beat me seriously. With full impunity. I was bleeding. I was hospitalized for 12 days after that.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920021 " id="920021" title="Related Stories - 920021"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Due to the nature of his work, Ndoole is no stranger to persecution and death threats. He has been severely beaten and tortured to the point of hospitalization. After one particularly serious assassination was made, he fled the country and went into exile for his own protection until 2017.</p> <p>Despite these harrowing circumstances, he says he cannot stop his work.</p> <p>“As a defender of the law, I cannot abandon them. And it wouldn't be fair or responsible to see people destroying the environment and nature. Because if nature disappears, we condemn ourselves to disappear. We cannot stay quiet in the face of injustice. We have to leave the next generation with something that is livable,” he says.</p> <hr/> <p><em>Olivier Ndoole is one of this year’s Global Citizen Prize winners which celebrates remarkable changemakers who are taking exceptional actions in the fight to end extreme poverty, demand equity, and protect the planet. As a Global Citizen Prize Award winner, Ndoole will receive a year-long program of support from Global Citizen, as well as financial support to his organization.</em></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:05:33 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/green-lawyer-congo-environment-human-rights/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/06/cb/06cbadd4-d9f8-4b66-b8de-416192c06fb9/gcprize_olivierndoolebahemuke_tanzania_suhailpatelforglobalcitizen-033.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Why People Across the US Are Growing Their Own Food – And Why You Should Too</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/big-green-bus-tour-empowering-usa-to-grow-food/</link><description><p>The global food system has a lot of problems. Powerful companies dominate the market — from seeds to supermarkets — and dictate what farmers grow, how much they're paid, and what consumers eat.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 927994 " id="927994" title="Embeddable Action - 927994"></cms-plugin> <p>In addition, in recent years, there has been a rise of ultra-processed foods in our diets, which has been linked to <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-ultra-processed-foods-and-why-theyre-really-bad-for-our-health-140537">poor health outcomes</a> including a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, cancer, frailty, depression, and death. According to a <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">report</a> by the Food System Economics Commission, the global food system is responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, which when combined with other greenhouse gas emissions could lead to a 2.7 degrees Celsius warming by the end of the century. To make matters worse, climate-related disasters such as droughts and flooding threaten up to <a href="https://cityharvest.org.uk/blog/cop28-explained-what-does-it-mean-for-food-waste/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccClqI2xUUJMPCT9NOPg2AgTSSMoDcw6Trx8JkVKQEo4gc-UV3dT0uxoCyUUQAvD_BwE">one-third of the world's food production</a>. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 927995 " id="927995" title="Related Stories - 927995"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Reading this list of the problems with the world’s current food industry may make you feel uneasy. However, there is hope. We still have time to transform our current global food system. A study by the Food System Economics Commission, "<a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">The Economics of the Food System Transformation</a>," suggests that transitioning to a more <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">sustainable food system</a> could result in up to $10 trillion (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/29/sustainable-food-production-economic-benefits-study">£7.9 trillion</a>) in benefits annually. This change could also promote better <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">human health</a> and contribute to mitigating the <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">global climate emergency</a>.</p> <p>But what exactly does a sustainable food system entail? The <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">report</a> defines it as a system that involves making changes to different aspects of the current global food system from production to consumption that work together to achieve <a href="https://foodsystemeconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/FSEC-Global_Policy_Report.pdf">inclusive, health-enhancing, and environmentally sustainable</a> outcomes.</p> <p>As consumers, we can also play a role in transforming the global food system. One solution that puts us in control is growing our own food. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthier living. It's time to take action and make a difference. </p> <p>To achieve this goal, non-profit organization <a href="https://biggreen.org/">Big Green</a> is on a mission to revolutionize North America’s food system by empowering everyone to grow food in their neighborhood. To date, they’ve helped <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/uniting-communities-growing-food-big-125700236.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADdE1j3S8cEPNP-Il0uzRZvGMNSBsoMK-W0bS1ksxeONa2qO6LXH-GdDSdMQTdHNotHoLdxOMOMQdXncfYlUlavqw-WKxQuzYNUikkgKP0KtMMRfFhGzDxckKN8I_IKs5NISVFPxz1DxfMb0kqQ6esUFXR_WeUN-xexM-Yir-n1n">over half a million people by providing garden beds to 775 schools and </a><a href="https://biggreen.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Impact-Report.pdf">1,660 families</a><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/uniting-communities-growing-food-big-125700236.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADdE1j3S8cEPNP-Il0uzRZvGMNSBsoMK-W0bS1ksxeONa2qO6LXH-GdDSdMQTdHNotHoLdxOMOMQdXncfYlUlavqw-WKxQuzYNUikkgKP0KtMMRfFhGzDxckKN8I_IKs5NISVFPxz1DxfMb0kqQ6esUFXR_WeUN-xexM-Yir-n1n">, and have given over $5.44 million in grants to grassroots nonprofits and schools</a>. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 927996 " id="927996" title="Related Stories - 927996"></cms-plugin></p> <p>This year, Big Green is embarking on its next mission: the "Grow Together" Bus Tour. The tour will travel across several cities, including Texas, San Antonio, Memphis, Atlanta, Savannah, and Minneapolis, to unite communities through the transformative power of growing food over <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uniting-communities-through-growing-food-big-green-announces-the-big-green-bus-tour-grow-together-302095407.html">food and gardening events</a>, by sharing gardening knowledge and <a href="https://biggreen.org/bus/">giving away gardening kits</a>. Big Green is partnering with over 10 organizations from across the US, and will also showcase the efforts of <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uniting-communities-through-growing-food-big-green-announces-the-big-green-bus-tour-grow-together-302095407.html">change-makers and communities who have used food to champion healthier and sustainable living</a> within their cities.</p> <p>Global Citizen spoke with Big Green's Vice President of Advancement, Madeleine Nelson, about the bus tour and the impact the organization has had over the last 12 years empowering communities, schools, and families to grow their own food as well as the physical, mental, social, and economic benefits of growing your own food, how the current food system in the US has disconnected people from their food and how Big Green is on a mission to combat this through the power of gardening. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Big Green's bus tour " id="928008" title="Image - Big Green's bus tour"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>What inspired Big Green to launch this bus tour and what outcome are you hoping for when the tour ends?</b></h4> <p>We really hope to inspire people to start growing food. So the bus is big and loud and colorful and really eye-catching. And we're really excited to pull up to community spaces and community events throughout this tour. We have about 1,000 gardens to give away over the course of the tour and then tons and tons of seeds and other gardening supplies. So we really want to provide people with the tools to start growing their own food so they can experience how easy and how satisfying and rewarding it is.</p> <h4><b>Can you tell us more about the core functions of the bus?</b></h4> <p>It has a podcast studio. We have been beginning to use podcasting as a way for the organizations that we work with to start telling their stories and start sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have about growing food, anything from land access to grant seeking and all the different ways that they are advancing their missions and using this as a tool to share their knowledge with rest of the community. The bus also has what I lovingly call an “ice cream truck window,” sort of like a food service window. So we'll be able to hand gardens off of the bus as though we were giving kids popsicles. We have these really cool five-gallon-sized cloth pots that are a really easy way to get started with growing food. And so we have in a little tote, everything a person needs for two seasons of growing. We'll have things like lettuces, I think we're giving away radishes and beans. So lots of interesting things, really kid-friendly things that they can pop off of a plant and enjoy, maybe for the first time.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Big Green DAO committee " id="928005" title="Image - Big Green DAO committee"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>Can you tell us why Big Green is focusing on helping people reconnect with their food through gardening? </b></h4> <p>I think fundamentally Big Green believes that people are disconnected from our food. So from you know, whether that is from where it comes from or the effects that it is having on our bodies or how it makes us feel. We believe that there's a rise in convenience, the rising cost of groceries and the distance our food is traveling to us. We're just increasingly disconnected from fundamentally where it comes from and what it does for us. So when we say we believe that growing food changes lives, we believe that it has the power to improve our nutrition security, so the consistent, predictable, and affordable access to healthy food. That has myriad mental health benefits getting us out into nature and the soothing effects of gardening and being connected with our food in that way. It is a connection to nature and a connection to the climate and nothing will remind you of our collective impact on the climate other than watching your garden shrivel up in July because it is 10 degrees hotter than you're expecting it to be and no rain is coming. And it also has the power to positively impact economic mobility for people, as the return on investment for gardening is massive. Not to mention the quality, variety and locality of food that people are able to access when they grow it themselves or when they source it locally.</p> <h4><b>What positive impact have Big Green’s programs had over the years? </b></h4> <p>Madeleine Nelson from Big Green has witnessed first hand over the years the positive impact Big Green’s programmes have had on families and communities, including inspiring a young man in Indianapolis who was experiencing food insecurity to transform an empty lot into a community garden, to helping a young woman from Chicago manage her diabetes through growing her own food, to helping to foster intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren in passing down food and gardening traditions.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Big Green Community Garden " id="928003" title="Image - Big Green Community Garden"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>What has been the response so far regarding the bus tour?</b></h4> <p>Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant Sr., Presiding Elder of The San Antonio District of The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), partnered with Big Green for a recipe demo day during the bus tour. He shared his thoughts on the tour: “In our tradition, almost everything we do is centered around food, but not necessarily healthy food. Through our relationship with Big Green, we’ve learned to cook things differently, and prepare different healthy recipes. We do cooking demonstrations together and teach people to read nutrition labels. We know that food is medicine and that growing food changes lives, without a doubt.” </p> <p>Bobby and Derravia Rich, founders of Black Seeds Urban Farms, also shared their appreciation for Big Green's bus tour: “Communities need a central point that they can trust and go to, to learn about agriculture and their food. Traditional nonprofit and philanthropy don't get a chance to have the relationship that we have with Big Green. We can grow more food for more people. We wouldn’t be able to tap into this change without the love from Big Green.” </p> <h4><b>How can people get involved with Big Green and support your mission?</b></h4> <p>We would love for people to follow along for the <a href="https://biggreen.org/bus/">bus tour</a>. There's also a feature for people to invite the bus to come to their city and to explore the food system and explore the changemakers who are local to their community. Then we think that gardening is as easy as planting a seed. So we would invite people to just try it. Just find an interesting seed packet. Find a container, you don't have to have land, you don't have to have a green thumb. You just have to have sun, water and soil. So we would invite people to just try it and see how easy it can be and how satisfying it can be to grow your own food.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:50:03 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/big-green-bus-tour-empowering-usa-to-grow-food/</guid><category>Food & Hunger</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/da/91/da91c15b-5660-4904-8a47-3856ba028c40/afull_bus_shot1_1.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Courtesy of Big Green</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How You Can Watch Global Citizen NOW 2024</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-you-can-watch-global-citizen-now-2024/</link><description><p><span><span><span><span><span>Mark your calendars — </span></span></span><span><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/"><span><span><span>Global Citizen NOW</span></span></span></a></span><span><span><span> is almost here. The two-day summit is back for a third year to rally the fight to end extreme poverty. On May 1 and 2, leaders in public policy, business, entertainment, and philanthropy will gather in New York City to drive urgent action today to save tomorrow. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>And for the first time ever, people from all over the world can tune in to watch the full program. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Co-chaired by Anitta, Danai Gurira, Hugh Jackman, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh among other policy and private sector leaders, this year’s summit has a three-pronged agenda: achieve a world where everyone’s basic needs are fulfilled, advocate for climate finance and the phase out of fossil fuels, and drive toward economic development for all.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Dozens of global leaders will be convening at Global Citizen NOW to engage in these discussions and solidify next steps for making the world a better place. If you are interested in joining the movement, </span></span></span><span><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/"><span><span><span>you can watch the Global Citizen NOW livestream here</span></span></span></a></span><span><span><span>, starting at 3 p.m. ET on May 1, and 9 a.m. ET on May 2. Viewers will be able to take action with attendees in real-time.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 927998 " id="927998" title="Related Stories - 927998"></cms-plugin></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Global Citizen NOW and how you can get involved.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><b><span><span><span>What Is Global Citizen NOW?</span></span></span></b></span></span><br/> <span><span><span><span><span>Global Citizen NOW is a gathering of policymakers, business executives, philanthropists, and pop culture icons to create a global agenda for urgent action. Action is the defining characteristic of this summit. Every Global Citizen NOW session will feature a call for participants, attendees, and Global Citizens to take immediate action on urgent issues including climate change, the global food crisis, gender inequality, and more.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Taking place in New York City, the 2024 Global Citizen NOW is supported by Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, P&amp;G, and Verizon.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><b><span><span><span>Who Will Be Participating?</span></span></span></b></span></span><br/> <span><span><span><span><span>The list of participants in this year’s Global Citizen NOW continues to grow and now includes chef and restaurateur Andrew Zimmern, actors Djimon Hounsou and Jordan Fisher, former NFL defensive Osi Umenyiora, celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Cameron, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil Sônia Guajajara, and many more.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>They will be joining Global Citizen NOW co-chairs Anitta, Danai Gurira, Hugh Jackman, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Political leaders co-chairing the summit include Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana; Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; and Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The summit will also engage leaders from the private sector including Hans Vestberg, Chairman &amp; CEO of Verizon; Nir Bar Dea, CEO of Bridgewater Associates; Leon Kalvaria, Vice Chair of Client and Banking at Citi; Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy &amp; Purpose Officer at Cisco; and Tshepo Mahloele, Founder &amp; Chairman of Harith General Partners.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Leaders from foundations include Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of Rockefeller Foundation; Senait Fisseha, VP of Global Programs at Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation; and Gargee Ghosh, President of Global Policy &amp; Advocacy at Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Finally, the summit will present the Global Citizen Prize 2024, hosted by CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers. The award ceremony will feature appearances by Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis, media personality Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, President of the PepsiCo Foundation C.D. Glin, as well as live musical performances by four-time Grammy-nominated country superstar Mickey Guyton, and violinist and composer Ezinma.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/"><span><span><span>See here for the full list of participants</span></span></span></a></span><span><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><b><span><span><span>How Can You Tune In?</span></span></span></b></span></span><br/> <span><span><span><span><span>Global Citizens will be able to tune in, watch the discussions, and contribute ideas in real-time through the Global Citizen NOW live stream. The summit will be live streamed globally on the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/">Global Citizen NOW</a> platform starting at May 1 at 3 p.m ET, and 9 a.m. ET on May 2. </span></span></span><span><span><span> Come join the movement for ideas for urgent action!</span></span></span></span></span></p></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:01:05 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-you-can-watch-global-citizen-now-2024/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/18/71/18713dae-d644-4272-8ab7-4af43549e977/2_1.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>This 2024 Global Citizen Prize Winner is Pioneering Change in the Global Struggle for Food & Nutrition Security</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/this-2024-global-citizen-prize-winner-is-pioneerin/</link><description><p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>In the realm of humanitarian work, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/sophie-healy-thow/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sophie Healy-Thow</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> is a force for change and innovation — particularly where nutrition is involved</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>. As the founder of youth-led campaign </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://actions4food.org/en/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Act4Food</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>her aim has been to put food security at the top of every agenda, prioritizing access to sustainable agriculture and nutritious food for all people</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>. At only 26, she is recognized as a recipient of the esteemed 2024 Global Citizen Prize, an achievement that exemplifies the boundless potential of grassroots activism.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Growing up in Cork, Ireland, Healy-Thow was influenced by the strong women in her life – her mother, aunts, and grandmother. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>"I used to eat without thinking about where food came from. But when I moved to Cork and saw my grandmother growing her own fruit and vegetables, it opened my eyes," she said. Seeing her family grow their own food instilled in her a deep appreciation for food security and an understanding of how access to food connects communities.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Healy-Thow's passion for activism grew and she started becoming more determined to create solutions within the food security space, but it’s her participation in the Google Science Fair in </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>2014 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>that really made her think about it deeply. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>"At the fair, I talked about how our project that focussed on increasing the germination of crops could help farmers facing climate change, not just in Ireland or the US, but across Africa and Asia," she explained. But when she mentioned food security, many didn't understand. "They didn't know what it was or what it meant,” she said. “It wasn't taught in school, which made me realize it should be everyone's business. Food connects us all, yet decisions made by global leaders affect what we eat," she added. And that's when she knew she had to make a change.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 928002 " id="928002" title="Embeddable Action - 928002"></cms-plugin> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Undeterred by challenges, Healy-Thow set out to put food security in the hearts and minds of decision-makers, entering the right rooms and sitting at the right tables so that it topped agendas when global food policies were being tabled. "I realized it's not just my problem; it's everyone's responsibility," she said. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>When attending these discussions, Healy-Thow reflected on the absence of youth representation in decision-making spaces, particularly concerning the UN’s Global Goal 2, which focuses on zero hunger. She observed that while the primary policy targets towards ending food insecurity addressed supporting pregnant women and the initial 1,000 days of a child's life, the transformative years between ages 12 and 25 were disregarded. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>"During these years, the youth has economic influence, engages in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and undergo pivotal cognitive development. Nevertheless, policies failed to address their need for access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food," she remarked.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Determined to make a difference, Healy-Thow and fellow youth activists congregated outside the UN Food System Summit in 2021 after being excluded from tabled discussions. They crafted a narrative, which was adaptable yet inclusive, that embodied global youth perspectives on the global hunger issue, eventually leading decision-makers to heed and act upon it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Bolstered by financing from a supportive funder, they established the Act4Food campaign. The goal was to empower young people worldwide to advocate for a global food system that ensures equitable access to safe, affordable, and nutritious diets, while championing environmental conservation, combating climate change, and upholding human rights. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Since its inception in May 2021, Act4Food has garnered the support of hundreds of thousands of individuals through its pledge, fostering a global community committed to enacting meaningful change through personal actions. “The movement garnered substantial backing, with over 160,000 online and 400,000 offline pledges,” she added. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>This success, for Healy-Thow, wasn’t about being recognized as an activist, but about real change. She dreams of a future where every child has enough to eat and where youth lead the way. "We can't do this alone. It's about working together to make it happen," she said.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 928001 " id="928001" title="Related Stories - 928001"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>As she prepared to be awarded the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Global Citizen Prize</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>, Healy-Thow remained grounded in humility, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that pushed Act4Food forward. With a heart brimming with hope and a spirit fuelled by purpose, she persisted in amplifying the voices of marginalized youth, challenging the status quo, and illuminating the path toward a more just and sustainable future.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://glblctzn.me/gcprize-winners"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Global Citizen Prize</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>, is an annual award that recognizes and celebrates the unsung activists who are positively impacting their communities and going above and beyond to tick things off the world’s most important to-do list: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>the United Nations’ Global Goals</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Mel Ndlovu</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:44:23 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/this-2024-global-citizen-prize-winner-is-pioneerin/</guid><category>Food & Hunger</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/42/07/42078cf4-466f-406b-a005-8e48f85988f6/gcprize_sophiehealythow_uk_suhailpatelforglobalcitizen-002.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>This Tanzanian Feminist Uses Tech to Empower Women to Dare to Dream</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/tanzanian-feminist-gender-equality-women/</link><description><p><span><span><span>After Lydia Charles Moyo quit her job in 2019 to work full-time on Her Initiative — which goes by the same name — it was hard. “We wanted to close down and go home for the first few years. There was no money. I had sold my car. I had used all my savings,” she recalls. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>But today, Moyo’s knack for marrying tech and gender equality has seen her two initiatives flourish.</span></span></span></p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 920091 " id="920091" title="Embeddable Action - 920091"></cms-plugin> <p><span><span><span><a href="http://www.herinitiative.or.tz"><span><span>Her Initiative</span></span></a></span><span>, a young women-led non-profit committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by fostering financial resilience, has helped over 15,000 women and girls in Tanzania with various initiatives while </span><span><a href="http://www.pandadigital.co.tz"><span><span>Panda Digital</span></span></a></span><span>, the first Swahili hybrid e-learning platform for women in Tanzania, has provided access to skills, resources, and social justice through a website platform and AI-powered SMS technology.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>So what changed? </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“My mentor and ‘sister’ in the movement asked me to write </span><span><a href="https://medium.com/@LydiaCharles_/open-letter-to-development-partners-put-your-money-where-your-words-are-2569474c9cf8"><span><span>a letter to development partners</span></span></a></span><span> to say: put your money where your words are,” Moyo remembers. “The letter was about what it’s like starting a non-profit. Despite a global agenda to promote gender equality, there was no transparency about where the money was going. It was all just empty words.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The letter got a lot of traction — and the grants started to come in. “It took someone to write a very angry letter for funders to pay attention,” she says. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Since then, her work has been recognized and awarded by a plethora of local and international organizations and platforms. She is an awardee of the +1 Global Fund, the Roddenberry Foundation, UNDP Funguo Programme, the Government of Tanzania, and the Mkuki Coalition Award for championing anti-GBV interventions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As well as the stream of accolades, Moyo’s organizations have had a real impact for women and girls in Tanzania. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“I’m very proud of me and my team. Our biggest success has been to make it possible for girls and young women to dream about something and then see those dreams come to life. It’s the most beautiful thing to actually live your dream. Especially for girls. To see that we are touching the lives of people and creating jobs and employment opportunities is incredible,” she says. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In Tanzania, gender inequality is still rife. A </span><span><a href="https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099155103312251069/pdf/P1760510ca289d0400a40e03f6408826f07.pdf"><span><span>World Bank gender assessment of the country</span></span></a></span><span> highlighted that female wage workers earn about 88 cents for each dollar earned by men; female farmers have less access to productive agricultural fertilizers and labor than men do; and in mainland Tanzania, girls are significantly less likely to enroll in upper-secondary school. </span></span></span></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920092 " id="920092" title="Related Stories - 920092"></cms-plugin></p> <p><span><span><span>The country hit an important milestone in July 2020: </span><span><a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/what-does-tanzanias-move-lower-middle-income-status-mean"><span><span>graduating from low-income to middle-income country status</span></span></a></span><span>. However, 14 million people are still trapped below the poverty line, with rural communities and women in particular being left behind.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Moyo knows about this from firsthand experience. “I was raised by my mom who worked in a very low position in the government,” she says. “It was difficult to afford food and gain access to basic needs. We worked with what was available. We walked 45 minutes to an hour to get to school every day. A lot of dropouts happened due to poverty in general, teen pregnancies, child marriage, and an inability to eat or to afford the basics. Only nine out of 200 of us made it to high school. Of those nine, just three of us were girls.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>It was at this point that Moyo understood that the reason those children didn’t make it wasn’t because they weren’t smart enough. “It’s because there wasn’t an environment conducive to prosper,” she asserts. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>It was at this point that Moyo started running campaigns in school to talk to her peers about girls’ rights, confidence and agency. They brought women role models including businesswomen, musicians, and writers in to share about how they’d succeeded despite the circumstances and create a culture of entrepreneurship among girls. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This is how </span><span><a href="http://www.pandadigital.co.tz"><span><span>Panda Digital</span></span></a></span><span> was born. “Panda is a Swahili word,” she explains. “It means planting. Our events had this theme of planting a seed of financial independence for girls and young women.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>One girl that took part in one of Moyo’s events was Asha Hemed. “Asha was part of one of the campaigns I did in high school. We went to her school,” says Moyo. “Her mum’s business was a shop that was dying. Then she used Panda Digital SMS to digitize and promote her business. Through the digital income she was able to earn, she started a new shop and now she’s running two shops. This girl didn’t make it beyond secondary school so it was almost impossible for her to get a job and now she’s able to meet her own needs. A story like that is different. It shows girls can take action.</span></span></span></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Lydia Charles Moyo with Asha Hemed.jpg " id="920094" title="Image - Lydia Charles Moyo with Asha Hemed.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><span><span><span>Hemed’s story is not unique. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Some of the girls in our program we’ve worked with, we’ve transformed their mindset and provided them with skills for goods and services and expanding their sales. We don’t just want them to be financially free, we want women to have prospects to scale what they are doing. Maybe they start in the beauty industry doing people’s nails. In a few years, they’ll be producing beauty products or will have opened their own salon.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Women’s economic empowerment and their financial resilience is at the core of Moyo’s vision. “I define financial resilience as an ability to bounce back financially. We use this term instead of financial freedom. We are looking at the consistency of being financially free long-term. By that we mean, you’re able to continuously generate your own income, you’re able to invest financially to ensure your income is replicated. Having resilience gives you room to work on your dreams and in the long term see your dreams become true,” she says.</span></span></span></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920093 " id="920093" title="Related Stories - 920093"></cms-plugin></p> <p><span><span><span>The twin side of Moyo’s work is her mission to end gender-based violence (GBV), which remains a serious concern in Tanzania. As of 2022, </span><span><a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/tanzania/publication/tanzania-can-do-more-to-protect-women-and-girls-by-urgently-addressing-gaps-in-efforts-to-combat-gender-based-violence#:~:text=DAR%20ES%20SALAAM%2C%20April%205,violence%20by%20an%20intimate%20partner."><span><span>40%</span></span></a></span><span> of all women between the ages of 15 to 49 years in Tanzania have experienced physical violence. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Tanzania had a national plan of action to end GBV that ended last year,” Moyo says. “But unfortunately the numbers are still increasing and there’s more work to be done.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>One of the issues that Moyo has encountered working with young women entrepreneurs who have started businesses is the challenge of sexual corruption — where sex becomes currency. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>When such incidents take place, there aren’t a lot of options for young women in Tanzania. “There are agencies where you can go and report this but most of the women feel embarrassed and are worried. Then when they do report it, usually there’s victim-blaming and the tables are turned.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Panda Digital has a different approach: a digital platform where young women can report cases and ask for the type of aid they need whether that’s legal, social, or emotional. Because if they don’t get support, Moyo clarifies, that could reduce their productivity and their ability to be financially free — which would once again trap them in poverty. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Moyo sees Panda Digital as cutting across issues of privacy, victim-blaming, wealth (it’s free), and language (the platform is in Swahili, the official language of Tanzania spoken by over 90% of the population and in East and Central Africa). </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“We ensure that we are catering to their needs from all angles,” she says. “Women and girls are not homogenous, they are heterogenous. Girls in universities are different to girls living with HIV are different to girls in secondary schools are different to girls living in rural areas. So how do we also cater for that as well?</span></span></span></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 920095 " id="920095" title="Related Stories - 920095"></cms-plugin></p> <p><span><span><span>In the beginning, Panda Digital was just a website. But that, Moyo says, was discriminatory because it left rural girls without internet access behind. Their innovative solution? Using AI-powered SMS so that everything on the platform could be accessed on a feature phone without any internet connection.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>So where does Moyo want to go from here?</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“I am a dreamer and now I have a new dream,” she reveals, “I want to be a funder. I’m not from a rich family but I don’t think girls should be limited in their dreams. Everything starts from a dream. The bigger the dream, the bigger the chance.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“I want to change top down approaches,” she continues. “Funding should reflect the needs of the communities we serve and not the funder’s priorities. Maybe you have funding for mental health but that’s all well and good if the community is being affected by climate change or GBV. A lot of money is held up in the middle and it should be reaching the people at the bottom.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Moyo has seen first-hand the impact of grassroots projects. “There are women in rural communities saving other women from GBV. They know how to keep people safe. These women are making change happen, but they don’t know how to write a proposal and they don’t have 5 years due diligence. Now change is fabricated into documents and drawings rather than going into communities and seeing what their needs are. If I was a funder, I would put my money into young people. We miss a lot of opportunities when we don't invest in their innovative ideas. We have to wait until they’re older. I want to catch that young energy of doing things differently which is risky for most funders. They prefer people who already have things all in place when they’re older. I believe those risky ideas are the ones that could be really transformative.</span></span></span></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:33:48 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/tanzanian-feminist-gender-equality-women/</guid><category>Girls & Women</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/ed/fa/edfa1bd8-f08a-41f9-9800-a5f9487f4ace/lydia_charles_moyo_profile_photo.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>7 Ways Plastic Is Poisoning Us (That You Probably Didn’t Know)</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/facts-plastic-pollution-health/</link><description><p>It has been found in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10157888/#:~:text=Plastic%20pollution%20has%20become%20ubiquitous,can%20form%20fast%2Dsinking%20aggregates.">Arctic sea ice</a>, one of the most remote and inhospitable places on the planet; at <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plastic-bag-found-bottom-worlds-deepest-ocean-trench/">the bottom of the world’s deepest ocean trench</a>, at thirty-six thousand feet below sea level. It’s present <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/microplastics-in-dw-information-sheet190822.pdf">in the water that comes out of your tap</a>. It litters beaches around the world. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/topics/the-great-pacific-garbage-patch/">The Great Pacific Garbage Patch</a>, a collection of floating debris that stretches across an area roughly the size of France between California and Hawaii, is thought to contain some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/4120/">1.8 trillion</a> plastic shards. It’s in the “cleanest” air above Mount Everest. It’s inside the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132564/">fish</a> we eat, as well as in <a href="https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/2020/06/new-studies-microplastics-found-in-fruit-and-veg/#:~:text=Microplastics%20are%20contaminating%20the%20fruit,are%20the%20vegetables%20most%20affected.">fruit and vegetables</a>. It’s even in the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaz5819">rain</a>. </p> <p>As author, Matt Simon, writes in A <em>Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies</em>: “We’ve contaminated every corner of Earth.”</p> <p>Dealing with discarded plastic is bad enough, but it’s when it starts to break down that the real trouble begins. The very thing that makes plastic so useful and ubiquitous – its toughness – means it never really goes away. It just gets smaller and smaller: eventually small enough to enter our bodies.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 926977 " id="926977" title="Embeddable Action - 926977"></cms-plugin> <p>Indeed, microplastics — tiny fragments of plastic measuring less than five millimeters – have been found <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/03/11/microplastics-health-impacts-unknown/">embedded in human placentas, our blood, our hearts, our livers, and babies’ poop</a>. </p> <p>The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastics on ecosystems and the environment are relatively well-documented. For marine life, plastic has turned the ocean into <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0036850419867204#bibr9-0036850419867204">an outright minefield</a>, whether it’s getting caught in nets or eating the stuff thinking it’s food. On land too, it’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/14/two-more-elephants-die-after-eating-plastic-waste-in-sri-lankan-dump">killing Sri Lanka’s elephants</a>, <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/all-animals-magazine">racoons</a>, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and more. </p> <p>In 2020, <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.1268">a first-of-its-kind study</a> explored how microplastics can affect soil fauna. It showed that microplastic pollution has led to the decrease of species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae and other animals. The decline of these species leads to less fertile soil and land. </p> <p>What has remained more elusive, however, is the impact of plastic on human health.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926980 " id="926980" title="Related Stories - 926980"></cms-plugin></p> <p>For the past 70-odd years, we've been using plastic like there's no tomorrow (literally). It’s only in recent years that the world is belatedly waking up to the many health risks of plastics: from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/29/the-links-between-pollution-and-miscarriage-this-is-the-stuff-nightmares-are-made-of">elevated miscarriage rates</a> to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/23/phthalates-everyday-products-toxics-guide">early puberty</a>.</p> <p>You might be wondering, if plastics are so poisonous, why is the world not up in arms about their continued ubiquity? </p> <p>Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head of Plastics &amp; Human Health at Minderoo Foundation, suggests it’s because the world simply doesn’t know: “They think plastic is simple and safe. It's not. It's complex and toxic.”</p> <p>For a long time, the idea that tobacco caused health issues was relegated to conspiracy theorists intent on destroying everyone’s fun, smokey time. In truth, cigarette companies had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3490543/#:~:text=Although%20health%20concerns%20about%20smoking,cardiac%20diseases%2C%20leading%20to%20death.">scientific evidence by the 1950s</a> their product was deadly, but Philip Morris didn’t <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/13/us/philip-morris-admits-evidence-shows-smoking-causes-cancer.html">admit that publicly</a> until over 40 years later. </p> <p>There are at least <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/chemicals-plastics-technical-report">4,200 chemicals</a> present in plastics that are considered to be highly hazardous and linked to human health, such as cancers. Scarier still is what we don’t know yet. There are over <a href="https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36965/POLSOLSum.pdf">16,000 chemicals</a> used in plastics of which at least 11,000 have not been assessed for human health. </p> <p>As plastics are subject to wear and tear, chemicals can leak out as it goes through a manufacturing process. A few years ago, <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/news/water-sunlight-convert-single-use-plastic-bags">a team of American scientists</a> subjected disposable shopping bags to several days of simulated sunlight, to mimic the conditions that they’d encounter “out in the wild.” They found that a single bag from CVS leached more than 13,000 compounds; a bag from Walmart leached more than 15,000. Steve Allen, a researcher at Canada’s Ocean Frontier Institute<a href="https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/2023/02/the-first-complete-book-on-microplastics/"> cuts to the chase</a>: “If you’ve got an IQ above room temperature, you have to understand that this is not a good material to have in the environment.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926981 " id="926981" title="Related Stories - 926981"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Microplastics, meanwhile, don’t just leach nasty chemicals; they attract them. Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances (PBTs) are a hodgepodge of harmful compounds. Like microplastics, which are often referred to in the scientific literature as MPs, PBTs are everywhere these days. When PBTs encounter MPs, they stick to them. “In effect, plastics are like magnets for PBTs” is how the Environmental Protection Agency <a href="https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/plastic-pollution_.html#:~:text=In%20effect%2C%20plastics%20are%20like,plastic%20particle%20surface%20area%20available.">has put it</a>. Consuming microplastics is thus a good way to swallow old poisons.</p> <p>Here are just a few examples of how plastic is poisoning us.</p> <h4><strong>1. Miscarriages and stillbirths. </strong></h4> <p>It was over a decade ago that a group of researchers from the Washington State University revealed that Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used in the manufacturing of plastic, was harmful to women’s reproductive systems. </p> <p><a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2018/09/13/wsu-researchers-see-new-plastics-causing-reproductive-woes-old-plastics/">The study</a> found that the chemical interferes with the hormones that are responsible for reproduction — an interference that can lead to miscarriage and could even lead to the birth of stillborn babies. </p> <p>Following the study’s findings, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ended its authorization of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging. Yet despite its classification as a hazardous chemical, it’s still used in food packaging plastic, including plastic boxes, protective coatings for cans, and food processing equipment. </p> <p>In the US, a <a href="https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/US-FDA-urged-limit-bisphenol-A-in-food-packaging-again/100/web/2022/01#:~:text=A%20coalition%20of%20environmental%20and,which%20most%20Americans%20are%20exposed.">coalition of environmental and public health groups</a> is petitioning the FDA to tighten limits for bisphenol A and its substitutes in plastics that contact food while the European Commission has only just started thinking about <a href="https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/eu-commission-moves-to-ban-bisphenol-a-in-food-packaging/">phasing out the use of the controversial chemical</a> in food contact materials.</p> <p>However, the petrochemical industry, <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-packaging-other-substances-come-contact-food-information-consumers/bisphenol-bpa-use-food-contact-application">supported</a> by the FDA, maintains that current BPA regulations are adequate, and that the likelihood of BPA causing health issues <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/chemistries/bisphenol-a">is minimal</a>. We wonder why.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926982 " id="926982" title="Related Stories - 926982"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>2. Neurodevelopmental disorders in children. </strong></h4> <p>Approximately <a href="https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056#B1057">one in six children in the US</a> has a neurodevelopmental disorder, about 17% of all children. Prevalence rates of these disorders, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment (IQ loss), dyslexia, reduced academic performance, behavioral changes, and reductions in brain volume <a href="https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056#B1058">appear to be increasing</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289841">A study in 2023</a> added to the growing science uncovering potential connections between common plastic chemicals and neurodevelopmental disorders.</p> <p>“There is an extensive body of evidence for a relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental pollutants such as plasticizers,” note the researchers.</p> <p>“It’s not legal to deliberately expose humans to toxic chemicals, yet we do — every day. Even babies can’t escape. They come pre-polluted with health impacts for the rest of their lives,” said Professor Dunlop.</p> <h4><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926979 " id="926979" title="Related Stories - 926979"></cms-plugin></h4> <h4><strong>3. Reproductive and genital defects.</strong></h4> <p>As shown in the 2023 report from the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36969097/">Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health</a>, there is evidence that BPA causes changes in the genitals of newborn baby girls (and clitoral distance) and newborn baby boys. </p> <p>Indeed, <a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/12528/chapter/2#5">as early as 2008</a>, links had also been found between phthalates and reproductive and genital defects.</p> <h4><strong>4. Allergies. </strong></h4> <p>Approximately <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16840363/#:~:text=Approximately%20300%20million%20people%20worldwide,increases%20by%2050%25%20every%20decade.">300 million people</a> worldwide currently have asthma, and its prevalence increases by 50% every decade.</p> <p>In 2017, a group of German scientists <a href="https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=36336&amp;webc_pm=14/2017">demonstrated</a> that phthalates can considerably increase the risk of allergies among infants and children including asthma and eczema.</p> <p>We’ll let you connect the dots. </p> <h4><strong>5. Early puberty in girls. </strong></h4> <p>Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls. </p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556932/">A landmark study</a> published by researchers from Puerto Rico found “a possible association between plasticizers with known estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity and the cause of premature breast development in a human female population.”</p> <p>Another study published in 2009 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344077/">also found a link between early breast development and phthalate exposure</a> among girls in Taiwan.</p> <p>While these studies did not find causation, they certainly raise a whole lot of questions about the role phthalates play in early puberty among young girls.</p> <h4><strong>6. Low sperm count. </strong></h4> <p>In 2022, a team of international researchers published a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/15/humans-could-face-reproductive-crisis-as-sperm-count-declines-study-finds#:~:text=A%20study%20published%20in%20the,%E2%80%93%20a%20drop%20of%2051.6%25.">global review</a> which revealed that sperm concentrations in semen have been freefalling for the last 50 years.</p> <p>Sperm is on the decline. But why?</p> <p>The same year,<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022002495?via%3Dihub"> a study</a> led by Andreas Kortenkamp, a professor of human toxicology at Brunel University offered a first-of-its-kind evaluation of the impact of chemicals found in everyday plastics on sperm concentration and count.</p> <p>Kortenkamps’ work <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022002495?via%3Dihub">found</a> that chemicals such as phthalates were “drivers of deteriorating semen quality.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 926983 " id="926983" title="Related Stories - 926983"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>7. Aggression and hyperactivity. </strong></h4> <p>When mothers were exposed to BPA while pregnant, <a href="https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056#B1082">studies</a> have shown that their toddlers were more hyperactive and more aggressive. </p> <h4 dir="ltr">How can I help?</h4> <p dir="ltr">The evidence is clear; plastics are harming our health. That's why we need a robust <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-plastics-treaty-explainer-fossil-fuels/">Global Plastics Treaty</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">This treaty was put forward by Peru and Rwanda, with support from 27 countries and more than 750 civil society groups. It aims is to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from the extraction of the fossil fuels used to make it, to its use, and finally its disposal.</p> <p dir="ltr">From April 23 to 29, government representatives from 173 countries are set to gather in Ottawa, Canada, for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-4">INC-4</a>) to negotiate this<a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/ahead-of-global-plastics-treaty-negotiations-most-americans-support-cutting-plastic-production-banning-single-use-plastic-packaging/"> legally binding treaty</a>. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/why-does-the-world-need-a-strong-plastics-treaty/">Take action with Global Citizen now and share why you think we need a robust Global Plastics Treaty</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Companies continue to vouch for their plastic use because they say it's such a cheap material. Plastic is not cheap,” says Valliant. “Ask those living among the plastic production facilities in Louisiana's Cancer Alley or Port Arthur in Texas if they think plastic is cheap … Plastic is only cheap for the manufacturers; individuals, especially those in environmental justice communities, are paying a high price.” </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:07:01 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/facts-plastic-pollution-health/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/15/70/15702c75-ba95-47fe-ad9e-8878d078cd85/cambodia-plastic-waste.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Sea Seakleng/AP</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>This Fijian Climate Justice Activist is Taking Climate Change to The World’s Highest Court</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-prize-winner-vishal-prasad-fiji/</link><description><p>Pacific Islands, such as Fiji, face numerous challenges due to climate change despite contributing <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-54138677">less than 1%</a> of global greenhouse gas emissions. These challenges include extreme weather events such as floods and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/16/cyclone-yasa-fiji-prepares-for-category-5-storm-as-tonga-braces-for-zazu">cyclones</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/10/five-pacific-islands-lost-rising-seas-climate-change">sinking islands</a>, increased <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/eastasiapacific/listening-first-responders-climate-change-social-dimensions-climate-change-pacific">displacement</a>, <a href="https://earth.org/climate-change-pacific-islands/">biodiversity loss</a>, rising sea-levels, economic and <a href="https://www.fao.org/asiapacific/news/detail-events/en/c/1673095/">food insecurity</a> and the spread of <a href="https://www.who.int/westernpacific/wpro-emergencies/surveillance/pacific-islands">infectious diseases</a>. These issues can sometimes feel overwhelming and seem never-ending. However, the good news is that there are many dedicated individuals across the Pacific islands who are working tirelessly to solve these problems.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 921505 " id="921505" title="Embeddable Action - 921505"></cms-plugin> <p>One such notable person is Vishal Prasad, a 27-year-old, Campaign Director of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, a ICJ advisory, Climate Justice activist and an international politics and law graduate from Fiji.</p> <p><br/> If someone were to ask Prasad to describe his home country, Fiji, and the neighboring islands in the Pacific, he would sum it up with three phrases: "Community is at the heart, free from hustle culture, and custodians of the world's largest oceans."</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921501 " id="921501" title="Related Stories - 921501"></cms-plugin></p> <p><br/> Sadly, Prasad has also witnessed how Fiji, has drastically changed as a result of the ongoing climate crisis, which has brought with it rising sea levels and increase in extreme weather events such as cyclones, and other climate-related impacts have affected the people of Fiji and neighboring islands. </p> <p><br/> As a child, Prasad remembers cyclones being a rare occurrence, which usually happened during the November to April cyclone season. However, over time, he has noticed the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Pacific islands has increased significantly. Prasad recalls the tragic event In 2016, when Fiji was hit by <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-flash-appeal-tropical-cyclone-winston-february-may-2016">Tropical Cyclone Winston</a>, which was classified as a <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-flash-appeal-tropical-cyclone-winston-february-may-2016">category 5</a> storm —the highest category possible. The storm caused massive destruction, with hundreds of homes in villages being completely uprooted. Many lives were lost, and people were left <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/29/cyclone-winston-forces-thousands-fijians-out-of-homes">without water, food, or electricity</a> for several days.</p> <p>He shared his first-hand experience of visiting one of the villages in Fiji that had been impacted by the series of cyclones and landslides in 2020: </p> <p><br/> “I was fortunate to visit one of the villages that was very severely affected, it was a village in the northern part of Fiji, as a result of twin cyclones and the intense rain they had suffered a landslide and homes in the village were completely lost. There was a deep fear within the remaining villages because of what happened, another landslide could be very imminent. And so those who lost their homes, those who had this feeling, relocated to living in tents in 2020 and they’ve been living there ever since. I visited them a month ago. It was a very horrific experience to see the conditions in which these people are living. They've been forced to raise children who were born while they were living in the tents and they're three years old now. They have absolutely no privacy in these tents. They have one large tent that houses seven to nine people,” he says.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921502 " id="921502" title="Related Stories - 921502"></cms-plugin></p> <p><br/> Moreover, Prasad also shared how rising sea levels in Fiji has forced many to relocate and leave behind the place their families have called home from generations, leaving behind their ancestral burial grounds and way of living.</p> <p><br/> Scientists foreshadow that greater environmental stress in some regions will force an estimated <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/09/13/climate-change-could-force-216-million-people-to-migrate-within-their-own-countries-by-2050">216 million people to migrate internally by 2050</a> unless the world acts decisively to reduce carbon emissions. However, Prasad has seen first-hand that Fiji and other Pacific islands are already experiencing an increase of displacement and relocation as a result of the climate crisis. </p> <p><br/> Prasad became interested in climate change when he first heard about it in his Year Four classroom. Since then, the issue has been very important to him, especially because it’s considered the single greatest threat for the Pacific. In school and at university, he was taught about climate change and its impacts, and how urgent it is to take action. Prasad was particularly motivated to become a climate activist because he felt that there was a lack of action and progress towards addressing the issue, despite the solutions being available. </p> <p>In 2019, he learned about a group of 27 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/20/from-vanuatu-law-school-to-the-hague-the-fight-to-recognise-climate-harm-in-international-law">law students from the University of South Pacific</a>, hailing from eight neighboring Pacific island countries, who had a plan to request an advisory opinion on <a href="https://www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/climate-change-campaign-for-icj-advisory-opinion-by-solomon-yeo-and-vishal-prasad-2022-08?barrier=accesspay">climate change and human rights</a> from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He was inspired by their ambitious plan and collective effort. Although he was not part of the initial group of students, he joined <a href="https://www.the-wave.net/campaign-climate-change-opinion-international-court-justice/">as the group’s full-time campaigner, a few months later, once things started to take off, fresh from completing a degree in law and politics</a>. In 2023, he was appointed the group’s campaign director. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921503 " id="921503" title="Related Stories - 921503"></cms-plugin></p> <p>These law students were frustrated by the world's lack of action on climate change and its adverse effects on their home countries and other climate-vulnerable nations. In March 2019, they launched a campaign named "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pisfcc/?hl=en">Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC)</a>" to urge <a href="https://forumsec.org/pacific-islands-forum">the Pacific Island Forum</a> leaders to take up the issue of climate change and human rights with the ICJ. In 2022, the group successfully secured support from V<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/30/un-vote-on-climate-justice-pacific-island-change-crisis-united-nations-vanuatu">anuatu and other Pacific nations</a> to request an opinion from the ICJ on climate change. The campaign also gained support from <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/29/un-general-assembly-seeks-world-court-ruling-climate-change">1,700 civil society groups</a> across <a href="https://climatenetwork.org/2022/05/05/thousands-of-civil-society-organisations-call-on-countries-to-support-vanuatu-climate-justice-initiative/">130 countries</a>, as well as support from governments around the world. </p> <p><br/> In March 2023, the campaign <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/29/un-general-assembly-seeks-world-court-ruling-climate-change">gained approval from the United Nations General Assembly</a>, recognizing the significant challenge of climate change and requesting the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of states in addressing it.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div> <div> <div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <div> </div> <div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2zJKtmvylH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"></a></div> <div> <div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2zJKtmvylH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2zJKtmvylH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by PISFCC (@pisfcc)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br/> Despite achieving their <a href="https://www.the-wave.net/campaign-climate-change-opinion-international-court-justice/">initial goal</a>, the group's work is not yet complete. To persuade the ICJ to act, they need to gather enough votes from United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) members in favor of their idea, as well as encouraging states to <a href="https://www.the-wave.net/campaign-climate-change-opinion-international-court-justice/">submit their written statements to the ICJ</a>. </p> <p><br/> Prasad believes that seeking an opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change and human rights is essential for achieving climate justice. Obtaining a positive opinion would provide "security under international law, clarify country positions, and highlight breaches of country obligations under international law, specifying the necessary remedies". He also believed it would promote greater "accountability, equity, and fairness". According to Prasad, the problem of climate change requires an "all-hands-on-deck approach", including asking the courts to seek the involvement of the highest court in the world to provide clarity on the issue.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921504 " id="921504" title="Related Stories - 921504"></cms-plugin></p> <p><br/> Since joining the group as the campaign director, Prasad has played a significant role in advocating for greater climate justice at the highest court in the world, with a focus on securing the Pacific youth demands for the protection of <a href="https://theelders.org/news/icj-advisory-opinion-climate-change-legal-campaign-climate-justice">current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change</a>. His efforts are crucial in ensuring that climate justice is achieved on a global level. </p> <p>His advocacy along with the efforts of PISFCC, builds upon the rich history of climate leadership demonstrated by Pacific Island nations. This leadership includes proposing the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/03/opinions/cop27-climate-loss-and-damage-vanuatu-sutter/index.html">Loss and Damage Fund </a>decades before its realization, as well as spearheading the campaign for a <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/fossil-fuels-non-proliferation-treaty-explained/">Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty</a>.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 922589 " id="922589" title="Related Stories - 922589"></cms-plugin></p> <p> </p> <p>Prasad is one of this year’s <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/?utm_source=referral_partner&amp;utm_medium=partner_unspecified_generaltoolkit&amp;utm_campaign=global_gcprize_engagement&amp;utm_content=ctalearn_link">Global Citizen Award winners</a> which celebrates remarkable changemakers who are taking exceptional actions in the fight against extreme poverty, demand equity, and protect the planet. As a Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award winner, Vishal will receive a year-long programme of support from Global Citizen, as well as a donation to his grassroot organization, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. </p> <p>He expressed his gratitude towards the recognition from the Global Citizen Prize award, stating, "When I was first told that I was selected for this award, I realized that the achievements that I've made would not have been possible without the people who have been supporting us. The people who have made this true, so I always make it a point to mention that this award and the role of this award essentially belong to everyone who has been part of the ICJ advisory opinion. This isn't just mine, but something that belongs to a lot of people you might not see around, and so I think a lot of credit goes to these people."<br/> </p> <p><br/> </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:32:17 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-prize-winner-vishal-prasad-fiji/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/20/ac/20accfc2-c662-4216-969b-20d9c35f9838/gcprize_vishalprasad_fiji_noamokoforglobalcitizen-006.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Gaming for Good: Top 20 Finalists Unveiled in The Global Gamers Challenge</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-gamers-challenge-top-20/</link><description><p>The Global Gamers Challenge has brought together people from all over the world with a shared goal: to harness the power of gaming for global change with Flutter. As the competition reaches its climax, we are excited to reveal the top 20 projects that have advanced to the final round of judging.</p> <p></p> <p>The ingenuity and creativity shown in these games reminds us of the incredible potential gaming has to drive meaningful positive change. From addressing climate change to promoting sustainable living, developers have worked hard to create games that entertain, educate, and inspire action. After much deliberation over hundreds of submissions, the panel of judges settled on 20 finalists. And, here they are:</p> <ol> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/enlLZWd3d1lwWTk3b0lTanhXbDcxcmpnRG9ydTBrcWgrVGZmWFI2R0NNMW9hRjI3NHhrdW1LMlBkU1lqWDZJOUQ2WnlSUVJPQ3B3aDRmM20xTTVFMDNHQXdqZmszVHVjM0ZHN2xCdHRBeHc9LS0zOG11OXMxMkU5dVFxSlJQSkJScDdBPT0=--e11a994803647f9d016701bd2cf338a94fb9e4e2">Better World</a>: Players experience real-world challenges, earn points, collect badges to visualize their impact and take action towards positive change by connecting with real-world organizations. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/ZTNIa002Z212RWE1N3VKYXdyK0EyVjVoYUxadFVJOU5HQTZFNk4wNHFMQ1BLbHZCcDBjOGpublh6ZGFjNWdQVGt5azYzT0pmRDhwQXRoaWlRNytjT3BxeUV1UFF4Tm1nWGM5ZWJOV0cxc2c9LS05dS9nWnF0QjV3OGpQSmhsdVdQNUdBPT0=--c4f5738e6bb6c62e468daadcdb4f7984df8b994c">Bin It Right</a>: Player assume the role of eco-friendly waste collectors, test their recycling skills and learn the importance of waste management as they navigate through urban settings.</p> </li> <li><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/eHNnUmpnV0sxWlA5RTlXazNoT0RjTVlldy9iaXJHY1N4Q0NpMFhTRU5vc1hsUGgyTldtZ2hNaEhiS3lmeFZNRGFIdzI2Y3VnRHdzc083dThhalpLY3hUTmZEYXRiNWFxd29wM3hNTHBXbHM9LS1lL0RiWWhlUUxSdDdKZXE5cGJ5UW13PT0=--57d7e84271214ea300127a0e83ea64a1a692d56c">Craftown</a>: A retro survival and automation game. Players begin with basics, scavenge for resources, and thrive sustainably in a challenging world.</li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/V2hQQitXY1FFV2N3TUJWS1FrRTVnUzFYV0hQVWo2Y0dTTU1NdHZWL25iR2VndUFwNkFjWkVXNEJHaXk2NWRrYzl5UDBpSkd3bFVOMDZPWm85ZGxvK203cC9QOXQweVVxbUZ2c3VzNFUwV289LS0xbUJNb25iaFFSRGptT1Z4aW9MTmdRPT0=--4788773139af2e54ffe258b8b1488ad313514fca">EcoShift Chronicles</a>: A 2D-pixel art video game that places the power of choice in the players’ hands, reshaping the virtual based on their decision.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/S0lJMkQrSzViVjQxT1Jsa1ZCSkNaaTIzajNUMVI3TEx5c1RsbUxFbTM2dHZjY1l0YUxqM0NMQlViODBCUEN0U2JpVVI0VVhxQ2lxNGpiQjhKanYzanZVd2kyL2tCbjlKeTQ2U0pOVFVNelU9LS1EREF5NFJiT2YyS3JpZVRoR2Ezam5nPT0=--1318da02bb7f68768ff57cc2c4b2f08a73bfeec1">Escape From Heat Island</a>: Players combat rising temperatures by planting trees and installing barriers to protect residents from fainting.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/SEpSdVVkb1J5dUFPZGlHcUJtWTI5eWRKM0FUZTVUbUIydTgwWU9qRU5vTlBxOFJIdXNRTGszNEFoQnpxL21uSk4zZUR5RmtCT0U1cVdXVEdOUldDUTlLL2hMWlFKcW92ZmkyRkR6dU1hTFk9LS1oVlpBM2hDWjJ6L25TNFFET0NqcW1nPT0=--b19149b1358c52b67238c81a3b0531d95d1c676a">Gomiland</a>: In this pixel art RPG, players explore the town to learn about sustainability and recycling by collecting and sorting waste to receive coins</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/UHZCNC9wUG9Qd2NJakYxMkZ5YTZucjZCNGZVbXZGeWN3b0FXSFphbmYxdkNZWEdyRkllRjIwenB1cW1NVWhrQVFnMmsxSXlNSXJWbUFzVndUS2NoR201TFBJZVkySjVCRndzeURyQThHanc9LS1Yc1JQbkdsZkQxaUM5Y0M5elRVQ1pnPT0=--2f95599fcbeb41f022bde22e42ec6f3d92663fc7">Green Capitalist</a>: Players are challenged to build wealth responsibly, balancing profit with environmental impact, offering educational insights along the way</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/T1JpMmMxQjU3aG1NRk53OXQzWWZ1b2Vpd3ZrTWZsaFRweVZTQlExOFZkZDlvNkgyUW5tamt6WmNTakh4Zi9lUUFsaTY5Tm42OTNlNGZjYWl3Szk0Y2d6MTlrcll4RXpkc3pzMU53em1IUzQ9LS1MdkFZYnAzVWRKWWdLVE1UMUJDeG5nPT0=--1316df99b2d96029da5b27a13659d9d32010a223">Last Bottle</a>: Players are immersed in the journey of recycling a single-use plastic bottle, highlighting real-world obstacles and fostering environmental awareness.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/ZVM2RVBaQlUyTmxoamxPZlByVTdYWmJZeGNYaWNtVDJsZU1kN0F3MzRPaVBBL1VUQTgrOTFoOFVrdmtGdDkxR0pXVThyeTJXdElKVlR2dVJ6aUVRRTFOb3VwV0o1MzJDRHJYNlpVd1U1M3c9LS1NM3B3OTBERWlZSWZPdmovTlpUbUlRPT0=--f2a60f8f9cbc7dfb3f34b6933b09a2091da0e863">MGame</a>: A waste management game where players manage waste in virtual cities while participating in real-world environmental actions, earning rewards and connecting globally.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/aWcvcmo2VExlMjh4QTJwb3Bqbmxma2tsKzhBaDBYdXNuU0N4YTFuL1lWNkI4d1BjZThqdG5wb05uNUFnblZaZTNRY2hVWnJtUUpNTDZCdTdESktuQjlhRGQ4SG9rVURnMU9vbzV1V1l1bGc9LS1hb2w3RjUvQ3ZnTFZqU0Fha1hyTXZBPT0=--3826cbc4d405d18dc05c2fca5a7ea20d6d0d84e7">Ocean Rangers</a>: Players dive into the depths of a polluted ocean to clean and defend marine life against environmental threats.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/dnZ0ZDU5aWJWWFJ3ZkkrNVp2Y3hYeWwvN0ZYSXBSZG0xelhBdG5CZ2d4ZmUzK0JMSFNkSm56S09BOXY2ZHVGS0EwMzJqUzVEVk85V0hJL25pNTRMYThjVE9vR1ZxMThqaS9NL05UUndXU3c9LS1YRElEZTg0ME10ME9NblhqV2hVTXd3PT0=--19f36428769b3c76b639dcc1b1b083a6b8f452fb">Ofeka Earth</a>: Players join Ngola and Mayouma to tackle desertification in Angola, and educate communities about reforestation and renewable energy.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/aFRPak8rVjZGd2t2RGFqb3ZvREpBYnYxM1J1M2ZHWVlNNzZ0ZVIxQ0ZnMXVZYVcvSVlYc2dlbTZ1OXNJTE5DUUpmY2FDbEg1WkZqYVo1eGtrL0dYb1lFVk4zMjQ1SXY0UU1BZkhPUFZYNlU9LS1NTHc5T3NLbnIyVG9wV0puYVlhcEhnPT0=--2cc59a62faacb6e4f070d15ede9dd3cc5e4f1f0b">PlasticPunk</a>: Set in the near-future where plastic pollution is at critical levels, players must transform a waste-ridden dystopian society into a sustainable paradise.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/dldUUUNMSFpjUnVDQ3FzZHJRRldTVVc5dkpvYldDV3V5V0tPODg5WnBtb0Z5ODV6SG9aMGtMNlIzbHdLNVdWUyt4ZGZWWUlybksyZlFDVHJRNDFuc3JuMkRRTW41MGtycnhSaWdncXVIMkE9LS1RNTFtdUFvR1A0ZkxZRTRtdDErN2dBPT0=--4451922054b1b673ba4ab0615c7c968399dbd3bd">Recyclo</a>: Players engage in recycling, sorting waste to create useful products while learning about its importance and having fun.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/TDI1cEVFSVBZelZtR2hsMEVTZWFWYTUwa1FYeldWSDFwdkIvckZKdFhMSUZrRlY4aUlWNVRCQVJPSG1lSWZ3a1liZks2cjVPNmlCSlJEZDg0QXhjU1ZjdVdHN2ZTZjlHV2lMUlRPK2lvTzQ9LS1ESG5wTG9oS2J1UnBsMWNHVWlwbnZ3PT0=--76148d0a4646534a5695130f1db1d728c7f6ac5a">Scuba Sweep</a>: Players dive into ocean depths to collect plastic debris, navigating hazards to build awareness of the challenges caused by ocean pollution.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/eVI0blRPZ3R1SkV6MUdtMXNmeGdWU21ONEloV2NwSS81QUtOYWxUZDlPMTI2bG1xTXdoWGFNRTRkWVZQRFV0ejJxbDF6aDRyK2dsM2l6cEhpQmI5ekhLNENmdjVKc1ZKMWpvaVlYWE41YnM9LS1CYXFnMnI2aDRCcVVYL3VVWXdFWUl3PT0=--81ee42d6ae67ee20e733d471a7fd5f9c4fd03ab6">Sinking Earth (Thinking Us)</a>: Players collaborate to save the Earth by completing missions, practicing responsible consumption, and uniting for survival.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/WFFkRy9XOE0xc0F1NzVpbkVVdzZoSWxzMmM0WlZ0dWpjeXZVUEhmSExKWFhDRExVNFY5Tm9nVkphcVdTa2NPeitoQ09OTElFMUlyYWJ2elN2cm1xWjRtaXZZcXAzdVJJdGRkZE9VVjBmVms9LS1Xc1dhOGRiM2FhUnd2NkpkMy93NDRRPT0=--756045c57682c3a3e663876f4fe0f78a445b1885">Socket Tower</a>: Players stack household items to build a tower, discovering daily electricity consumption through Socket Tower's collectible system.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/bXhaM2xmN3lpSTdkMytjeVpHOVhCdy9LRkdQcFpLeUpvZVJLdEtFbUhYVGtxb0NEbXZxWEdBcm5rSG1yZWtQQ1J4UXNZZXVIZlZGNDlnRms4NUJ5cFhZZ2FuckFOS3Rmai9jTlFIZGRwbHc9LS0wV2lBT29mam90d0xRcjNzNm5Zb1VBPT0=--5118b6c9045e73bfd35050599b959726b1c1a237">The Shady Story: Recycling</a>: Players join Shady in a thrilling journey to clean up pollution while learning about recycling in an engaging way.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/eTN0dGVHRVZLRlZpQndUVG4rL1pVbXhtNnREQWFLeFNTdFNJTzQ3RTRDSDdsNHlsbzFSUHlITW1CQzk1Q1F1QUZ0UWw5Y1paSVlWSUJMUEdLbDZnOFBhQ0QwVWxhRExWOEZHQkx5R0d6Snc9LS1YRHBSM0Q1TUIxalhXK2xsWmd2V0t3PT0=--7f63c9da364e949fd376b8b1777d1c6c44cf627a">Waste Wise</a>: Players match objects to waste categories, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability with a focus on simplicity.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/SWRGWEEzQmZQSkRlSWp3M2VPYmxpMGk0NnhuNEJ0VGtjQ29pSUY3NXRRK1B6VnlRUC85ZytRakpBeW92Zi9HemZRMFhpM2ZOQmFiSEhody9VbHNlR1F1a0FXcWVJWENqVTUzMHlha0lKcGc9LS0yODlkY0J5SHhEdDJLaVNVOG5pS1ZBPT0=--6ebd73c62cc6042aa07aeb529b1d9fa3a6c15ebb">Whaley’s Bins Waste Sorting</a>: Players become eco-heroes, learning recycling through gameplay, earning achievements, and competing on online leaderboards.</p> </li> <li><a href="https://globalgamers.devpost.com/review/submissions/ZmNDMlJweVI2cGE3WTNnUUZDK21XSVhTRWUrL1RKQnQ0VTJzT1BpOWRSaFBZSTErK28veTBsbFliSzA4dVJoM1N0Wk8vUnZuQkJnOE5vTDhxMHl6QjNyRURoVll3cVpxcGdVS0UxeGdJYkk9LS0ydnlWNVJOcFFRWWhqc0w4NVRDSkp3PT0=--88495cf408930c8e6cace121f602b55550131898">WildRun</a>: Players save animals, collect fruits, and clean up trash in an immersive adventure.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>Moving forward, a panel of judges from Global Citizen, the <a href="https://www.playing4theplanet.org/">UN's Playing for the Planet Alliance</a>, Google Play, YouTube, and the Flutter community will select the top 10 finalists, announced in May 2024.</p> <p>Starting April 22nd, everyone can vote for their favorite game to win the Community Choice Award. <strong>So, explore the <a href="http://globalgamers.devpost.com/project-gallery">project gallery</a>, play the games and <a href="http://globalgamers.devpost.com/project-gallery">vote for your favorite to win</a></strong>. Your voice matters and helps to shape the future of eco-conscious gaming. Voting closes May 3rd.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Global Citizen Staff</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-gamers-challenge-top-20/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/e5/53/e55301d7-a2ff-43da-b86f-e8c5aaad4067/global_gamers_challenge_no_tagline.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>The UK is Trying to Count the Aid it Gives to Afghanistan as Climate Finance</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/uk-aid-climate-finance-500m/</link><description><p dir="ltr">The UK government has been caught trying to pass off aid that it sends to war-torn and poor countries such as Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia as “climate finance,” even though these projects have nothing to do with climate action.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to documents released under <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/revealed-uk-double-counting-500m-of-aid-for-war-torn-countries-as-climate-finance/">a freedom of information request by Carbon Brief</a>, the UK is accused of “double counting” nearly £500 million (€585 million) of international aid — which goes towards humanitarian work such as providing food and other basic necessities — as “climate finance,” in a bid to meet its international commitments under the<a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/topics/paris-agreement_1/"> Paris Agreement</a>.</p> <p>Part of the reclassification also includes an assumption that 35% of the money the UK gives to the World Bank counts as international climate funding.</p> <p dir="ltr">Let’s be clear. International climate finance refers to “financing — drawn from public, private, and alternative sources of financing — that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change,” according to the <a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/climate-finance/the-big-picture/climate-finance-in-the-negotiations">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)</a>. Overseas Development Aid (ODA) is not the same thing. Giving food to <a href="https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/afghanistan-emergency#:~:text=A%20humanitarian%20crisis%20of%20incredible,are%20not%20consuming%20enough%20food.">starving Afghans</a> does not count as climate action just because Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/GlobalJusticeUK/status/1780220507171774972">In the words of</a> UK organization Global Justice Now, which campaigns on issues of global justice and development in the Global South: “To double count climate finance and humanitarian aid in a time of accelerating climate change and escalating global conflict is grotesque and irresponsible.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Greenpeace UK, meanwhile, <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenpeaceUK/status/1780225760273252484">had this to say:</a> “Fiddling with figures rather than actually delivering climate justice. This is not what climate leadership looks like.”</p> <p>Under the Paris agreement, rich countries — who are historically responsible for the climate emergency — signed an agreement almost a decade ago committing to providing funds to nations on the frontlines of the crisis.</p> <p>The double counting news follows reports from last year that <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-aid-to-double-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change">the UK's pledge to spend £11.6 billion on climate aid</a> between 2021-22 and 2025-26 was <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-how-the-uk-has-fallen-40-behind-on-its-11-6bn-climate-finance-pledge/">slipping out of reach</a>, due to chronic underspending and <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9224/">the overseas aid budget being reduced from 0.7% to 0.5% of national income</a>.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 925107 " id="925107" title="Related Stories - 925107"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">By way of contrast, previous climate <a href="https://www.ukpact.co.uk/projects">projects funded</a> under the £11.6 billion pledge include renewable energy, low-pollution transport, and forest preservation. Some of the government’s internal reports even state clearly that they are not climate-finance projects. </p> <p>By redefining existing funds pegged for development banks’ investment in foreign businesses and humanitarian aid as “climate finance”, the UK government <a href="https://icai.independent.gov.uk/review/uk-aids-international-climate-finance-commitments/review/">expects</a> to add £1.72 billion to its total.</p> <p>Euan Ritchie, a senior policy adviser at the thinktank Development Initiatives, said: “Just because humanitarian aid is going to a country that is vulnerable to climate change doesn’t mean it addresses that vulnerability. And these projects have already been screened for their climate focus.”</p> <p>It’s not just the UK that’s moving the goalposts. Despite hosting the <a href="https://nouveaupactefinancier.org/en.php#participants">Summit for a New Global Financial Pact</a> in Paris last year, during which French President Emmanuel Macron promised to take stock “<a href="https://focus2030.org/Summit-for-a-New-Global-Financing-Pact-towards-more-commitments-to-meet-the">on all the means and ways of increasing financial solidarity with the [Global] South</a>,” in February this year, France’s Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire announced the country is slashing its Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget <a href="https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000049180270">by almost €800 million</a> — a 13% cut. </p> <p dir="ltr">ODA is funding, provided by governments of wealthy nations to developing countries, and is an essential tool for assisting those living on the frontlines of climate disasters and humanitarian crises. It <a href="https://www.afd.fr/en/actualites/overseas-development-assistance-rise-8-things-know-about-oda">goes towards things like</a> improving access to water, healthcare and high-quality education, protecting biodiversity, and combating the climate emergency.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Germany took a machete to its own ODA leading to sharp cuts to the tune of <a href="https://venro.org/publikationen/detail/haushalt-2024-neue-kuerzungen">€1.7 billion</a> in the development budget and €430 million in the humanitarian budget, compared to 2022.</p> <p>Even more concerning are the European Union’s <a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/01/30/eu-budget-cuts-threaten-the-unions-global-leadership">agreed budget cuts</a>, revealed in Feb. 2024, which are set to cut at least €2 billion from vital development and climate investments in partner countries in order to fund migration programmes.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:16:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/uk-aid-climate-finance-500m/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/3d/b0/3db02fd0-3b44-494b-afc3-1b1ba4832784/ap997903501366.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>‘Sacrifice Zones’: Plastic Production is Decimating These 5 Communities Around the World</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/plastic-production-fossil-fuels-health/</link><description><p>A growing awareness of — and anxiety over — the plastic pollution crisis has prompted many attempts at solutions: educational <a href="https://www.beyondplastics.org/">campaigns</a>, global <a href="https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/">movements</a>, bans and phase-outs (of <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/massachusetts-becomes-first-to-ban-purchase-of-single-use-plastic-bottles-by-state-agencies">bottles</a>, <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2024/01/bans-single-use-plastic-bags/">bags</a> and <a href="https://citylimits.org/2021/10/15/nyc-council-considers-another-plastics-ban-as-straws-law-goes-into-effect/?https://citylimits.org/2023/02/13/wait-times-for-nycha-apartments-doubled-last-year-as-number-of-vacant-units-climb/&amp;campaignid=20040558639&amp;adgroupid=149021841032&amp;adid=656667243482&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh4m5qKNsOQXR3f3P8V31zrwKZljZd9mXCBFniasqALBg_tDqed2nzxoCT7wQAvD_BwE">straws</a>), and the rise of new products like <a href="https://ethique.com/collections/shampoo?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh4ZshRElOK2QyFPDr68k2Up3UDP7CunCxPUzxde_ZEuFc-ouqCPYKBoCIWoQAvD_BwE#facet-main?tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=691069528553&amp;tw_campaign=20643097601">shampoo bars</a>, all of which try to tackle the problem of where plastic goes when we toss it.<br/> <br/> But what about the effects of plastic before it ends up discarded? <br/> <br/> “Plastic affects human health at literally every single stage of its life cycle,” says Beyond Plastics Communications Director Melissa Valliant. “Mostly we hear about plastic pollution with post-consumer use… But production greatly affects human health, and it typically affects low-income communities and communities of color even more so than the rest of the population. That is because the plastic production facilities are typically built in those environmental justice areas — and it’s intentional, as they know these communities have fewer resources and less power to fight back.”</p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 925103 " id="925103" title="Embeddable Action - 925103"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p>Valliant notes that plastic, which is mostly made from fossil-fuel sources including crude oil and natural gas that get synthesized into polymers, has four stages in a lifecycle: extraction and transport, refining and manufacture, consumer product and packaging, and “what most of us noticeably interact with,” waste management.</p> <p>The trouble starts right from the get-go, with extraction, as 99% of plastic comes from fossil fuels. “It’s why the climate crisis and the plastic crisis are so inextricably linked — and why they are one and the same,” she says, noting that when oil and gas are extracted, the process releases “a cocktail of toxic substances into air and water,” including roughly 170 chemicals from fracking (for natural gas), that are linked to serious human health problems, from cancer to infertility.<br/> <br/> The presence of toxins doesn’t stop there, as plastics are comprised not only of a fossil-fuel-based polymer, but thousands of additional, integral chemicals added for qualities including color, flexibility, and flame retardation — many of which are highly toxic, according to a 2023 report from the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36969097/">Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health</a>. Those chemicals, according to a <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2300476">new study</a> published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2024, and the “explosive growth” of the petrochemical industry, are tied to an alarming rise in neurodevelopmental issues, hormone disruption, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and certain cancers in young people.<br/> <br/> Below are five examples of communities that are being negatively affected by at least one stage of plastic’s life cycle.</p> <h4><strong>Nigeria’s Niger Delta<br/> Life cycle stage: Extraction</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Burning Gas flare, view of oil production in Niger Delta " id="925739" title="Image - Burning Gas flare, view of oil production in Niger Delta"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The Niger Delta, a 27,000-square-mile region encompassing nine coastal states in the south of Nigeria, is <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1178514/main-oil-producing-countries-in-africa/#:~:text=Nigeria%20was%20the%20leading%20oil,above%2050%20million%20metric%20tons.">Africa’s top oil producer</a> — and, <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AFR4483212018ENGLISH.pdf">according to Amnesty International</a>, “one of the most polluted places on earth.” That’s due to repeated oil spills — more than 55 over the past dozen years — prompted by poorly maintained infrastructure, leaks at well heads, and theft and vandalism, plus a lack of cleanup by the responsible companies (such as Shell and ExxonMobil). It’s led to destruction, disease, and death, including of infants, who are, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/06/niger-delta-oil-spills-linked-infant-deaths">one study</a>, twice as likely to die in their first month of life if their mothers live near an oil spill.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 925111 " id="925111" title="Related Stories - 925111"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> The spills have also tainted groundwater with chemical and heavy metals, which, notes <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4037709">another study</a>, can lead to anemia, kidney failure, neurological impairments, liver cancer, cardiovascular disease and other problems. <a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2023/05/for-weary-niger-delta-residents-shocking-oil-pollution-report-offers-little-hope/">More research</a>, from the state of Bayelsa, discovered extremely high levels of toxic chemicals not only in soil, water, and air, but in crops and animals eaten by locals — plus high levels of lead, nickel, and cadmium in blood and tissue samples from 1,600 state residents.</p> <p>Activists have been fighting back through organizations including the NGO <a href="https://erafoen.org/">Environmental Rights Action</a>, which aims to hold corporations accountable, and through thousands of lawsuits, including by over 11,000 residents of rural Ogale in 2023.</p> <p>“As we speak,” King Emere Godwin Bebe Okpabi, leader of the Ogale community, told the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/02/01/shell-oil-niger-delta-nigeria-lawsuit/">Intercept</a>, “oil is spilling in my community every day, people are dying.” Noted another community leader, speaking with <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/7/niger-delta-youths-protest-against-month-long-oil-spill">Al Jazeera</a> during a series of 2021 oil-spill protests in Lagos: “We want the world to hear our cry that we are on the verge of extinction.”</p> <h4><strong>East Palestine, Ohio<br/> Life cycle stage: Transport</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Train Deralied East Palestine, Ohio " id="926165" title="Image - Train Deralied East Palestine, Ohio"></cms-plugin></p> <p>It was just over a year ago, in February 2023, that yet another hazardous stage of plastic production was thrown into high relief: with the derailment of Northern Suffolk freight train, carrying a range of toxic chemicals including Isobutylene and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), both used in the manufacture of plastics. Officials intentionally released the PVC and burned it, to prevent an explosion. For folks living not only in the town of East Palestine but along the Ohio River and farther north, that’s proven disastrous.</p> <p>A year later, many residents still have rashes, headaches, or respiratory problems. A loose coalition of local activists, including the <a href="https://blackappalachiancoalition.org/">Black Appalachian Coalition</a>, organizer Jami Wallace, and Jess Conrad, who recently joined Beyond Plastics as Appalachia Director, are working to hold Northern Suffolk accountable.</p> <p>A decade earlier, in 2013, a similarly high-profile derailment — now the subject of a <a href="https://gem.cbc.ca/lac-megantic---this-is-not-an-accident">documentary</a> — took place in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. In one of the worst rail disasters in Canada’s history, the train’s 1.5 million gallons of crude oil were ignited, killing 47 people.</p> <p>"Trains used to carry life," Robert Bellefleur, a resident of Lac-Mégantic, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/what-we-ve-got-on-the-tracks-today-are-bombs-many-residents-say-lac-me-gantic-was-only-a-matter-of-time-1.6897798">told the CBC</a> recently. "But what we've got on the tracks today are bombs."</p> <p>A recent report from <a href="https://toxicfreefuture.org/research/toxic-cargo/the-toxic-vinyl-chloride-train-route-from-texas-to-new-jersey/#:~:text=The%20map%20reveals%20for%20the,%3B%20Fort%20Wayne%2C%20IN%3B%20Little">Toxic-Free Future</a>, in fact, has mapped out the PVC train routes, from Texas to New Jersey, for the first time, highlighting the hundreds of towns along 1,979 miles of track that could be at risk during a future derailment. Because, as Valliant says regarding East Palestine: “That was not the first and won’t be the last.”</p> <h4><strong>Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”<br/> Life cycle stage: Refinery</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - MOUNTAIN OF DAMAGED OIL DRUMS NEAR THE EXXON REFINERY " id="926178" title="Image - MOUNTAIN OF DAMAGED OIL DRUMS NEAR THE EXXON REFINERY"></cms-plugin></p> <p>“Cancer Alley,” the dire nickname given to this 85-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, is unfortunately accurate. That’s because these neighborhoods — home to about 200 fossil fuel and petrochemical plants, the highest concentration of such facilities in the Western hemisphere — have higher cancer rates than the rest of the country (<a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/01/25/were-dying-here/fight-life-louisiana-fossil-fuel-sacrifice-zone">more than seven times the national average in some areas</a>), plus children suffering from chronic asthma and skin rashes, and pregnancies that are more likely to be high-risk.</p> <p>Some even call the region “death row,” including Saint James Parish resident and activist Sharon Lavigne, who recently told <a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/01/25/were-dying-here/fight-life-louisiana-fossil-fuel-sacrifice-zone">Human Rights Watch</a>: “We’re dying from inhaling the industries’ pollution. I feel like it’s a death sentence. Like we are getting cremated, but not getting burnt.”</p> <p>It’s also a stark example of environmental racism, as the affected communities are mostly populated by Black, brown, and low-income people — as <a href="https://www.keranews.org/environment-nature/2022-05-12/five-texas-refineries-polluted-above-federal-limit-on-cancer-causing-benzene-last-year-report-found">is the case </a>in Port Arthur, Texas, home to the third largest oil refinery in the US and to elevated cancer rates.</p> <p>Kimberly Terrell, a Tulane University Law School PhD research scientist who has studied the fallout of air pollution in the region, has found health risks go even beyond cancer. Her findings, published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ad3084">Environmental Research: Health</a>, found high rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and infant and maternal mortality — among the highest rates in the country, especially for Black women and their infants. Other health issues include high rates of miscarriage, chronic asthma and sinus infections, bronchitis, coughs, and rashes.</p> <p>In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency addressed charges of environmental racism by opening an investigation — but abruptly closed the case in June of 2023, just before a federal court temporarily halted the use of one of the EPA’s key tools for exposing racial discrimination.</p> <p>It “sets back decades of work for Black communities to live in a healthy environment,” Monique Harden, director of law and public policy for the <a href="https://www.dscej.org/">Deep South Center for Environmental Justice</a>, told Bloomberg.</p> <h4><strong>Ontario’s “Chemical Valley”<br/> Life cycle stage: Refinery</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Sarnia Chemical Valley " id="926179" title="Image - Sarnia Chemical Valley"></cms-plugin></p> <p>40% of Canada's petrochemical industry — comprising more than 60 chemical plants and oil refineries — is packed into a 15-square-mile area in Sarnia, Ontario, which has been dubbed the “Chemical Valley.”</p> <p>It’s also home to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation reserve, whose people, <a href="https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/sarnia-area-environmental-health-project/">according to a 2023 report</a> by the Ontario government through the Sarnia Area Environmental Health Project, are among the most affected areas by polluted air — infused with significant levels of toxic chemicals such as benzene (used in polystyrene production), which can cause leukemia and other cancers, and sulfur dioxide (produced from acid gas flares at refineries), linked to respiratory issues including asthma. Over 30 other chemicals used in local industries were identified for having potential risk.</p> <p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.cmajopen.ca/content/9/2/E433">new research</a> has found that Sarnia-born children do have higher rates of asthma than those in surrounding cities. And an <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/first-nations-exposed-to-pollutants-in-chemical-valley-1.2438724">older study</a> found evidence of high exposure to harmful hormone-blocking chemicals, while residents have long reported elevated incidences of miscarriages, chronic headaches, and asthma.</p> <p>The Health Project report, which confirmed long-held fears about the fallout of living in the shadow of so many refineries, noted this area amounts to a case of environmental racism and calls for new regulations.<br/> “We have respiratory problems, and we have high cancers,” Beze Gray, an Aamjiwnaang First Nation activist who is among seven young people suing the Ontario government over its climate change policy, told the <a href="https://theresolve.ca/living-in-the-shadow-of-chemical-valley/">Resolve</a>. Gray called for more studies on the health effects of residents, including on mental health.</p> <p>“[The refineries] run 365 days a year, and they don’t shut down like you would think… They run the whole time. We’re having constant noise in our communities where it’s so bad sometimes, like where they’re releasing a really big, heavy flare. And it’s shaking some people’s windows. And they can’t sleep at night because of how close that flare is to their house.”</p> <h4><strong>Quweisna, Egypt<br/> Life cycle stage: Manufacture</strong></h4> <p>While Egypt is one of the world’s top contributors to plastic waste, it’s also one of the biggest manufacturers of plastic, an industry that is <a href="https://www.plastexegypt.com/about/why-egypt/">expected to grow by 10% a year over the next decade</a>, setting it up to be the largest producer and consumer of plastic items and raw materials in the Middle East and North Africa region.</p> <p>That’s leaving factory workers to deal with the adverse health effects of plastic manufacturing, especially in the Quweisna Industrial Zone, about 40 miles outside of Cairo. There, according to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319666010_Health_disorders_among_workers_in_a_plastic_factory_in_Egypt">one study</a>, occupational exposure to toxic chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, including high levels of PVC (the culprit in the East Palestine train derailment) and styrene, had damaging effects on the liver and hematopoietic system, elevating liver enzymes and causing anemia and low platelet counts.</p> <p>An earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22609858/">study</a> of workers at one of the plastic factories showed significantly elevated levels of styrene in the blood, as well as microglobulin in urine (which could indicate blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma) and chromosomal abnormalities.</p> <p>“Resulting diseases are often diagnosed years after exposure,” notes the International Labour Organization in <a href="https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_dialogue/---lab_admin/documents/publication/wcms_894387.pdf">a report</a> on hazardous chemical exposures for those working in the plastic industry. “Adverse health impacts from these chemicals include impairments to the nervous and reproductive systems, cancers, such as leukemia, and genetic impacts like low birth weight.”</p> <h4><strong>How can I help?</strong></h4> <p>These stories and so many more like them in communities around the world are part of the reason we need a robust <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-plastics-treaty-explainer-fossil-fuels/">Global Plastics Treaty</a>.</p> <p>This treaty was put forward by Peru and Rwanda, with support from 27 countries and more than 750 civil society groups. Its aim is to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from the extraction of the fossil fuels used to make it, to its use, and finally its disposal.</p> <p>Soon, from April 23 to 29, government representatives from 173 countries are set to gather in Ottawa, Canada, for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-4">INC-4</a>) to negotiate this <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/ahead-of-global-plastics-treaty-negotiations-most-americans-support-cutting-plastic-production-banning-single-use-plastic-packaging/">legally binding treaty</a>. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/why-does-the-world-need-a-strong-plastics-treaty/">Take action with Global Citizen now</a> and share why you think we need a robust Global Plastics Treaty.</p> <p>“Companies continue to vouch for their plastic use because they say it's such a cheap material. Plastic is not cheap,” says Valliant. “Ask those living among the plastic production facilities in Louisiana's Cancer Alley or Port Arthur in Texas if they think plastic is cheap … Plastic is only cheap for the manufacturers; individuals, especially those in environmental justice communities, are paying a high price.”</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Beth Greenfield</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:39:31 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/plastic-production-fossil-fuels-health/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/87/9d/879dbc3a-fb0d-4918-969f-378f4fda84aa/ap19103549026713.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP Photo/David J. Phillip</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Urgent Call to G20 Leaders: The World Needs You to Be the Difference</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/g20-leaders-petition-spring-meetings-2024/</link><description><p>The world’s biggest issues are getting more and more urgent by the day, and we need leaders to step up and prevent the worst from happening. With just six years until the UN’s 2030 deadline to achieve the Global Goals aimed at ending extreme poverty, it appears we are slipping backwards rather than charging forwards.</p> <p><a href="https://acleddata.com/conflict-index/">Global conflict has increased by 12%</a>, <a href="https://www.wfp.org/publications/global-report-food-crises-2023-mid-year-update">238 million people across 48 countries</a> are experiencing acute food insecurity, the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/photos-extreme-weather-events-2023-climate-change/">climate crisis’ extreme weather patterns</a> are toying with the earth, and the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-12-13/debt-crisis-poorest-nations-owe-trillions-in-high-interest-rate-world">world’s poorest countries are deeply indebted</a> to those who actually have the power and resources to change the status quo. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 924697 " id="924697" title="Embeddable Action - 924697"></cms-plugin> <p>From April 19 - 21, the world’s biggest financial institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Forum (IMF), will host their annual Spring Meetings. These meetings bring together world leaders, global ministries, and UN officials to discuss how to financially handle growing urgent matters and to work towards global financial stability. </p> <p>As the financial heavyweights prepare for these meetings, Global Citizen is calling on G20 leaders to do what’s in their power to alleviate poverty by prioritizing three major steps: </p> <h4><b>1. Boost investment for the world’s poorest countries through the IDA.</b></h4> <p>The International Development Association (IDA) is part of the World Bank and its purpose is to provide grants and affordable loans to the world’s poorest and most indebted countries at very low interest rates. </p> <p>It’s historically been funded through contributions from wealthy countries for the most part. However, as low-income countries are dealing with ever-mounting debt burdens, there's a clear need for more funding, especially grant-based funding — the difference being that loans need to be paid back, whereas grants do not.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924717 " id="924717" title="Related Stories - 924717"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Global Citizen's campaign aims to advocate for ambitious support for the IDA, including a fundraising target of at least $100 billion, with the aim of tripling the IDA over the next three replenishment cycles. </p> <p>In basic terms, the aim is that when the IDA opens its piggy bank up for finances to help the world’s poorest, we’re hoping that the amount of money that goes into it every year, triples from what it is now over the next three years. </p> <p>This can be made possible if donor countries boost their contributions. We need the G20 to signal that they are ready to increase their direct contributions to the IDA, and for them to commit to doing so. </p> <h4><b>2. Implement debt pause clauses as a temporary solution to crippling debt. </b></h4> <p>We’ve spoken at length about debt pause clauses over the last year, if you’re not sure what they are, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/climate-change-debt-pause-clause-world-bank/">we’ve got you covered with our explainer here</a>. They’re a pause on debt repayments from poorer countries to the wealthy countries they owe, so that the poorer countries can use their finances on the urgent development issues they face. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924721 " id="924721" title="Related Stories - 924721"></cms-plugin></p> <p>While some headway was made last year at the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/new-global-financial-pact-summit-outcomes-climate/">Paris Financial Summit</a> and the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/42b-was-pledged-at-cop28-to-fight-climate-change-o/">COP28 climate conference</a>, more needs to be done to make sure these pauses are implemented. </p> <p>Right now, only the UK, France, the US, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank have announced implementing these clauses — only for natural disasters and for a limited set of countries.</p> <p>To relieve the financial burdens of indebted lower-income countries, we need:</p> <ul> <li>The list of countries implementing pause clauses to include all G20 members and their relevant financial institutions. </li> <li>These same countries should implement these clauses for other external shocks such as endemics and famines. </li> <li>That the debt pause clauses be offered free of cost, or at very low rates. </li> </ul> <p>However, we should also note that debt pause clauses are only one piece of the puzzle. What we need is more progress on the restructuring of debt for countries struggling with solvency; also large-scale solutions for countries undergoing liquidity problems. For right now, however, our advocacy call is for the implementation of pause clauses. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924724 " id="924724" title="Related Stories - 924724"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>3. Introduce tax and levy options for the world’s wealthiest people &amp; its biggest polluters.</b></h4> <p>With conflict and climate change increasing the financial pressure on the backs of countries in need, and countries including the UK, Germany, and France cutting their Official Development Assistance (ODA), we need to get creative about where the additional money to address pressing issues comes from. </p> <p>A compelling solution is specific tax and levy options on undertaxed and highly polluting sectors to ensure that those who are currently profiting from global crises start paying for the solutions to those challenges. </p> <p>Potential <a href="https://media.globalcitizen.org/Finances-for-Development-and-Climate-Report.pdf">taxing options include</a>, but are not limited to: </p> <ul> <li>A global minimum tax on high-net value individuals — in other words, billionaires. </li> <li>Financial Transaction Tax in G20 countries — meaning the tax of stock market transactions. </li> <li>Fossil Fuel Taxes — applied to each extraction of fossil fuels, or to the corporations that are benefiting from fossil fuel extractions. </li> </ul> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924725 " id="924725" title="Related Stories - 924725"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Global Citizen is calling on countries to join the new task force working on taxes and levies. It’s co-chaired by France, Kenya, and Barbados, and those who are part of it will engage in, and shape, important discussions to unlock new and additional financing for climate and development investments. The task force’s first official meeting will take place on the margins of the Spring Meetings. </p> <p>Global Citizen is not alone in this overall call for change, some of the world’s most influential people such as Dr Joyce Banda, Graça Machel, Mo Ibrahim, Annie Lennox, Nile Rogers, Nomzamo Mbatha, and more <a href="https://www.globalgoals.org/dearg20/">have added their signatures</a> to this crucial call. We’re asking you to do the same, to <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/g20-leaders-fund-the-future/">add your voice to our petition urging G20 leaders to step up</a> and make a real difference. </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Khanyi Mlaba</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:03:34 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/g20-leaders-petition-spring-meetings-2024/</guid><category>Inequalities</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/58/f3/58f365cc-4216-43b3-8b60-20e32ba98d3c/g20_indonesia_ap_downloaded_2024.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Plastics are the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Plan B. This Treaty Aims to Stop Them in Their Tracks</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-plastics-treaty-explainer-fossil-fuels/</link><description><p>Fossil fuel plastic (that’s <a href="https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36965/POLSOLSum.pdf">most plastic</a> by the way) is everywhere: hospitals, schools, supermarkets, homes, computers, phones, appliances, and more. It’s versatile, cheap, and durable — and it’s led to innovation in everything from medicine to aerospace.</p> <p>The problem with plastic is that it’s actually not nearly as low cost once you start taking into account its catastrophic effects on human health, the economy, and the environment. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 924599 " id="924599" title="Embeddable Action - 924599"></cms-plugin> <p>What’s more, we’re producing it at break-neck speed. <a href="https://www.undp.org/blog/global-treaty-end-plastic-pollution-sight#:~:text=We%20are%20producing%20430%20million,water%2C%20air%2C%20and%20soil">According to the United Nations Development Programme</a> (UNDP), the world currently produces a staggering 430 million metric tons of new plastics every year and this is forecast to increase a whopping <a href="https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36965/POLSOLSum.pdf">70%</a> by 2040. </p> <p>Can’t we just recycle it? The short answer is: no. </p> <p>While recycling is important, it’s no silver bullet. Just <a href="https://www.oecd.org/environment/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.htm">9%</a> of the plastic ever produced has been recycled with another 19% incinerated; 50% ending up in landfill; and 22% evading waste management systems entirely going into uncontrolled dumpsites, being burned in open pits or dropped into oceans, rivers, and lakes, especially in poorer countries, <a href="https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/data/global-plastic-outlook_c0821f81-en">according to</a> the OECD’s Global Plastics Outlook Database. We don’t need to tell you how bad this is for the environment and its wildlife — you’ve seen <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-do-sea-turtles-eat-unfortunately-plastic-bags">the turtles mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish</a> and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/seahorse-ocean-pollution">the heartbreaking photo</a> of a seahorse grasping a discarded cotton swab.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924631 " id="924631" title="Related Stories - 924631"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In the words of author and Founder and President of Beyond Plastics, Judith Enck: "If the plastics industry is following the tobacco industry's playbook, it may never admit to the failure of plastics recycling."</p> <p>The global plastic pollution crisis has not only a detrimental impact on the environment; it also fuels existing social inequalities. The plastic waste trade is big business and involves plastic being exported from wealthier countries (under the guise of “recycling”) to poorer countries that lack the resources to properly handle the waste. This practice is commonly referred to as “<a href="https://thediplomat.com/2024/03/time-to-end-waste-colonialism-through-a-global-plastics-treaty/">waste colonialism</a>” and is a form of environmental racism as it disproportionately affects marginalized communities.</p> <p>What’s more, plastic pollution is just the tip of the iceberg. Plastic is deadly at all stages of its life cycle: from the extraction of the fossil fuels used to manufacture it, to its use in our everyday lives, and finally, its disposal. </p> <p>“This threat is practically impossible to avoid,” says Dr. Marcus Gover, who leads plastics research at <a href="https://www.minderoo.org/">Minderoo Foundation</a>.</p> <p>Nearly every piece of plastic started its life as a fossil fuel and greenhouse gasses are emitted at each stage of its life cycle — which is estimated to be responsible for <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-plastics#:~:text=Plastic%20production%20and%20disposal%20emits%20around%203%25%20of%20global%20emissions.&amp;text=The%20most%20visible%20environmental%20impact,its%20contribution%20to%20climate%20change.">over 3%</a> of global emissions. That’s more than <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-aviation-emissions">the entire global aviation industry</a>.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924630 " id="924630" title="Related Stories - 924630"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Not only is plastic exacerbating a climate emergency that has already killed <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/22/climate-change-causes-2m-deaths-in-50-years-poor-suffer-most-un">two million people</a>, it’s poisoning everyone too. </p> <p>Up-stream, living near fossil fuel extraction sites <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969718348381?via%3Dihub">has been associated</a> with a wide range of health risks, including some cancers, cardiovascular disease, immunodeficiencies, and more. The transport of fossil fuels to refineries also carries health risks such as explosions and spills as well as chronic health issues and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/5/1006">cancer</a>. </p> <p>Then, the areas near the petrochemical plants that manufacture plastic are known as “sacrifice zones” because living there <a href="https://figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/A_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis_of_haematological_malignancies_in_residents_living_near_petrochemical_facilities/12572483/1">is associated</a> with a range of health hazards from childhood asthma to blood cancer. The workers in those petrochemical plants face <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/8/4343">particularly severe health risks</a>, including <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/black-lung#:~:text=Coal%20workers%27%20pneumoconiosis%20(CWP),impairing%20your%20ability%20to%20breathe.">black lung</a>, which is about as bad as it sounds. </p> <p>What’s more, recent research has demonstrated that harmful chemicals in plastic leach (the technical term for a form of leakage). Imagine the world’s plastic is like a giant coffee percolator. The coffee grounds inside are <a href="https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/plastchem-report-synthesizes-current-science-on-plastic-chemicals">4,200 chemicals</a> considered "of concern", dripping through the filter drop by drop. "This toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health," adds Dr. Gover.</p> <p>Gulp.</p> <p>So how do you even begin to tackle such a huge, global, pervasive problem? Enter the Global Plastics Treaty, an international legally binding agreement that could turn off the plastics tap and end the age of plastic once and for all. Here's what you need to know. </p> <h4><strong>Why do we need a treaty?</strong></h4> <p>Plastic is out of control. It's in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, our weather, and even in us. It’s generating emissions we simply can’t afford, fuelling social inequality, poisoning people, and wrecking the environment. </p> <p>The world has an opportunity to forge an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty – a solution that can match the scale of this global crisis.</p> <h4><strong>Remind me: what’s a treaty?</strong></h4> <p>Treaties are formal agreements between nations that are legally binding. These agreements can be between two nations (known as bilateral) or among several nations (known as multilateral). Once ratified by the parties involved, treaties become part of international law.</p> <h4><strong>Give me some examples. </strong></h4> <p>One well known treaty is the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change. </p> <p>Then you’ve got the Treaty of Versailles, a peace treaty that was signed during World War 1 that set out the conditions of peace between Germany and most of the Allied Powers.</p> <p>Another example is the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/fossil-fuels-non-proliferation-treaty-explained/">Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty</a>, which aims to reduce the use and production of fossil fuels, calls for an equitable plan for phasing out existing fossil fuel production, and a <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/topics/just-transition/">just transition</a> to renewable energy.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924679 " id="924679" title="Related Stories - 924679"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>What’s the deal with the Global Plastics Treaty?</strong></h4> <p>In March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly adopted a <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution">historic resolution</a> to create a Global Plastics Treaty to address plastic pollution. </p> <p>The treaty aims to promote <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-plastic-pollution-treaty/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20global%20plastic,reign%20of%20single%2Duse%20plastics.">circular economies and tackle the entire life cycle of plastic</a>.</p> <p>Of course, like all treaties, it could have its loopholes. That’s why it’s important that it addresses three core areas: </p> <p>1. The reduction of virgin (as in, new) fossil fuel-based plastic production.<br/> 2. The removal of harmful chemicals from plastics.<br/> 3. The creation of a scientific advisory body to guide the treaty’s implementation and adaptation.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 924600 " id="924600" title="Related Stories - 924600"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>Who’s got behind it?</strong></h4> <p>As of April 2024, the Global Plastics Treaty has received support from <a href="https://plasticseurope.org/changingplasticsforgood/global-plastics-treaty/">175</a> nation states.</p> <p>In 2023 an <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/stories/open-letter-to-the-biden-administration-on-a-global-plastics-treaty/">open letter</a> was issued by Greenpeace USA urging US President Joe Biden’s administration to support the treaty and take steps to protect the planet from plastic pollution — but they’ve set to officially endorse the treaty. </p> <p>The treaty has also gotten support from the likes of <a href="https://www.wwfca.org/en/plastictreaty/">World Wide Fund for Nature </a>(WWF), <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/news-trends/press-release/2023/america-s-plastic-makers-welcome-progress-on-global-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution">the American Chemistry Council</a>, <a href="https://plasticseurope.org/knowledge-hub/plastics-europe-position-on-the-global-plastics-pollution-agreement-objectives-scope-obligations-and-measures-ahead-of-inc2/">Plastics Europe</a>, <a href="https://www.businessforplasticstreaty.org/#:~:text=brings%20together%20businesses%20and%20financial,treaty%20to%20end%20plastic%20pollution.">the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty</a>, <a href="https://www.wiego.org/blog/global-plastics-treaty-waste-pickers-ready-talk">the International Alliance of Waste Pickers </a>(IAW), <a href="https://www.plasticstreaty.org/organizations/">Indigenous Peoples</a>, and <a href="https://www.plasticstreaty.org/organizations/">trade unions</a>. </p> <h4><strong>What are the roadblocks?</strong></h4> <p>The fourth round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty, known as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-4">INC-4</a>), will begin on April 23 and continue through April 29 in Canada. The fifth and final session (<a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5">INC-5</a>) is scheduled to take place from November 25 to December 1 in Busan, Republic of Korea. </p> <p>The aim is to finish negotiations for the treaty by the end of this year — but they’re up against some powerful forces. </p> <p>The reality is that <a href="https://www.earthday.org/from-fossil-fuels-to-plastic-addiction-unveiling-the-hidden-link-impacting-our-world/#:~:text=Fossil%20Fuel%20Reality&amp;text=Over%2099%25%20of%20plastic%20is,in%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20annually.">99%</a> of plastic is made from fossil fuels — and <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/shell-chevron-oil-chemicals-plastics-d75f8fee">Big Oil is making sure we produce more and more</a> plastic each year. </p> <p>As Judith Enck puts it: “Plastics is the Plan B for the fossil fuel industry.”</p> <p>At the end of 2022, Shell, for example, <a href="https://www.shell.com/what-we-do/major-projects/pennsylvania-petrochemicals-complex.html">opened a petrochemical complex</a> the size of 300 football fields in Pennsylvania while China has built <a href="https://www.iea.org/commentaries/china-s-petrochemical-surge-is-driving-global-oil-demand-growth">so many plastics factories</a> in the past five years that it’s on pace to add as much capacity as currently exists in Europe, Japan, and Korea combined.</p> <p><a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/57636/first-plastics-treaty-negotiation-what-you-need-to-know/">According to the environmental group Greenpeace</a>, lobbyists for the “major fossil fuel companies were out in force” at the first negotiating session.</p> <h4><strong>What can I do to help?</strong></h4> <p>During the treaty negotiations in April, Global Citizens must speak louder than big brands, Big Oil, and the politicians who pander to them. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/why-does-the-world-need-a-strong-plastics-treaty/">Take action now</a> by sharing why you think we need a robust Global Plastics Treaty. We’ll deliver your messages directly into the hands of negotiators at the next INC meeting.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery and Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:40:12 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-plastics-treaty-explainer-fossil-fuels/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/0d/a1/0da167c0-7f1b-47e5-9e15-8d5fd921b031/ap22061385077831.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Brian Inganga/ AP Photo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Meet the 2024 Global Citizen Prize + Cisco Youth Leadership Award Winners</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/2024-global-citizen-prize-cisco-youth-leadership/</link><description><div> <p>In today's world, where issues like food insecurity, gender inequity, and climate change abound, it's hard to know if you're doing enough to make a change. But amidst these challenges, there are remarkable individuals dedicating themselves to uplifting the most vulnerable and striving for equality and justice for all. </p> <p>Global Citizen is proud to announce the recipients of the esteemed 2024 <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/">Global Citizen Prize</a>, which recognizes individuals and organizations driving positive change in the face of global challenges. The Global Citizen Prize celebrates unsung heroes who are actively addressing pressing issues toward achieving the United Nations’ Global Goals such as advocating for gender equity, civic space, climate justice, food security, access to healthcare, and vaccine equity. </p> <p>At the Global Citizen NOW event on May 1-2 in NYC, five exceptional changemakers will be recognized for their impactful contributions within their local communities. Backed by global partners including Cisco, Citi, with support from the Ford Foundation, this year's Global Citizen Prize awardees will receive recognition, along with a year-long program of support from Global Citizen — as well as a generous donation to their organization or social enterprise, empowering them to continue their impactful work.</p> <p>At the same time, the coveted Global Citizen Prize: <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/youth-leadership/">Cisco Youth Leadership Award</a> honors an individual between the ages of 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully to global problem-solving. The winner will receive a $250,000 grant to their organization or social enterprise to enable its continued growth. </p> <p>Candidates, who we’re proud to announce today, were judged by a panel of representatives from Global Citizen and Cisco, as well as activists and leaders in the international development field. All candidates were evaluated against five equally-weighted criteria, including impact, vision, catalyst, global citizenship, and technology innovation.</p> <p>The prize ceremony marks the pinnacle of the two-day <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/">Global Citizen NOW Summit</a>, which will gather government leaders, private sector representatives, grassroots activists, cultural influencers, philanthropists, and journalists to address humanity's greatest challenges and will be held at Spring Studios in New York City on May 1 and 2, 2024. The ceremony will feature appearances by Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, media personality and entrepreneur Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, media personality and Global Citizen Advocate Berla Mundi, CEO of EIB Network and Empire Group Nat Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray) and Latin superstar and Grammy-nominated artist Rauw Alejandro, to name a few. The ceremony will feature live musical performances by four-time, Grammy-nominated country superstar Mickey Guyton, and violinist and composer Ezinma. Want to know more about the GC Now summit, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-prize-return-to-new-york-heres/">read our explainer here</a>. </p> <p><b>Get to know more about these champions of change, our 2024 prize winners, who are consistently igniting hope for a brighter future for all.</b></p> </div> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Richi.jpg " id="921023" title="Image - Richi.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Cisco Youth Leadership Award: Ricardo Enrique Alba Torres, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of Eko Group H2O+</b></p> <p>At 29, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/ricardo-enrique-alba-torres/">Ricardo Enrique Alba Torres</a>, an environmental engineer from Bogotá, Colombia, leads as the co-founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.ekogrouph2o.com/">Eko Group H2O+.</a> Through this social enterprise, he implements environmentally sustainable technologies to tackle water scarcity. </p> <p>Torres’ expertise has impacted over 150 communities, benefiting 15,000 active users with 350 Ekomuro H2O+ tanks installed across Colombia and Latin America at large, reaching over 85,000 indirect beneficiaries. The tank’s ability to alleviate water scarcity and aid the environment is two-fold: first by producing a tank that provides access to water for those who most need it, and then by recycling single-use plastic products. So how exactly does the Ekomuro tank work? “We interconnect 10 pipes or bottles, each has a capacity of 25 liters. So if you interconnect each one in a vertical way, you have a vertical tank of 250 liters of capacity in one Ekomuro model,” Torres explained. In 2023, Eko Group H2O+ received its second national honor as the winner of the Energy Globe Sustainability Award. This recognition garnered support from institutions like the Royal Academy of Engineering in London and One Young World. Torres’ commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact underscores his powerful leadership in addressing one of the world's most pressing challenges.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Lydia Charles Moyo profile photo.png " id="921024" title="Image - Lydia Charles Moyo profile photo.png"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Citizen Award, Tanzania: Lydia Charles Moyo, Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative and Innovator at Panda Digital</b></p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/lydia-charles-moyo/">Lydia Charles Moyo</a>, a 31-year-old Tanzanian feminist, is dedicated to empowering girls and young women through financial freedom through <a href="http://www.herinitiative.or.tz/">Her Initiative</a>. She founded this NGO to break poverty cycles and foster financial resilience for women in her community. </p> <p>She also innovated <a href="http://www.pandadigital.co.tz/">Panda Digital</a>, Tanzania's first Swahili e-learning platform for women, offering skills and social justice resources through AI-powered SMS technology. Moyo champions technology to combat gender-based violence, earning recognition from global organizations like the +1 Global Fund and the RoddenBerry Foundation.</p> <p>Moyo is an activist who advocates for youth funding decolonization, the mentorship of young women, and being vocal on gender equality, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She moderates events and panels, amplifying her impact in fostering economic empowerment and gender equity.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Olivier.jpg " id="921025" title="Image - Olivier.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Citizen Award, Democratic Republic of Congo: Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole, Maître / GREEN LAWYER at ACEDH</b></p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/olivier-bahemuke-ndoole/">Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole</a> is a Congolese environmental rights defender and lawyer hailing from North Kivu, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The 36 year-old has devoted his life's work to advocating for environmental rights, land rights, and land justice, focusing on climate disputes, energy transition, and the legal protection of environmental and land defenders. Olivier co-founded the NGO, <a href="https://www.acedhrdc.org/">Alerte Congolaise pour l'Environnement et les Droits de l'Homme,</a> in 2008, actively supporting and representing local communities, groups, and individuals who’ve been working against environmental injustices for over 15 years. </p> <p>Despite facing persecution, including recurring death threats and an attempted assassination, Ndoole remains steadfast in his commitment to securing justice for victims of land and environmental injustices in the DRC, particularly for at-risk and vulnerable groups like women and children. His resilience and dedication underscore his determination to bring about positive change despite the challenges he has faced.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Vishal.jpg " id="921092" title="Image - Vishal.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Citizen Award, Fiji: Vishal Prasad, Campaign Director at Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change</b></p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/vishal-prasad/">Vishal Prasad</a>, a 27-year-old hailing from Suva, Fiji, serves as the Campaign Director of <a href="https://www.pisfcc.org/">Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change</a>, a youth-led organization advocating for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change and human rights. </p> <p>A graduate in international politics and law from the University of the South Pacific, he has been actively involved in the ICJ advisory opinion movement since 2019. Additionally, Prasad is engaged in the global ICJ advisory opinion movement through the World’s Youth for Climate Justice. Focused on amplifying Pacific youth voices, Prasad champions the protection of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change. Through the ICJ advisory opinion campaign, he strives to ensure that the demands of Pacific youth are heard and addressed on a global scale.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - GCPrize_SophieHealyThow_UK_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-002.jpg " id="921090" title="Image - GCPrize_SophieHealyThow_UK_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-002.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Citizen Award, Ireland: Sophie Healy-Thow, Founder of Act4Food</b><br/> <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/sophie-healy-thow/">Sophie Healy-Thow</a>, aged 26, catalyzes global food system transformation through <a href="https://actions4food.org/en/">Act4Food</a>, a youth-led campaign she founded. As the Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator for the GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), Healy-Thow coordinates initiatives that aim to revolutionize food systems. </p> <p>Appointed by the UN Secretary-General, she is also a Lead Group member of the UN's Scaling Up Nutrition Movement and co-chair of the UN's Food Systems Summit Youth Liaison group. Recognized as one of the 10 women leaders in the Disney book “Choose to Matter,” Healy-Thow encourages young women to find their leadership potential. She was named by TIME magazine as one of the most influential teens, and by Food Tank as a Young Person Inspiring Change Across the Food System. Healy-Thow has also spoken at prestigious events like the Nobel Peace Prize and COP28, and has delivered a TEDx talk titled “Food Security, Everybody's Business.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Andrew.jpg " id="921091" title="Image - Andrew.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p><b>Citizen Award, Uganda: Andrew Ddembe, Founder &amp; Executive Director of MobiKlinic</b></p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/supporter/andrew-ddembe/">Andrew Ddembe</a>, aged 27, is a health equity advocate, health lawyer, CEO, and founder of <a href="https://mobiklinic.com/">Mobiklinic Foundation,</a> a digital health organization striving for improved last-mile health delivery and equitable vaccine access. </p> <p>Founded in 2018, Mobiklinic, under Ddembe’s leadership, has expanded access to healthcare and vaccines in the Buikwe region of eastern Uganda, and is also operational in Busia, western Kenya. Ddembe’s advocacy extends beyond his organization; he has served as a young expert in the African Union and European Union Youth Cooperation Hub. </p> <p>Presently, he represents and advocates for digital health on the World Health Organization’s Civil Society and Youth Commission, aiming to ease health and vaccine access. Ddembe envisions scaling Mobiklinic across Africa, empowering grassroots communities through the creation, utilization, and digital empowerment of community health workers. </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Mel Ndlovu</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:01:47 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/2024-global-citizen-prize-cisco-youth-leadership/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/05/90/0590a15e-52d2-4613-b91d-7e92baf1b3b7/untitled_design_9.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>This Cisco Youth Leadership Award Winner is Providing Safe Water Access to 85,000 People Across Latin America</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cisco-youth-leadership-award-ricardo-alba-torres/</link><description><p>Water is one of the most vital resources the world has, and as the climate crisis slowly sips the earth dry of the finite resource, out-of-the-box innovations are the key to making sure those in need continue to have access to it. </p> <p>Enter this year’s Cisco Youth Leadership Award Winner: Ricardo Alba Torres. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 921094 " id="921094" title="Embeddable Action - 921094"></cms-plugin> <p>What started as a high school project for the now 29-year-old environmental engineer, has turned into a lifeline for 85,000 citizens across Latin America. Torres, who hails from Bogotá, Colombia, is the co-founder and CEO of Eko Group H2O+, a social enterprise that uses inventive technologies and recycled materials to tackle water scarcity. </p> <p>The enterprise’s key product, the Ekomuro water tank, was created as a direct response to the growing water crisis across the region. Better yet? It was conceptualized in a classroom 15 years ago, with the help of one of Torres’ lifelong teachers. </p> <p>“We started with the project when I was in high school, and it was a science school project,” Torres told Global Citizen. “The leader of the project was my father — and my mom is a teacher too. So I was involved in these kinds of environmental projects when I was a child and for that reason, I started studying environmental engineering at university with the goal to increase the impact of our project.”</p> <p>Torres’ father, Ricardo Alba Aldana now works directly with his son and stands as the second co-founder of Eko Group H20+. It’s a family affair as his mother and sister are part of the business too — with his mother, Nancy Torres Bello, bringing her natural sciences background into the work, and his sister, Jessica Alba Torres, running the front-facing part of the business including graphic design and marketing. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Slideshow - 924734 " id="924734" title="Slideshow - 924734"></cms-plugin> <p>The invention of the Ekomuro water tank could not come any sooner, as the Latin America region is experiencing some of the worst that the global water crisis has to give. <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/latinamerica/latin-american-climate-crisis-also-water-crisis-how-do-we-move-forward">The World Bank estimates that roughly 150 million people</a>, or a quarter of Latin America and the Caribbean’s population, live in high water-scarce areas — and it’s predicted that those numbers are set to increase with the growing negative impact of the climate catastrophe. </p> <p>The way Torres’ Ekomuro water tank tackles this, is two-fold: first by producing a tank that provides access to water for those who most need it, and then by recycling single-use plastic products (that we know are major culprits when it comes to climate change) in the creation of this water tank. </p> <p>“We created a system with trash — I say trash because we use PET bottles and we use pipes that when they finish their life-cycle, are trash,” Torres said. “So we use the principle of the circular economy in order to renew this material and they become something else from this trash.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921096 " id="921096" title="Related Stories - 921096"></cms-plugin></p> <p>So how exactly does the Ekomuro tank work? </p> <p>“We interconnect 10 of these pipes or bottles, each bottle or pipe has a capacity of 25 liters. So if you interconnect each one in a vertical way, you have a vertical tank of 250 liters of capacity in one Ekomuro model,” Torres explained.</p> <p>He added that the compact design of the product is a purposeful spacesaver, explaining: “We call it Ekomuro because in English it's ‘Eco Wall’. ‘Muro’ is wall in English, so you can harvest water or collect rainwater in a wall, and the capacity of each wall is 250 liters. What is the main difference between the Ekomuro tank and another common tank that you can buy in a retail store? It’s that you can install it on a wall and you don't need to have the same space that you need to have with a big tank.” </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - GCPrize_Ricardo Alba Torres_Colombia_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-079.jpg " id="925046" title="Image - GCPrize_Ricardo Alba Torres_Colombia_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-079.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Already the <a href="https://en.ekogrouph2o.com/ekomuro-h2o">social enterprise lists</a> that the invention works on three of the UN’s Global Goals: Goal 6 which calls for access to clean water and sanitation for all people, Goal 11 for sustainable cities, and Goal 13 which calls for urgent climate action. </p> <p>However, we’d argue that there are more goals that the water tank impacts. As the invention prioritizes circular economy production methods, it directly touches on Goal 12 for sustainable production and consumption patterns. And finally, the added benefit of a purifying water filter that allows consumers to drink water directly from the tank (a rarity in the rainwater tank industry), means that the invention also ensures the good health and well-being of consumers in avoiding waterborne diseases, which impacts Goal 3. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921097 " id="921097" title="Related Stories - 921097"></cms-plugin></p> <p>On the latter, Torres explained: “Our Ekomuro works like a tank that you buy in the hardware store, in that you harvest , but we install some filters that work by inverse osmosis and so it provides drinkable water directly from this rainwater that we actually harvested in the Ekomuro tank. It brings safe water to communities around the world.” </p> <p>The inclusion of the filter came from understanding the communities’ needs, as a lot of the Eko Group H20+ beneficiaries, a large number of them being schools, are in need of instant access to safe drinking water.</p> <p>As the recipient of the 2024 Cisco Youth Leadership Award, Torres and Eko Group H20+ will receive US$250,000 to further the impact of the social enterprise’s work. An annual prize, the award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to celebrate and uplift young people who are positively impacting the world, and to identify young leaders who are using their skills and resources to work towards achieving the Global Goals and ending extreme poverty. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - GCPrize_Ricardo Alba Torres_Colombia_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-066.jpg " id="925047" title="Image - GCPrize_Ricardo Alba Torres_Colombia_SuhailPatelforGlobalCitizen-066.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Torres told Global Citizen that he and the team already have big plans for continuing the work they’ve started, including expanding the social enterprise to neighboring countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Panama, through the strategic engagement of stakeholders and partnerships — and thanks to the prize, they can get going. </p> <p>“We have very big goals for the next few years,” Torres told Global Citizen. “We want to impact nearly 3 million people from Latin America who don't have access to safe water. That's a goal that we have for 2030.” </p> <p>The environmental engineer also explained that the award will be helpful in introducing a sustainable monitoring process through the implementation of IOT (or the Internet of Things) on the Ekomuro tanks. This would help assess essential information and feedback from the tanks in order to continue to improve the user experience of the product, and to ensure that it continues to do its job effectively. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 921098 " id="921098" title="Related Stories - 921098"></cms-plugin></p> <p>What’s more, Torres told Global Citizen that the hope is to also introduce the Ekomuro into retail stores in order to make it available to the masses who need access to affordable and reliable water sources.</p> <p>As if those plans weren’t big enough, the enterprise has also recently introduced an innovation called the Ekomuro Urban Concept. Similar to the design of an electrical substation, this new product doesn’t need previous infrastructure, like the wall the traditional Ekomuro product uses, for the stability it requires to collect and distribute water. Making it easily available to several open spaces.</p> <p>“We can install it in schools, in parks, in malls, in concerts, that’s our idea, we want to bring safe drinking water to where people are,” Torres said. </p> <p></p> <p>Before hitting 30, Torres has already started to make an impressive imprint in the business of changing and improving the lives of the people in and around his community. To those who are hoping to do the same, he has this to say:</p> <p>“I think that it’s super important to believe in yourself. I learned this important part from my father because all his life he was an entrepreneur with new ideas and inventions. I think that he believed, and I learned that from my father — believe in yourself and be confident.” </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Khanyi Mlaba</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:00:43 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cisco-youth-leadership-award-ricardo-alba-torres/</guid><category>Water & Sanitation</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/c9/ba/c9baa2e7-df54-4793-9a3c-d40d2ca1831e/gcprize_ricardo_alba_torres_colombia_suhailpatelforglobalcitizen-022.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Suhail Patel for GlobalCitizen</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Yes, Child Marriage Exists in the US. Here’s Why — and How State-by-State Efforts Aim to End It.</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/yes-child-marriage-exists-in-the-us-heres-why-and/</link><description><p>Does the term “child marriage” conjure images of young brides in Bangladesh or Uganda? That would be understandable, as those are among the countries with the world’s highest rates of under-18 marriages among girls — 51% and 34%, respectively.</p> <p>But the human-rights abuse is also taking place right in the United States, where nearly 300,000 minors, most of them girls, were married between 2000 and 2018 — despite the US being one of 193 countries promising to end child marriage by 2030 as part of the United Nation’s Global Goals.</p> <p>It’s that worldwide focus which, while vital, can sometimes condition Americans to think child marriage is not an issue here, says Alex Goyette, public policy manager at the<a href="https://preventforcedmarriage.org/"> Tahirih Justice Center’s Forced Marriage Initiative</a>. But it is, he says, “and if we want to end it globally, we have to end it in the US. Because we are part of that globe.”</p> <p><strong>What is child marriage?</strong></p> <p>In a child marriage, one or both people are under 18 at the time of the wedding.</p> <p>A forced marriage, meanwhile, is one in which one or both people do not give full and free consent and can occur at any age; it is globally recognized as a form of modern slavery, and recognized nationally as a human rights abuse that prevents gender equality.</p> <p>All child marriage is considered forced marriage by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, while the US State Department considers it a form of child abuse and a human rights abuse. </p> <p><strong>Why does child marriage typically occur in the US?</strong></p> <p>An April 2024 <a href="https://www.populationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PI-Behind-Closed-Door-REPORT_FINAL.pdf">Population Institute report</a> notes that while US drivers are not fully known, they sometimes include religious communities and systems that value girls’ virginity.</p> <p>“It’s almost always a girl married to an adult man who is an average of four years older,” notes founder/executive director of the survivor-led US nonprofit <a href="https://www.unchainedatlast.org/">Unchained At Last</a> Fraidy Reiss, who adds that, according to anecdotal evidence, “It’s happening everywhere — every race, every ethnicity, every socio-economic level. It’s a gender-violence issue that’s not limited to any one community.”</p> <p>The common factor in all cases, notes Goyette, is “a patriarchal desire to control a girl’s body.”</p> <p><strong>What are the negative impacts of child marriage in the US?</strong></p> <p>The detrimental effects, according to<a href="https://www.icrw.org/publications/child-marriage-in-the-united-states-a-synthesis-of-evidence-on-the-prevalence-impact/"> a 2020 report</a> by the International Center for Research on Women, include the interruption of education, higher likelihood of poverty, poor physical and mental health (including increased risks of diabetes, cancer, heart attack, stroke, or depression), and being particularly prone to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Further, <a href="https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/530891498511398503/economic-impacts-of-child-marriage-global-synthesis-report">a report by the World Bank</a> found that these negative impacts translate into a “very high” economic cost for both the individual and society at large.</p> <p>“It has changed the trajectory of my life,” Mandy Havlik tells Global Citizen about being forced by her parents and pressured by her Christian fundamentalist community to marry an older man when she was just 17. “I believed it was going to better their standing in the church,” says Havlik, who tried breaking up with the man, running away, and getting emancipated until she had “exhausted every resource.”</p> <p>She left the marriage at 20. Now 42, living in San Diego with her new husband and two children, Havlik thinks about all that was lost — a scholarship she was forced to give up, the church that excommunicated her — but is “empowered” by fighting for anti-child-marriage legislation in California.</p> <p><strong>The slow road to legal protections</strong></p> <p>In 2018, Delaware and New Jersey became the first two states to outlaw marriage under 18. That was followed in the same year by American Samoa; in 2020 by the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota; in 2021 by Rhode Island and New York; in 2022 by Massachusetts; and in 2023 by Vermont, Connecticut, and Michigan.</p> <p>Just last month, the state of Washington banned minors from marriage, with Gov. Jay Inslee signing House Bill 1455, and this week, <a href="https://www.unchainedatlast.org/virginia-just-ended-child-marriage/">the state of Virginia passed its bill</a> and it was signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday, April 8.</p> <p>That still leaves 38 states in which child marriage is legal — including Texas, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Alabama, which have the highest incidences, according to the ICRW report.</p> <p>But next up to change that could be California, which started out as a leader in the move to ban child marriage by introducing legislation in 2017 but added safeguards for minors to marry due to pressure from outside groups. Since then, an estimated 8,700 children were married there in 2021 alone, as it’s just one of just four states (with New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi) with no minimum age for marriage.</p> <p>“It is absolutely shocking, it is horrifying, and it is time we finally end this outrageous practice,” noted Calif. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) in February, when she<a href="https://a73.asmdc.org/press-releases/20240221-assemblymember-petrie-norris-and-survivors-announce-bill-fully-end-state"> introduced a state bill</a>, sponsored by Unchained At Last, to end all child marriage in the state. That bill now awaits a hearing in the assembly’s judiciary committee, scheduled for April 23.</p> <p>“There’s a lot to feel hopeful about in California,” says Reiss, noting the bill’s 30 coauthors. “We are in a stronger position now than we ever have been, and public support is on our side.”</p> <p>Also hopeful are New Hampshire, whose senate unanimously passed a bill to end child marriage in early March.</p> <p><strong>So what can we do?</strong></p> <p>Call your state representatives — especially if you live in states with pending legislation — and let them know you support bills to end all marriage before 18 with no exceptions.</p> <p>“I was stuck,” Havlik says. “And I’m not saying that at 18 you get this wisdom to pick your life partner. It really has to do with the legal capacity — and the ability to get out of the situation if you choose to do so.”</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Beth Greenfield</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:13:51 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/yes-child-marriage-exists-in-the-us-heres-why-and/</guid><category>Girls & Women</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/eb/f1/ebf1d32d-1ade-4eeb-974e-e85e276137f1/child-marriage-stock-dresses.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Charisse Kenion/Unsplash</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Celebrating Women’s Voices: Verizon Community Leaders Share Their Female Icons</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/celebrating-womens-voices-verizon-community-leader/</link><description><p>In honour of Women's History Month this year, Verizon, in partnership with Global Citizen, spotlighted extraordinary women – from historic leaders to personal connections – who inspire change. Chosen by women leaders, these names represent resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment – embodying the true essence of courage, vision, and empowerment. From groundbreaking tech innovators to compassionate educators, their narratives captivate with a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing both the depth and diversity of their contributions. Join us in celebrating these remarkable women as we honor their legacies and the spirit of Women's History Month.</p> <p>Verizon has been a partner of Global Citizen, an action platform dedicated to achieving the end of extreme poverty powered by millions of Global Citizens, since 2018. To learn more about what we’ve accomplished together, visit this <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/partners/verizon/">link</a>.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 915828 " id="915828" title="Embeddable Action - 915828"></cms-plugin> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Jennifer Artley " id="915829" title="Image - Jennifer Artley"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <p><b>Name: Jennifer Artley<br/> Title: Senior Vice President, 5G Acceleration, Verizon Business<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Temple Grandin</b></p> <p>I became inspired by Temple Grandin several years ago after watching a movie about her life. Temple is autistic and grew up in an era where brains like hers weren’t understood. In fact, her early diagnosis was “brain damage,” but her brain worked just fine — just differently.</p> <p>Temple is a visual thinker. Her brain works in photographic-specific images. This ability served her work well. She studied cattle behavior and the systems being used in commercial slaughterhouses, and her brain could see how elements of movement, light, and design were leading to animal stress and injury — which are both costly for the cattle house and inhumane. She is credited with revolutionizing the process with curved corrals and adaptations, but initially, it wasn’t an easy pitch to ranchers who were stuck in their ways.</p> <p>In the end, her diverse way of thinking created solutions serving the business, the consumer, and the livestock. When I build teams, I build them with diverse minds. I am less interested in “how we’ve always done it” and more in “how we can do it better and in service of the customer, the business, and the holistic ecosystem.”</p> <hr/> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Marisol Carabello " id="915830" title="Image - Marisol Carabello"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <p><b>Name: Marisol Carabello<br/> Title: Visual Arts Teacher at Hawkins Street School, a </b><a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/verizon-innovative-learning"><b>Verizon Innovative Learning</b></a><b> school, in Newark, N.J.<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Dr. Maya Angelou</b></p> <p>At 49, I have been fortunate enough to learn about and draw inspiration from a plethora of historic and iconic female figures. Among the myriad of women who have inspired me are artist Frida Kahlo, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg, all for evident reasons.</p> <p>That being said, if I were to choose just one overriding inspirational iconic female figure, I would have to say it is Dr. Maya Angelou, also known as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She inspires my love for humanity, respect for all individuals, and deep regard for the human condition. She famously spoke of having many “Rainbows in her Clouds.”</p> <p>The Rainbows in her Clouds represented all the people throughout her life whom she carried with her in moments when she needed the most support and help. These individuals she held dear came from diverse backgrounds: different races, creeds, religions, genders, abilities, and orientations. Dr. Angelou possessed a profound respect for all human beings. In the spirit of honoring this remarkable icon, I aspire every day to be a Rainbow in Someone's Cloud, as Dr. Maya Angelou so gracefully affirmed. </p> <hr/> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - VEsther_Goode.jpg " id="915831" title="Image - VEsther_Goode.jpg"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <p><b>Name: V’Esther Goode<br/> Title: Owner of Boomer’s Kitchen and Catering in Philadelphia, PA, and </b><a href="https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/"><b>Verizon Small Business Digital Ready</b></a><b> grantee<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Ms. Robbie from Sweetie Pies</b></p> <p>Ms. Robbie from Sweetie Pies (previously aired on OWN Network) is a role model of mine. I used to watch her and observe how she built up her restaurant. I always admired how she ensured her family remained an integral part of her business. That's something I prioritize now in my own life. I ensure my family and closest friends are always with me. When family is present, nothing but love fills your pots and the hearts of your customers. That's my goal — to keep everyone full of food and love when they encounter us.</p> <hr/> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Crystal Morris " id="915832" title="Image - Crystal Morris"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <p><strong>Name: Crystal Morris<br/> Title: Engineer Software Developer at Verizon + <a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/human-prosperity/reskilling-program">Verizon Skill Forward</a> Graduate<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Daughter, Mariam Aftab</strong></p> <p>The woman who has inspired me the most is my own daughter, Mariam Aftab. Though younger than me, obviously, I personally know most of her struggles, many of which were much harder than my own. Yet she never gave up, and she fought back against the odds. She knew at a young age that education was the way out of poverty, and she wasn't settling for just getting by. She maintained top grades and graduated from high school, which in my family was a significant achievement. She then paid for and completed her bachelor's degree without any financial help. Securing a career in her field, she remained in that role until she outgrew it. Now, she is preparing to start her master's degree, having taken on a new role that challenges her in ways the previous one didn't. She never quits; giving up is not an option.</p> <hr/> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Abby Knowles " id="915833" title="Image - Abby Knowles"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> <br/> </p> <p><b>Name: Abby Knowles<br/> Title: Vice President, Consumer Group IT Technology &amp; Transformation, Verizon<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Oprah Winfrey</b></p> <p>One woman who has inspired me is Oprah Winfrey. As I've followed her story over the years, one thing was clear: Oprah bet on herself. But she also used her self-belief to lift others up around her. She has had a significant impact on not just the lives of people, but also organizations, institutions, and policies, all from the power of believing in herself and doing what she loves most. She has inspired me to take risks and to believe and advocate for myself, especially when others have been unsure of my capabilities. As we emerge into the post-pandemic era and the age of artificial intelligence, we will need to energize and lift up each other as we chart a new course of how we work and create social impact. We will need to believe in ourselves enough to take risks and build a sustainable world that maximizes the talents of people amidst rapid change. But as a technologist, most importantly for me, it is crucial that we ensure new technologies help amplify the superpowers that humans bring to the world.</p> <hr/> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Traci Sanders " id="915839" title="Image - Traci Sanders"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> </p> <p><b>Name: Traci Sanders <br/> Title: Vice President, Global Head of DE&amp;I, Verizon<br/> Who She’s Inspired By: Her Mother</b></p> <p>Reflecting on the women who have molded my passion and purpose, my thoughts quickly turn to my mother. Her journey, marked by resilience and boundless love, has been the cornerstone of my inspiration. Raising seven children, mostly on her own, she navigated the complexities of balancing work and family with a grace that left a mark on my heart. Her roles often came with rigid schedules, scarcely leaving room for the nurturing moments that knit a young family together. Yet, against these odds, she ensured that we not only survived but thrived, instilling in us the values of empathy, perseverance, and the importance of education. It is a reminder of the collective effort required to foster environments where the work I do to support diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just buzzwords, but the very pillars upon which communities are built.</p> <hr/> <p>These extraordinary women exemplify the boundless potential and resilience within each of us. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let’s not only honor these remarkable figures but also embrace the collective journey towards equity and inclusion. Our campaign on <a href="https://www.womensemailsignature.com/">Celebrating Women’s Voices</a> serves as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to amplifying female voices and recognizing their historic contributions. Through initiatives like generating custom email<a href="https://www.womensemailsignature.com/"> signatures</a> that pay tribute to women who changed history, Verizon inspires both senders and receivers with every message. By highlighting the accomplishments of women throughout history, these messages empower individuals to recognize the power of their own voices and the impact they can make. In these voices lies the power to reshape our world, break barriers, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow where every individual, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and shine.</p></description><pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:23:10 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/celebrating-womens-voices-verizon-community-leader/</guid><category>Girls & Women</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/1f/2f/1f2fbac6-eabd-4f60-927e-090a0d353316/vesther_goode.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Reflecting on Resilience: Commemorating 30 Years Since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/reflecting-on-resilience-commemorating-30-years-si/</link><description><p><span><span><span>As we solemnly mark the 30th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, our hearts ache with the weight of the atrocities endured by this resilient nation. It stands as a stark reminder of one of humanity's darkest moments, where the world turned a blind eye to the cries of the country’s people. In just 100 days, over a million Tutsi lives were brutally taken, and Rwanda was left in ruins, its very essence shattered by the horror of genocide.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Yet, amidst the pain and devastation that lives on today in the shadow of a horrifying past, there shines a glimmer of hope – a testament to the resilience and strength of the Rwandan spirit. Kwibuka, meaning "commemoration" in Kinyarwanda, is more than just a word; it embodies the commitment to honor the memory of those who lost their lives while forging a path towards unity and development. It is a promise to never forget, to learn from the past, and to build a future where such horrors can never take root again.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The actions of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in halting the genocide and establishing a new government on July 19, 1994, marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards healing and reconciliation. Recognizing the deep-seated causes of the genocide, was a pre-requisite for embarking on a multifaceted approach to rebuild the nation. Rebuilding trust, fostering reconciliation, teaching tolerance, and respecting diversity are strategies that the government, in collaboration with the private sector and civil society organizations, put in place to correct the dehumanization, division, and discrimination that led to genocide.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Enormous efforts were made, mainly through education. New school curricula, teaching and learning materials, especially on history and citizenship, as well as values that promote living together harmoniously, contributed to a better understanding of the genocide and its consequences. Through education, values of tolerance, respect, and unity, would be instilled, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious society.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In the wake of destruction, Rwandans dared to dream of a brighter tomorrow. They decided to take their destiny into their own hands, and there was a collective reflection about what the future should look like. Vision 2020, a blueprint for the nation's rebirth,was born out of collective determination. Through initiatives like Ndi Umunyarwanda (I am Rwandan), the nation reaffirmed a shared identity and commitment to a common future. As the culmination of Vision 2020 nears, the nation sets its sights on Vision 2050 and remains steadfast in the pursuit of progress by focusing on five areas: quality of life, modern infrastructure and livelihoods, transformation for prosperity, aspirations and shared values as a society, and international cooperation and positioning.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Through Visions 2020 and 2050, Rwanda is on a promising and prosperous path to development. Importance was given to social transformation through different programs such as improving healthcare, bolstering education, and providing support such as the "Gira Inka" program, which consists of providing cows (a valuable asset) to poor families.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Today, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world, with an inclusive economic growth model which prioritizes gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. Notably, women comprise the majority of the Parliament (61%) and the majority of the Cabinet (52%) — resulting in the most gender equal parliament in the world. Since the population is growing, the country is investing significant resources in agribusiness and is also setting a trajectory towards a net-zero emission future and climate-resilient urbanization.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Rwanda has partnered with the University of Rwanda Center of Excellence for Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, African Leadership University, BioNTech, and Cooper Pharma to invest in research and development. Through innovative partnerships like these and investments in research and development, the nation is harnessing the power of technology to address the challenges of tomorrow.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Amidst the triumphs and progress, we must never forget the journey that brought the nation to where it is today. The scars of the past serve as a reminder of shared humanity and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. It is through the collective efforts of every Rwandan, guided by the principles of self-determination, solidarity, and dignity, that they have emerged from the shadows of despair into the light of hope.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In just thirty years following an apocalypse-adjacent experience that nearly erased Rwanda from the world's map, Rwandans have been motivated by the decisions to reconcile and unite as one, to envision grand possibilities, and to safeguard their shared accomplishments.</span></span></span></p> <p><br/> <span><span><i><span>Jean-Damasc</span></i><i><span><span>è</span></span></i><i><span>ne Gasanabo is the former director-general of the National Research and Documentation Center on Genocide at Rwanda's National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide. His research interests focus on the construction of exclusive identities in Rwanda from 1962 to 1994. He previously worked within UNESCO headquarters in Paris as an education consultant. From 2006 to 2008, Gasanabo was head of support in charge of research and communications at Geneva Call, an international humanitarian organization dedicated to engaging armed groups to end the use of anti-personnel mines. Gasanabo received his Ph.D. in education from the University of Geneva, Switzerland.</span></i></span></span></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Jean-Damascene Gasanabo</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:21:52 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/reflecting-on-resilience-commemorating-30-years-si/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/d8/58/d858b621-9f24-4525-a732-780d7f04200e/screenshot_2024-04-05_at_181642.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Global Citizens Are Calling on the UK to Restore Their International Aid Budgets</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizens-uk-development/</link><description><p>Dear Global Citizens,</p> <p>For the first time in a generation we are seeing an increase of extreme poverty as a result of major world challenges like economic instability, rising inflation, the climate emergency, pandemic recovery and conflicts all over the world. Increasing inequality and climate change threaten to undo a generation’s progress of ending extreme poverty and the most vulnerable communities across the globe are the most impacted. Ending poverty at home and abroad requires working together.</p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 868534 " id="868534" title="Embeddable Action - 868534"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p>The challenges the world is facing makes life for us all, including in the UK, less secure and more uncertain. We must act now to transform global systems so that we can unlock the potential of tomorrow by investing in the levers and policies needed for change TODAY. </p> <p>We need parliamentary decision makers and policy influencers like you to say yes to keeping the UK’s promises to the world's poorest.</p> <p>The UK needs to restore its international development and climate leadership by seriously tackling the global challenges of the 21st century. The world has less than a decade to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, therefore it is imperative we act NOW – for the planet and for people at home and abroad. </p> <p>Join Global Citizen to call for support policies that will restore the UK’s international development leadership and ensure the UK keeps its promise towards the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities across the globe in the fight against extreme poverty, pandemics, hunger and climate change. </p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Global Citizen </p></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizens-uk-development/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/ba/70/ba70aa63-2b3f-4699-bc3c-7f93697cf45a/climate-marches-uk-protests-002.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Matt Dunham/AP</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Extreme Poverty: Everything You Need to Know</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/extreme-poverty-definition-statistics-rate/</link><description><p>Each day, millions of people <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day">around the world face</a> the daily struggle of poverty, which often means making tough decisions on things that can have big consequences — like choosing between food or health care, or work and child care.</p> <p>The United Nations (UN) has set a bold objective of <a href="https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/ending-poverty">ending systemic poverty</a> within our lifetime with the introduction of “<a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-goals-sustainable-development-progress/">The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</a>” — an urgent initiative adopted by all 193 UN member states to meet 17 intersectional goals that aim together to address extreme poverty in all its forms. </p> <p>World leaders gathered at the UN headquarters in 2015 to address this disparity and set 17 Global Goals, including Goal 1: No Poverty, which aims to "end poverty in all its forms everywhere."</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 876027 " id="876027" title="Embeddable Action - 876027"></cms-plugin> <p>For three decades, poverty rates around the world <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview">were declining</a>, but that trend ended in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruption — and the cost of the pandemic was highest for the world's poorest.</p> <p>As part of the overall mission to end poverty, the 17 Global Goals provide a roadmap to help end hunger, achieve <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/shocking-facts-gender-inequality-international-wom/">gender equality</a>, ensure health care for all, protect biodiversity, restore the world’s oceans, and much more. Achieving these goals requires international participation like never before — for poverty to be eradicated in our lifetime, governments, civil society groups, businesses, and individuals must work together.</p> <p>But with fewer than 10 years left to meet the UN's critical deadline, here is everything you need to know about poverty and how the world can take action to eradicate it. </p> <h4><b>What Is Poverty?</b></h4> <p>Poverty is a deeply complex issue rooted in oppression and systems that deny communities full access to dignity and resources that could help them thrive. Because of this, there is no single poverty definition, but its impacts are far reaching and impact millions of people around the world.</p> <p>Poverty affects every aspect of a person’s life and holds back human potential. Eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 is the United Nations’ number one goal for sustainable development.</p> <h4><b>The 3 Biggest Facts About Poverty That You Should Know</b></h4> <ul> <li>Nearly half the world’s population live below the poverty line, according to the <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day">World Bank</a>. </li> <li>Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, as highlighted by <a href="https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/global-poverty-facts">World Vision. </a></li> <li>Ending extreme poverty by 2030 is the United Nations’ <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/poverty/">number one goal</a>. </li> </ul> <h4><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 876028 " id="876028" title="Related Stories - 876028"></cms-plugin></h4> <h4><b>What Is Multidimensional Poverty?</b></h4> <p>While most countries define poverty solely in terms of money, people experiencing poverty perceive it as a much broader experience. </p> <p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/multidimensional-poverty-un/">Multidimensional poverty</a> is the concept that poverty is more than just income, and also includes — but is not limited to — education, health, living standards, access to basic services, social inclusion, and empowerment.</p> <p>According to a 2022 <a href="https://hdr.undp.org/content/2022-global-multidimensional-poverty-index-mpi#/indicies/MPI">UN Development Programme</a> report, when considering multidimensional aspects, it is estimated that 1.2 billion people across 111 developing countries experience multidimensional poverty.</p> <p>Living in poverty often entails facing multiple disadvantages simultaneously, such as poor health, malnutrition, <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/water-inequality/">lack of clean water</a> or electricity, low-quality employment, or limited access to education. </p> <p>Simply concentrating on a single factor, like income, fails to capture the full reality of poverty.</p> <h4><b>What Is the Difference Between Poverty and Extreme Poverty?</b></h4> <p>Extreme poverty is defined as living on less than the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/understanding-poverty#:~:text=Note%20on%20global%20poverty%20lines,2011%20PPP%20in%20previous%20editions.">International Poverty Line</a> (IPL) of $2.15 per day. The IPL reflects the median of poverty lines in low-income countries. There are about 648 million people, or 8% of the global population, living in extreme poverty, <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day#:~:text=Almost%20a%20quarter%20of%20the,Poverty%20and%20Shared%20Prosperity%20report.">according to the World Bank</a>. </p> <p>There are two further poverty lines that the <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day#:~:text=Almost%20a%20quarter%20of%20the,Poverty%20and%20Shared%20Prosperity%20report.">World Bank also reports on</a>, which are higher and help monitor poverty as countries grow and living standards improve. These are currently at $3.65 and $6.85, reflecting poverty lines among lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries respectively. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 876029 " id="876029" title="Related Stories - 876029"></cms-plugin></p> <p><a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day#:~:text=Almost%20a%20quarter%20of%20the,Poverty%20and%20Shared%20Prosperity%20report.">Almost a quarter</a> of the global population, 23%, lives below the $3.65 poverty line; while <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/half-global-population-lives-less-us685-person-day#:~:text=Almost%20a%20quarter%20of%20the,Poverty%20and%20Shared%20Prosperity%20report.">almost half of the global population</a>, 47%, lives below the $6.85 poverty line.</p> <p>The poverty lines represent a specific income level below which it becomes difficult, even impossible, for people to afford essentials like food and shelter. Each country establishes its own poverty line by assessing the cost of meeting minimum needs. Households with incomes below this line are classified as living in poverty.</p> <p>The international poverty line is used to assess global poverty levels and gauge how international <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/Poverty-and-the-breadline/">crises affect vulnerable communities</a>. </p> <p>Yet there is no single cause of extreme poverty because many factors play a role. Rampant discrimination, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/women-extreme-poverty-un-report/">gender inequality</a>, lack of education, and <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/children-in-conflict-save-the-children-report/">conflict and crisis</a> can all limit access to infrastructure, services, and information that help provide basic needs, which in turn traps <a href="https://concernusa.org/what-we-do/cycle-of-poverty/">individuals and families in a cycle of poverty</a>. </p> <h4><b>Who Is Most Affected by Poverty?</b></h4> <p>Poverty affects various groups of people, disproportionately impacting certain demographics and historically marginalized communities, like children and women.</p> <p>This also includes the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2023/global-aging-report.html">elderly</a>, <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/disability">people with disabilities</a>, Indigenous communities, refugees and internally displaced people, who are also <a href="https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/">especially vulnerable</a> to poverty. </p> <p>Lack of access to adequate nutrition, health care, education, and safe living conditions can have long-lasting consequences on development and future opportunities for these groups. </p> <p>Children are more likely to live in poverty than adults and they’re also more vulnerable to its effects. About<a href="https://www.unicef.org/social-policy/child-poverty"> 1 billion children</a> worldwide are multidimensionally poor, meaning they lack basic necessities like nutrition or clean water. A further <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/covid-19-multidimensional-poverty/">150 million</a> children have been plunged into multidimensional poverty due to COVID-19.</p> <p>As a result of barriers in education, employment, and/or property ownership, <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/why-majority-worlds-poor-are-women">women are more likely</a> to experience poverty than men. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 876030 " id="876030" title="Related Stories - 876030"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><b>How Can We End Global Poverty?</b></h4> <p>Ending poverty is a complex issue, especially in fragile <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview">countries facing conflict and crisis</a>. As we’ve seen in the last few years, even when we see progress in ending poverty, these gains are fragile and can always reverse. </p> <p>The COVID-19 crisis caused the biggest setback to poverty reduction in decades, with countries still recovering from its ongoing impacts. </p> <p>Ending poverty is not just about raising a person’s income, but also their access to things like water, health, education, housing, and security. Bringing everyone above the extreme poverty line of $2.15 a day is only the first step.</p> <p>Together, we can make progress towards a world free from poverty and ensure that every individual has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. </p> <p>By working together and taking action, including <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/take-action/">taking action with Global Citizen</a>, we can create a world where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to live a dignified life. </p> <p>By empowering communities, ensuring equal access to education and health care, promoting inclusive economic growth, combating the climate emergency and its impacts, and addressing the systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty, we can end poverty around the world. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/take-action/">Get started taking action in the mission to end poverty today</a>. </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Angi Varrial</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/extreme-poverty-definition-statistics-rate/</guid><category>The Movement</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/b1/0d/b10d523f-3877-470b-8624-13602761a902/extreme-poverty-un-explainer-001.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Kibae Park/UN Photo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>I Was Married At 13, And Now I Work To End Child Marriage In India.</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/child-marriage-activist-protecting-children-india/</link><description><p><i>The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that </i><a href="https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/end-child-marriage"><i>at least 1.5 million girls under 18 are married off in India, and that nearly 16% of adolescent girls aged 15 - 19 in the country are currently married.</i></a><i> </i></p> <p><i>Child marriage has a devastating impact on children’s education and livelihoods, often contributing to high levels of poverty and inequality as large numbers of girls and boys who are married young do not complete their schooling. This in addition to the sexual and physical violence that overwhelmingly occurs in conjunction with child marriage. According to Plan.org, </i><a href="https://plan-international.org/publications/child-marriage-in-india/"><i>more than 40% of the world’s child marriages take place in India </i></a><i>with over 50% of girls being married off before they are 18. </i></p> <p> </p> <p><i>Roshni Perween is a </i><a href="https://www.youngactivistssummit.org/2023-activists/"><i>2023 Young Activist Summit</i></a><i> laureate who was married at 13 and, following her escape from her marriage, has dedicated her life to ensuring child marriage is eradicated in India. What’s more is that civic space in India is considered to be </i><a href="https://monitor.civicus.org/country/india/"><i>repressed by the CIVICUS Monitor</i></a><i>. In addition to dealing with a shrinking civic space, Roshni highlights that her work is often at odds with prevailing patriarchal views of women and girls. </i></p> <p><i>Here she shares her story of how she’s slowly changing perceptions about child marriage. </i></p> <hr/> <p><i><strong>Editor’s note: </strong>This article includes mentions of self-harm and abuse. </i></p> <p>My name is Roshni Perween and I am a social activist working in the issue of ending child marriage. I am from Kishanganj in the Bihar district, which sits on the international border of Nepal and Bangladesh, in the West Bengal state of India.</p> <p>My father worked a low-income job, my mother was a homemaker, and I have two older brothers. We belonged to a very remote village where I did my primary schooling. At the age of 13, I got married to a man who was over 40 years old. Following my marriage I suffered a great deal. I was brutally tortured and raped [by my husband]. I was also tortured physically and mentally, and sexually harassed by the in-laws as well. After all these atrocities I endured in the marriage, I begged to move back to my father's place, which I was able to do after two years in the marriage.</p> <p>After leaving my marriage, I returned to father’s home in my community where child marriage is prevalent. Since I had returned from my in-laws, and there is stigma around that, I was not supported by my father's family. For the next three years, I was in a severe depression. I attempted suicide multiple times.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 918347 " id="918347" title="Related Stories - 918347"></cms-plugin></p> <p>As a result of the marital rape, I had become pregnant as a teenager and became a young mother. I was also not given enough food while at home, and after years of depression both my child and I were malnourished. That’s when my motherly instinct took over and I decided that I had to look for work so I could provide for me and my son. So I joined a school where I worked for a few months, but because of a patriarchal society they didn’t view me well, so I had to leave.</p> <p>I joined another school, and after the second school I decided to move onto something better, which was when I joined the ChildLine India foundation. This was an autonomous organization under the government of India. It was a free helpline number that could be used by any child [in the country]. I worked at the foundation from 2018 until 2021.</p> <p>During my time at the foundation I got a new direction and saw that there were so many girls who were trapped in the culture of child marriage. The turning point came when I rescued nine children from trafficking, which I did with the help of the local administration. It was then that I decided I would work towards saving children from the ill-hand of child marriage and trafficking.</p> <p>In September 2021 I left ChildLine India and I had the opportunity to join an international organization called Save the Children India where I got to work on issues of child protection. However this meant that I had to move to Khagaria district, which is one of the most backward districts of Bihar and even India. I left my native home for the first time and moved to Khagaria.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 918348 " id="918348" title="Related Stories - 918348"></cms-plugin></p> <p>There (in Khagaria) I got the idea, once again, that I had to work on the issues of child protection, and not only child marriage, but on issues of child labour, and children who were not enrolled in school. I realized that I also wanted to link these children with social protection schemes by the government. So I got a lot of training in social benefit packages and communication where I learned a lot. I then worked with frontline workers in the villages, and gave training to officials.</p> <p>I also decided to work with faith leaders because the faith leaders are one of the major players impacting society. During this time I managed to help rescue more girls from child marriage, once again with the support with the local administration. One case was during the Hindu festival of Holi, where I got information that a girl child would get married after the festival.</p> <p>I wrote a letter to the district magistrate and called a police officer to rescue that girl. The police officers came to the house as they were also concerned, and in the end they got them to agree they will not get their daughters and sons married without their adult consent. This was one of my major achievements and I felt as though I had done something for this society<i>. </i></p> <p>While working in Khagaria, I had left my son back home in Kishanganj. My son lived with my mother and because I wanted to look after and be closer to him, so I resigned from Save the Children, and decided to go back home to start my own independent work. Every time I returned to Kishanganj I found that there were still so many cases of child marriage there.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 918344 " id="918344" title="Related Stories - 918344"></cms-plugin></p> <p>I also found that when I started my work I was oppressed by society because it is a patriarchal society [and there was resistance]. So I wasn’t accepted in the community, but I continued anyway and went to different places to train groups of children about the dangers of child marriage.</p> <p>These groups became active once they got the information and they visited the parents of girls who were about to be married, to stop the marriages. Where they are not able to stop the child marriage, then they call me in. I intervene and also focus on making sure these children get enrolled in government schools as well. 100 children were saved this way, and some were rescued from child marriage, child labour, and trafficking.</p> <p>Despite the success of the interventions, there have been challenges. Leaving my husband and returning home meant that I was seen by many as being a woman of poor character, despite the fact that I was a child when I was married off. That didn’t matter in a patriarchal society.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 918345 " id="918345" title="Related Stories - 918345"></cms-plugin></p> <p>When I moved from home to Khagaria I lived alone, and even then there was gossip about me. There was talk about me at my school jobs and I eventually left the village to live on the outskirts of the city area because of this pressure and people being against me. Even some public officials had the same view of me, and that was a challenge.</p> <p>I would sometimes give out my number so it can be used in case help was needed and it was misused. I would be called at, but I did the work anyway, and slowly the officials, and then the community, recognised me and my work. Last year I got a call from a parent from my own village where the daughter was married off as a child and she had been thrown out by her in-laws after her husband died.</p> <p>Her parents then called me for help and I see this as a major achievement that signals my work is accepted. However, doing this work is also hard because of finances and finding the money to continue and grow. My future plans include not only rescuing children from child marriages but also expanding my awareness and sensitisation programs with children, parents, the community and with government officials.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 918346 " id="918346" title="Related Stories - 918346"></cms-plugin></p> <p>I also have plans to establish a resource center for girls. I am now waiting and working on financial support so that I can buy some tailoring machines for them, connect with some computer classes, coaching, and so I can enroll the girls in life skills training programs. With enough financial support I can look beyond where I am currently working now.</p> <p>Despite the cultural and financial challenges, I have dedicated my life to this mission of helping children and I will not rest until the last girl in these areas is rescued from child marriage.</p> <hr/> <p><i>As Told to Gugulethu Mhlungu, the article has been lightly edited for clarity. </i></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Roshni Perween</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:12:32 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/child-marriage-activist-protecting-children-india/</guid><category>Girls & Women</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/3d/6c/3d6c7262-6c48-4a8c-a76c-ae4f0a122cad/roshni-embed-picture.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Meet the Woman Working to End Child Marriage in the US</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-unchained-at-last-is-working-to-end-child-marr/</link><description><p>Fraidy Reiss is the founder/executive director of the survivor-led nonprofit <a href="https://www.unchainedatlast.org/">Unchained at Last</a>, which is dedicated to ending child and forced marriage in the US, which is shockingly still legal in 39 states. But, recently more states have started to ban the practice, which Reiss calls a human rights abuse. Here, Reiss, who is a survivor of child marriage herself, answers five questions about the human-rights abuse and how we can help end it. </p> <p><strong>What is one thing people should know about child marriage?</strong></p> <p>There are some human rights abuses that we all agree are terrible, but we might not be able to solve them in our lifetime. Child marriage in California is a human rights abuse that not only can we solve in our lifetime, but we can solve it this year.</p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 916845 " id="916845" title="Embeddable Action - 916845"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p><strong>What is your personal connection to child marriage?</strong></p> <p>I am a forced marriage survivor. I was forced to marry as a teen to a stranger who turned out to be violent, and [was] then trapped in an abusive, forced marriage for 15 years. And that’s why I have dedicated my life to ending forced and child marriage.</p> <p><strong>Why is child marriage bad for young girls?</strong></p> <p>Child marriage produces devastating, lifelong repercussions, particularly for girls — [regarding] her health, her education, her economic opportunities. It makes it much more likely that she will experience physical and sexual violence within that marriage. </p> <p><strong>What should people know about child marriage in California?</strong></p> <p>It is shocking and horrifying that the marriage age right now in California is zero. A parent and/or a judge can enter a child of any age into marriage with no real input from the child, and with no real recourse for a child who does not want to marry.</p> <p><strong>What gives you hope that we can end child marriage?</strong></p> <p>As of 2015, when we at Unchained started this national movement, child marriage, or marriage before age 18, was legal in all 50 US states. And to date, we have helped to end child marriage in 11 US states — which means only 39 to go.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Beth Greenfield</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:32:38 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-unchained-at-last-is-working-to-end-child-marr/</guid><category>Girls & Women</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/8b/14/8b14d014-a7a2-4446-b208-9b9561145ed2/dsc_5443-edit.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Global Citizen NOW + Prize Return to New York: Here’s What You Should Know</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-prize-return-to-new-york-heres/</link><description><p><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/">Global Citizen NOW</a>, the influential summit dedicated to ending extreme poverty, is making its return to New York City for its third consecutive year on May 1 and 2. This year’s event promises to be a powerhouse gathering, featuring an illustrious lineup of speakers, including political heavyweights, cultural icons, corporate leaders, and philanthropic visionaries.</p> <p>H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana, Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Janja Lula da Silva, the First Lady of Brazil, will be joined by cultural and private sector leaders Hugh Jackman, Danai Gurira, Anitta, Dakota Johnson, Michelle Yeoh, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, Bridgewater Associates CEO Nir Bar Dea, and more.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 916842 " id="916842" title="Related Stories - 916842"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Amidst the backdrop of bustling New York City, the summit aims to catalyze immediate action toward creating a world where everyone’s basic needs are fulfilled, including access for all people to food, energy, healthcare and education; advocate for the flourishing of our planet by pushing for increased climate financing and the phase out of fossil fuels; and drive toward a future where every person and country can prosper through economic development, access to finance, innovation and job creation. </p> <p>Over the course of two dynamic days of the summit, attendees will immerse themselves in impassioned discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at tackling the most pressing global challenges head-on.</p> <p>“I have made it my mission to work to amplify underrepresented voices,” said Danai Gurira, award-winning actor, playwright and Global Citizen and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. “I look forward to engaging in enriching conversations that generate immediate and impactful solutions to pressing issues and address the severe inequities facing the African continent.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 916843 " id="916843" title="Related Stories - 916843"></cms-plugin></p> <p>At the core of the summit's agenda lie urgent actions to fulfill basic needs, champion environmental stewardship, and foster economic empowerment and innovation. With representation from politics, business, and philanthropy, Global Citizen NOW aspires to catalyze collaborative solutions to the world's most daunting challenges.</p> <p>This year’s Summit theme is “Ideas for Urgent Impact,” and it’s sure to deliver. At 2023’s summit, Global Citizen <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-impact-action-announcements/">announced</a> its Power Our Planet campaign, with Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley; featured French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; and saw a $5M investment announced by Re: wild to fuel reforestation efforts in Brazil.</p> <p>“The world is standing at a crossroads and we have a choice: we can watch the impoverished go hungry, suffer through natural disasters, and die from preventable diseases, or we can take bold action to defeat poverty, defend the planet and course correct toward a more equitable future,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Global Citizen. “We have the power to create monumental impact this year, but only if we have the courage to stand up and take action now.” </p> <p>Participants worldwide will have the opportunity to join virtually via a livestream of the event, ensuring that millions can engage in real-time discussions and contribute their ideas to the collective mission of progress. The summit will also feature the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/">Global Citizen Prize 2024</a> ceremony, honoring individuals making strides in gender equity, climate action, and beyond.</p> <p>With the support of long-standing partners, Global Citizen NOW is made possible through the generous support of companies like Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, P&amp;G and Verizon, all of which share like-minded goals aimed at making the world a better place for generations to come.</p> <p>Want to join the conversation? Click <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/now/nyc/">here</a> to access limited tickets and more details on this prestigious summit.</p> <hr/> <p><strong>Full list of co-chairs, speakers and participants for Global Citizen NOW New York 2024:</strong></p> <p>Political leaders co-chairing this year’s summit include H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana; Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; and Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway.</p> <p>Co-chairs from the private sector include Hans Vestberg, Chairman &amp; CEO, Verizon; Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; Leon Kalvaria, Vice Chair of Client and Banking, Citi; Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy &amp; Purpose Officer, Cisco; Tshepo Mahloele, Founder &amp; Chairman of Harith General Partners; Tim Mapes, SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Delta Air Lines; Diego Scotti, EVP &amp; General Manager, Consumer Group, Global Marketing &amp; Communications, PayPal; and Chris Stadler, Managing Partner, CVC Capital Partners. </p> <p>Leaders from foundations and policy co-chairs include Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation; Senait Fisseha, VP of Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Gargee Ghosh, President, Global Policy &amp; Advocacy, Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, International Labor Organisation and Former Prime Minister of Togo; Andrew Steer, President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund; and Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. </p> <p>Co-chairs from the cultural sector include Michele Anthony, EVP, Universal Musical Group, Desiree Gruber, Founder and CEO, Full Picture; and Jane Rosenthal, CEO and Founder, Tribeca Enterprises. </p> <p>Other participants include: Chris Anderson, Head of TED; Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará; Alain-Richard Donwahi, President, COP15; Dana Canedy, Managing Editor, The Guardian US; Janja Lula da Silva, the First Lady of Brazil; Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi; and Brian Tippens, SVP, Chief Social Impact Officer, Cisco.</p></description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:50:23 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-prize-return-to-new-york-heres/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="n/a"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Art Saved My Life. Now I Stand Up to a Government That Doesn't Want Me to Exist</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-art-has-saved-my-life/</link><description><p><em>For four years, up until December 2023, Feda Baeza (Buenos Aires, 1978) was the director of <a href="https://palaisdeglace.cultura.gob.ar/">Palais de Glace</a>, Argentina’s Palace of the Arts — a government-run exhibition space and arts institute housed in a former ice rink that awards prizes and provides funding to artists across the country. Baeza was the first transgender person to hold the position, and her tenure oversaw a major increase in funding and support for artists and activists from minority communities and in the country’s provinces. </em></p> <p><em>She resigned from the role with the arrival of far-right populist, Javier Milei, to the presidency, fearing that she would be ‘neutralized’, ideologically opposed to the government, and faced with the threat of cuts to funding for the country’s cultural institutions. </em></p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 915689 " id="915689" title="Embeddable Action - 915689"></cms-plugin> <p><em>Instead, Baeza stepped aside and into the ranks of her fellow citizens opposing and protesting against what she calls the new government’s “aggressive” policies against minorities such as LGBQT+ and non-binary individuals, as well as Indigenous peoples. A curator, visual artist, and author, Baeza sees art and its promotion as activism, and considers her work to be vital to providing an inclusive space, a refuge for artists, fomenting freedom of expression and inclusion within the Argentine arts scene.</em></p> <p><em>Civic space in Argentina is considered to be narrowed <a href="https://monitor.civicus.org/country/argentina/">according to the CIVICUS Monitor.</a> Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and restrictions on protest are among the issues affecting civic space in the country. In 2023 a constitutional reform proposal to restrict protests was approved in Jujuy Province which prohibits “<a href="https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/protests-and-repression-in-jujuy/">road and highway blockades, as well as all other disruptions to the right to free circulation of inhabitants of the province and their legal consequences.”</a> </em></p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915815 " id="915815" title="Related Stories - 915815"></cms-plugin></p> <p><em>Further attempts to limit civic space have led to protests such as the nationwide demonstrations that took place in January 2024 against the government’s “wave of privatizations, ferocious spending cuts, a major expansion of presidential powers, and a scaling back of workers’ rights and the right to protest,” <a href="http://jujuy">according to the Guardian</a>. At the time, Baeza was quoted as saying of the protests: “We’re fighting against the way in which the far right is basically trying to eliminate our rights of existence on all levels, from healthcare to work."</em></p> <p><em>The shrinking of public spending and civic space in Argentina is one of the core issues for Baeza who says protest and resistance is part of Argentinian culture. Here she tells her story to Global Citizen.</em></p> <hr/> <p>Art has saved my life, it has afforded me my own space. Four years ago I transitioned, and, as a transgender person, art was always an important space, a refuge. Becoming part of a minority made me become aware of the importance of social recognition, creating a place where one can imagine oneself fitting in where it was more difficult to before.</p> <p>I was born and brought up in Buenos Aires, in a working class neighborhood. I studied art history at the Philosophy and Letters Faculty at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and worked in communications for a few years. The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-dictatorship-argentina-milei-history-disappeared-coup-09f8c7e64ef2888453069d65441f7785">dictatorship</a> ended when I was five years old, and I saw the leaders put on trial, and the struggle of the <a href="https://www.cipdh.gob.ar/memorias-situadas/en/lugar-de-memoria/ronda-de-las-madres-de-plaza-de-mayo/">Mothers of Plaza de Mayo</a>. Then I lived through Argentina’s 2001 economic crisis and the deep cuts to public education funding.</p> <p>I had been abroad to work and study, but I always wanted to come back. It seemed to me more useful to be here. I’m a very settled person. I’ve worked as a curator and have been a professor at the Universidad Nacional de las Artes for the past 20 years, where I founded the art curation course as a way of trying to put an end to the elitism in curatorship. And so I also studied painting, sculpture, and then I began writing essays. State education in Argentina has always generated a different kind of awareness, there is more diversity of people, students who have a different idea of culture and which is a fundamental field of study.</p> <p>My mother was a school mistress, in a public primary school, and my father was a militant opposing the dictatorship in the late 1970s, so I have a tradition of activism in my family.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-001Full.jpg " id="915120" title="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-001Full.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Democracy came very late to the transgender community. I feel that, when I was able to accept myself as trans, my universe would not have been complete without the recognition of the people within that sphere. I have realized the importance of working as a community, creating a world that is different from that which surrounds us, and that gives one’s life meaning. It’s more fun, more valuable. There is a phrase in the novel <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/692472/bad-girls-by-camila-sosa-villada/"><i>Bad Girls</i></a> by [Argentine transgender author] Camila Sosa Villada: “Being a transvestite is a party” — and I feel the same. I look at it from the perspective of enjoyment. Being a transvestite is a fight against injustice, but it is also understanding that emancipation can also be enjoyable.<br/> <br/> But, being transgender and holding a public position of responsibility, as I did, means that people are always questioning whether you have the capability and whether you are in a condition to occupy that position. Although nobody says so, in everyday life you realize there is a certain mistrust. Overcoming that implies working very hard, doing a very good job. You need to prove yourself with achievements. One has to prove that one does not have different capabilities.</p> <p>I was able to overcome that barrier and assume the role. Surpassing that awakened a different level of awareness and reasoning. Without seeking it you become a person who people regard with affection, but it also creates expectations, and that becomes a huge responsibility. The positive side is being able to live up to those expectations and feel that affection, although there is also a lot of prejudice. My life is different to that of others, I’m something of an outsider. You have to make an effort with people who, sometimes, are a little fearful. I have to make an effort so that people don’t see me as strange.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915051 " id="915051" title="Related Stories - 915051"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> I think that life for me as a transgender activist is possible thanks to the large movement that exists in Argentina, in the media, on TV, and in many spaces. There have been great advances in Argentina. There are small nuclei of mistrust, but in recent times, and before Milei won the election, there began to be a movement of resistance, and the figure of Milei in some ways is a response to that resistance, and that has always been so encouraging for me. Sometimes there is intolerance. I have a circle of friends in which I am understood, within a friendly atmosphere, and the presence of transgender people within the arts scene, here in Buenos Aires and in other parts of the country, has grown. There has been a movement to bring us together and open more spaces for us. I feel like we are seeing a cultural change that will not abate. The change is unstoppable.</p> <p>I think that Argentina’s cultural output over the next four years will be very interesting, as we saw in Brazil during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. I think we are going to come up with interesting responses [to the new government’s policies]. I have faith in that happening. With my writing, I see myself working in an independent space, and as a teacher [in the Universidad Nacional de las Artes] I form part of a family; there is work to be done in university classrooms, which are quieter spaces but are also where one always hears the rumors of what is going to happen.</p> <p>One is only a good professor if one listens, and I like the challenge that being in the classroom brings. I hear things that I had not thought about, and it makes me look at things differently. The students help me a lot, it’s a place to exchange opinions and debate, there are always voices to be heard. It’s beautiful to be able to say that one was wrong. That I was living in a certain way and that I realized that that was not the only way.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-005.jpg " id="915129" title="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-005.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In the [anti-government] protests I always felt defeated. I’m a very local person, and my big fear is that the place I call home will change, that you no longer recognize it and you no longer recognize yourself. And I felt a bit depressed. But over time I realized that we Argentines do things differently, and that is a catharsis. So I went out to protest again when I realized that doing so helps to lift me up.</p> <p>Whenever I started to cry I realized that it was time to go out onto the streets again. And we began to organize, with a group of artists and people I know. Repression [by the government] makes you want to be among people. It creates solidarity, a community. Argentina has a long history of protesting. If we didn’t protest, this country would be very different. In Brazil they have their carnival and in Argentina we have marches. That ability to go out onto the street and protest is something that characterizes us.<br/> <br/> With the arrival of Milei we’ve seen a return to protests after the pandemic, and with greater participation. The government authorized the use of rubber bullets against protesters and <a href="https://buenosairesherald.com/society/omnibus-bill-argentine-police-crack-down-on-protesters-outside-congress">more than 300 people were injured in protests in February</a>. There have been direct threats made to the protesters by the government. Transgender people have always participated in the protests since the reestablishment of democracy [in 1983]. There has been no fear of facing off against the police. If transgender people didn’t participate before it was because they felt they didn’t have the same rights as other people. But now we participate more, we have our own agenda, calling for the same benefits as everybody else, and now I think there is a greater number of people participating than before.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915050 " id="915050" title="Related Stories - 915050"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Milei’s strategy is not such a novelty, the right wing has put its foot firmly into other countries, such as the U.S. and Brazil. It’s like a franchise that moves from country to country, and here we’ve also been trapped by it. But in Argentina we mobilize, it’s almost a permanent action. And Argentina’s cultural scene has remained alive, the working classes have a kind of sovereign cultural scene. Argentina’s cultural development, in recent years, has also been largely thanks to the government’s support for it. The protests [in February] helped to stop the passage of Milei’s proposed reforms, which <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentinas-milei-weighs-next-steps-after-economic-reform-bill-setback-2024-02-07/">failed to achieve approval in parliament</a>. I was invited to Congress to speak about how his proposals would affect the cultural scene. Milei has very little representation in Congress, despite the fact that he won the presidency with a landslide.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915053 " id="915053" title="Related Stories - 915053"></cms-plugin><br/> <br/> Governmental support for culture is very centralized, and channeled through the country’s large cultural institutions. Part of Milei’s proposal has been to close those institutions, which are run by major figures in the local cultural scene. The idea is to erase those institutions — through the argument that nobody goes to the theater or the cinema — in order to appropriate the funds previously channeled to those institutions, in what Milei says is the need to fight a battle against spending on culture, given the high cost of living and the fall in real wages. The government also wants to eliminate inclusive language from all official communications and return to a universal, masculine form. But the use of a neutral language is important. What they are trying to do is create a smokescreen to cover up the bad news about the economy, and focus on growing their hardcore support.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-007-Full.jpg " id="915136" title="Image - IMOW_FedaBaeza_Argentina_VioletaCapassoforGlobalCitizen-007-Full.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>I resigned from the museum, a national institution with little autonomy, because I saw that I would be able to do more outside of it. I felt if I stayed there I would be neutralized. We tried to give a voice to a more diverse cross-section of the population and forge a link with dissidents, and Argentina has a strong tradition of dissidence. Of the 45 awards the government hands out each year to artists, less than 5% went to the transgender community.</p> <p>During the four years that I was director of the museum we chalked up a lot of achievements, we achieved a budget increase and we increased the amount of money awarded as prizes or scholarships, and we established eight prizes that award a lifetime pension for artists over the age of sixty. Women in art are always valued less, and now we have made it so that 50% of the awards must go to women and the other 50% to men. We also launched a series of debates with artists from across the country, with social organizations, so that there would be a space for artists from the provinces, so that 50% of the funds allocated went to artists from outside Buenos Aires. We saw a record number of people signing up to study at the Palais de Glace and we democratized the space. And we also awarded grants to transgender artists for the first time.<br/> <br/> Now I’ve started writing fiction and I have published <a href="https://www.infobae.com/leamos/2023/12/12/fue-la-primera-mujer-trans-en-dirigir-un-museo-argentino-y-ahora-debuta-en-la-ficcion-el-mundo-heterosexual-no-existe/">a short extract</a> of a novel in progress, <i>La Flor del Sexo</i>. It is autofiction, written in the first person, the protagonist is a transvestite, and there are fragments of stories, vignettes about adolescence and about the present, and about sex and relationships.</p> <p>Writing it has been like learning about myself. It speaks a lot about enjoyment, about love, falling out of love, about sadness and loneliness. It’s also very visual, and about nightlife, about how people think, and what people think of us. The transgender community is one in which many people have not had access to education, to healthcare, to employment opportunities, and we have to think about how to create a community and educate people.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915054 " id="915054" title="Related Stories - 915054"></cms-plugin></p> <hr/> <p><i>As Told to Adam Critchley, the article has been lightly edited for clarity. </i></p> <p><i>The 2023-2024 In My Own Words Series was made possible thanks to funding from the Ford Foundation.</i></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Feda Baeza</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:14:11 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-art-has-saved-my-life/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/ec/be/ecbe47f4-4ae8-4814-a871-d84eda04eca9/imow_fedabaeza_argentina_violetacapassoforglobalcitizen-header2.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Violeta Capasso for Global Citizen</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How This Organization Helps Indigenous People's Fight for Justice</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ipri-organization-helps-indigenous-peoples-justice/</link><description><p>Indigenous communities of varying sizes, regions, and cultural traditions are under attack. Faced with <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/9/al-huwaitat-tribe-seeks-un-help-to-stop-saudi-forced-displacement">displacement from ancestral lands</a>, loss of cultural traditions, and structural <a href="https://ecojustice.ca/news/environmental-racism-in-canada/">racism and discrimination</a>, these groups often face serious threats to their lives and livelihoods simply for being native.</p> <p>In fact, Indigenous people make up just 6% of the global population but account for <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/indigenouspeoples">19% of those living in extreme poverty</a>, according to the World Bank.</p> <p>Despite the reality of extensive harm that Indigenous groups experience, more are becoming human rights and environmental land defenders to protect their territories and cultures from being lost forever. In doing so, the targets on their backs have become larger.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 914292 " id="914292" title="Embeddable Action - 914292"></cms-plugin> <p>“Our lore is that we’re the caregivers to the world, but to the rest of the world we’re seen as criminals,” Sandra Creamer, chairperson of the Board of Directors at Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), told Global Citizen. “The presumption of innocence does not exist for Indigenous land defenders.”</p> <p>To support Indigenous activists who are falsely labeled as criminals and persecuted for their human rights work, <a href="https://iprights.org/index.php/en/about-ipri/who-we-are">IPRI was launched in 2019</a> by former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, and Indigenous activist, Joan Carling. As the only international, Indigenous-led organization focused solely on issues facing native communities, IPRI regularly tracks and communicates human rights violations to the wider world with the hope of bringing justice to the forefront of their work.</p> <p>“It’s very clear that human rights violations against Indigenous people are happening with impunity,” Joan Carling, executive director of IPRI, told Global Citizen. “We need to amplify the voices of Indigenous people who are being criminalized on the ground because [these cases] are not known globally.”</p> <h4><b>The challenges Indigenous groups are facing</b></h4> <p>There are roughly <a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/mapped-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples/">476 million Indigenous peoples</a> spread across 90 countries around the world, each representing a diverse cultural background. Despite their regional differences, similar cases of human rights violations link these groups in a twisted manner.</p> <p>In Nepal, a business complex was <a href="https://www.lahurnip.org/sacred-lands-of-indigenous-pradhan-newa-was-grabbed-by-mega-business-complex-thamel-kathmandu">hurriedly completed in 2018 on land belonging to the Newar community</a>, despite widespread protests and legal efforts to delay construction. The Al-Huwaitat tribe experienced <a href="https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/saudi-arabia-al-huwaitat-tribe-urge-un-to-intervene-to-stop-forced-displacement-for-neom-mega-city-project-following-abductions-harassment/">a similar land grab in Saudi Arabia</a>, as have Native American groups across the United States, particularly in relation to <a href="https://earthjustice.org/article/agency-nixes-fracking-leases-on-pawnee-tribal-land">the construction of oil pipelines on native land</a>. </p> <p>As these cases play out, the Indigenous leaders advocating for fair processes and a respect for free, prior, and informed consent are targeted, harassed, and <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/what-is-a-SLAPP/">even counter-sued by the corporations or government actors</a> illegally taking their land. Globally, Indigenous people are <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session24/Documents/A-HRC-24-50_en.pdf">overrepresented within the carceral system</a> and experience widespread discrimination within the system, as well.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 914293 " id="914293" title="Related Stories - 914293"></cms-plugin></p> <p>“What’s happening in developing countries is also happening in developed countries, so we want to make sure that these similar trends build a stronger solidarity [between Indigenous peoples around the world],” Carling said.</p> <p>Carling and Tauli-Corpuz, Indigenous activists from the Philippines, utilize their own experiences to understand and manage cases of human rights violations against Indigenous groups. Both have been subject to dangerous labeling for their activism and found themselves on <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-rebels/philippines-seeks-terrorist-tag-for-600-alleged-communist-guerrillas-idUSKCN1GK0DO/">a list of “terrorists” identified by the Philippine government</a> in 2018.</p> <p>Because of the similar trends happening around the world, IPRI can target its resources where they are most useful. By raising funds, organizing petitions, providing legal and security support, and increasing access to global justice mechanisms — such as the UN — IPRI amplifies cases of human rights violations so the rest of the world understands how violence against Indigenous people is coordinated, sustained, and linked.</p> <p>“Partnership, brotherhood, sisterhood — it’s very important to have. There are Indigenous people who have no understanding of the legal system, why they’re being arrested, what the legal processes are, and they need someone to fight for them,” Creamer told Global Citizen.</p> <h4><b>When Indigenous people become human rights and environmental land defenders</b></h4> <p>In the Philippines, Indigenous activist Beatrice "Betty" Belen was arrested in 2020 by government officials for possession of illegal explosives, uncovered during <a href="https://iprights.org/index.php/en/all-news/philippines-impunity-and-criminalization-of-activism-in-the-philippines-trumped-up-charges-against-indigenous-peoples-human-rights-defenders">a shady operation</a> without independent witnesses or the participation of village officials. Belen had been subject to harassment and intimidation for years because of her environmental advocacy; in particular, the environmental land defender was responsible for leading a barricade against the Chevron Energy company's geothermal project in the Kalinga province in 2012. </p> <p>Pranab Doley, an Indigenous human rights defender in India, experienced similar targeting at the hands of government officials. Since 1973, the Indian government <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/as-indias-tiger-count-grows-indigenous-groups-protest-evictions-from-ancestral-lands">has organized the forced displacement of thousands of Indigenous people</a> in the name of animal conservation, dismissing valid claims of harassment and intimidation relating to Project Tiger, which is dedicated to restoring the Tiger population in India.</p> <p>Doley emerged as a leader in the Indigenous rights movement in India, organizing protests and amplifying cases of murdered Indigenous people who were accused of being poachers. In retaliation, he has faced intimidation, faulty charges, and harassment at the hands of his government.</p> <p>In both cases, IPRI offered support to the activists through the organization’s <a href="https://iprights.org/index.php/en/ldsf">Legal Defense and Sanctuary Fund</a>, which provides emergency legal and security support for Indigenous leaders and human rights defenders.</p> <p>“Indigenous people are participating in legitimate actions, particularly in the climate fight, but they’re being criminalized and harassed,” Carling told Global Citizen. “Governments are not engaging with us; instead, they are holding passports and denying people the right to leave the country.”</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 914294 " id="914294" title="Related Stories - 914294"></cms-plugin></p> <p>As climate change accelerates and the planet’s temperature gets hotter, <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/09/19/climate-policies-with-real-world-results">more governments have ramped up efforts</a> to invest in renewable technology, limit carbon emissions, and utilize Indigenous ecological knowledge in policy decisions. But when these advancements are used without respect to human rights, governments and wealthy corporations can <a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-wind-turbines-sami-herders-protest-c97371074db742c0654da522c5a9f379">claim Indigenous territory</a> and exploit ancestral knowledge without being held accountable.</p> <p>“There’s a recognition that Indigenous people have traditional knowledge of conservation and biodiversity, but when [environmental efforts violate Indigenous rights], we’re treated as enemies of development and obstructionists,” Carling said. “We can only sustain and enhance our knowledge if they respect our rights.”</p> <h4><b>How governments can work with Indigenous groups </b></h4> <p>A major aspect of IPRI’s work is accountability, but often, fighting for justice is a huge effort that requires years of advancement and planning.</p> <p>IPRI raises awareness about violations, improves access to justice mechanisms, and bridges the knowledge gap about legal processes for Indigenous groups. Without support from government administrations, however, they cannot prevent future human rights violations from taking place.</p> <p>“We’re ready to collaborate and partner [with governments], but no efforts to collaborate will work if we’re treated as inferior,” Carling said. “There’s an opportunity here for states to work with us, reform policies, engage in a constructive dialogue, and find solutions together.”</p> <p></p> <p>Looking forward, IPRI is fighting for Indigenous peoples to not only have a seat at the table but also a leadership role when making decisions that affect Indigenous lands, culture, and people. That way, Indigenous knowledge can be used in conjunction with modern climate planning to ensure environmental actions are human rights advancements instead of setbacks.</p> <p>“When you look at us together, Indigenous people are the largest group of land defenders in the world. It’s very important that our partnership is respected because we have the traditional knowledge of the land, and we’re here to make sure the next seven generations have fresh water and good soil,” Creamer told Global Citizen.</p> <h4><b>How can Global Citizens support IPRI?</b></h4> <p>IPRI’s work takes time, effort, and funding. Global Citizens everywhere can be part of the incredible work that IPRI is doing for Indigenous activists and groups around the world.</p> <p>To stay updated on cases concerning Indigenous rights, <a href="https://iprights.org/index.php/en/global-initiative">visit IPRI’s website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IPRightsIntl">follow them on social media</a>. To support Indigenous activists and IPRI’s Legal Defense and Sanctuary Fund, donate to the organization <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8GVZ78LAWP8HW">here</a>.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Jaxx Artz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:46:42 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ipri-organization-helps-indigenous-peoples-justice/</guid><category>Civic Space</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/c0/4d/c04d5e70-841d-4051-bc75-d860ba85e7f0/ipri_brazildelegationmarch_civic_space_2024.jpeg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>10 Years Ago, India Was Declared Polio-Free. Here’s Where We Stand in the Fight to Eradicate Polio Today</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/10-years-ago-india-was-declared-polio-free-heres-w/</link><description><p> </p> <p></p> <p>On March 27, 2014, India was <a href="https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/27-03-2014-who-south-east-asia-region-certified-polio-free" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">officially certified polio-free</a> by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thanks to an aggressive and adaptable vaccination campaign that lasted years and reached every corner of the massive country, millions of children have been given the opportunity to escape the virus that, at its peak, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/polio.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">paralyzed more than 350,000 people</a> around the world annually.</p> <p dir="ltr">Today, polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, and the virus is now endemic in just two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.</p> <p dir="ltr">India’s success in immunizing such a large population against polio remains an incredible feat. A population of 1.4 billion people, India was considered one of the most difficult places to eradicate the wild poliovirus from its borders, owing to how the virus was spread, poor surveillance methods, and the large number of inaccessible communities.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was too easy for children to not be vaccinated and for the virus to spread among community members. For many public health experts who grew up in India or were involved with the country’s vaccination efforts, the reality is that polio seemed far too common to escape.</p> <section><cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 915041 " id="915041" title="Embeddable Action - 915041"></cms-plugin> <p></p> <p dir="ltr">“Growing up, I remember that every now and then, a child from the neighborhood wouldn’t turn up to play cricket in the afternoon, and we’d later learn that it was because they were having polio-like symptoms,” Dr. Ananda Sankar Bandyopadhyay, who is currently a deputy director of the polio team at the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, told Global Citizen. “[The threat of polio] was very real for us back then.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite these obstacles, India was able to defy the odds largely due to sustained coordination from a variety of stakeholders, which included volunteer vaccinators, public health experts, international organizations, the private sector, and the Indian government; in 2011, <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/12-01-2012-india-records-one-year-without-polio-cases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the country recorded its last case of polio</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of India being certified polio-free, Global Citizen spoke to public health experts about efforts to vaccinate every child in the country, as well as the wider implications India’s campaign has for eradicating polio everywhere.</p> <h4 dir="ltr">How India Became Polio-Free</h4> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_GatesFoundation-003.jpg " id="915042" title="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_GatesFoundation-003.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr">Polio, or poliomyelitis, is <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a highly-infectious disease</a> that mainly affects children under 5 years old. The virus that causes polio invades the nervous system and, in some cases, causes total paralysis in a matter of hours.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Polio] is also a highly outbreak-prone disease,” Dr. Bandyopadhyay told Global Citizen. “It can spread really fast from one child to another, one community to another, and one country to another, so eradicating it everywhere is of international concern.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After the World Health Assembly <a href="https://polioeradication.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/19880513_resolution-2.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">passed a resolution to eradicate polio</a> in 1988, progress to make sure vaccines reached every corner of the world accelerated. The <a href="https://polioeradication.org/who-we-are/partners/the-gpei-history-project/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)</a> — a public-private partnership led by national governments and the WHO, Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation — was launched to initiate a global vaccination campaign and respond to obstacles that allowed the virus to continuously circulate.</p> <p><span id="cke_bm_103S"> </span><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915039 " id="915039" title="Related Stories - 915039"></cms-plugin><span id="cke_bm_103E"> </span></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr">“After years of pushing, the government of India organized its first ever National Immunization Day (NID) in 1995 and adopted a strategy of supplementary immunization,” Deepak Kapur, the chairman of Rotary International’s India National PolioPlus Committee, told Global Citizen. “We expected [India to reach no-polio status] in a few years, but we were in for a shock.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2001, Kapur joined Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio in India and witnessed the success of immunization activities in drastically reducing the number of polio cases. By 2002, however, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X04003792" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the number of reported polio cases jumped up to 1600</a>, almost 500% more than the previous year.</p> <p dir="ltr">It quickly became clear that while supply of polio vaccines was high, efforts to track cases, prevent outbreaks, and ensure children completed their vaccination schedules needed to improve before polio left India’s borders.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The success of India in reaching zero polio transmission occurred because of a type of shoe leather epidemiology,” Dr. Bandyopadhyay told Global Citizen. “Polio vaccinators led the way by going door-to-door to ensure that every child was vaccinated. Even if there were natural disasters such as flooding, these activities were at the core of stopping polio transmission.”</p> <cms-plugin alt="Slideshow - 915044 " id="915044" title="Slideshow - 915044"></cms-plugin> <p dir="ltr">In addition to grassroots-level vaccination efforts, which were primarily led by women vaccinators across the country, public health officials also tried to associate vaccination campaigns with fun. Giveaways, banners, and efforts to <a href="https://www.unicef.org/india/our-partners/celebrities/amitabh-bachchan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">enlist Bollywood celebrities to educate the public</a> about the efficacy of vaccines all helped improve vaccination rates.</p> <p dir="ltr">“‘Polio Sundays’ were essentially a festival for the entire nation to come out and get their children vaccinated,” Dr. Bandyopadhyay said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Increased surveillance of polio cases was also essential in tracking clusters of the virus. Because the poliovirus is <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/poliomyelitis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">primarily transmitted through a fecal-oral route</a>, environmental sampling of sewage systems allowed public health officials to be aware of outbreaks and ensure every eligible child in a community was being vaccinated. </p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_Rotary International-003.jpg " id="915043" title="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_Rotary International-003.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">“You need to find out where the virus is and who is getting it,” Dr. Walter Orenstein, Professor Emeritus at Emory University, told Global Citizen. “That also allowed for changes in monitoring efforts; for example, using ink to mark vaccinated children so someone could come into a specific community to find out whether it was well-immunized, and if not, take action to do that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr. Orenstein is a former director of the United States' National Immunization Program and well-acquainted with global polio eradication efforts. Having worked on India’s smallpox eradication campaign in the 1970s, he understands the unique circumstances that impact mass vaccination efforts in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition to setting up improved surveillance techniques, public health officials came to understand that certain communities experienced a severe distrust of the polio vaccine. As such, vaccine hesitancy was another obstacle that experts recognized they needed to overcome.</p> <p dir="ltr">To address vaccine misinformation, members of GPEI coordinated efforts to educate community leaders about the polio vaccine so they could then disseminate that information.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For one, [Rotary International] organized a committee made up of leaders from every revenue district in Uttar Pradesh [where the wild poliovirus was endemic] and helped them understand that immunization was a good thing,” Kapur told Global Citizen. “After that, we started to see [vaccination] booths set up at mosques, and Muslim leaders encouraged their communities to get vaccinated.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As religious leaders, particularly associated with Muslim community, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9531688/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">became part of immunization efforts</a>, resistance to vaccination began to break down.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Getting community leaders involved in advocacy is important,” Dr. Orenstein also told Global Citizen. “Trust can overcome vaccine hesitancy. You need the right message delivered by the right messengers to the right communication channel.”</p> <h4 dir="ltr">Continuing Progress in Pakistan and Afghanistan</h4> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr">India’s success in eradicating polio from its borders proved that mass vaccination campaigns could be successful when given the right attention and resources. As such, bringing that level of commitment to Pakistan and Afghanistan can help stamp out polio once and for all.</p> <p dir="ltr">Currently, the wild poliovirus is endemic in just seven of 180 districts in Pakistan and two of 34 provinces in Afghanistan. As case counts and genetic clusters of the virus decrease in these areas, public health experts continuously highlight the need to respond to region-specific obstacles.</p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_AP-005.jpg " id="915045" title="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_AP-005.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">In Pakistan, inconsistent access to high-risk, nomadic communities makes it difficult to track cases and ensure children are being vaccinated. In addition, vaccine hesitancy has proven to be a bigger issue in the country, as some community members <a href="https://apnews.com/article/polio-pakistan-vaccine-prison-6fd097356e35defb5c3602ee92e356de" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boycott vaccine drives or threaten vaccinators with violence</a>because of misinformation that the polio vaccine is a method of forced sterilization.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afghanistan faces similar challenges. Immunity gaps resulting from under-vaccinated communities and missed vaccine appointments allows the poliovirus to continuously circulate. Additionally, the country’s <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/polio-eradication-in-afghanistan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">complex humanitarian crisis</a> has caused many residents to be hesitant about any person who comes knocking at their door, even as <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00004-4/fulltext" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">community-based vaccinators risk their lives</a> to do so. </p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 915040 " id="915040" title="Related Stories - 915040"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">Initiatives from GPEI, national governments, and the international community continue to support polio eradication efforts by responding to region-specific trends. Taking lessons from India’s vaccination campaign, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cross-border-polio-vaccines-afghanistan-pakistan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mobile vaccinations, house-to-house vaccine drives, and a strong commitment to environmental surveillance</a> are proving to be some of the most effective means of reducing cases of the wild poliovirus.</p> <h4 dir="ltr">The Need to Eradicate Polio Everywhere</h4> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_GatesFoundation-004.jpg " id="915046" title="Image - India_10YearsPolioEradication_Vaccination_GatesFoundation-004.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr"></p> <p dir="ltr">Even though the number of wild poliovirus cases are trending downward, we cannot let our guard down. The eradication of polio requires sustained action from everyone, everywhere, particularly as more cases are attributed to <a href="https://gis.ecdc.europa.eu/portal/apps/dashboards/fc1d8b9f4a8740808935600db9a96057" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VDPVs</a>, which have occurred in under-vaccinated areas and are linked to oral polio vaccines (OPVs).</p> <p dir="ltr">In the context of the world’s race to end polio, the launch of OPVs is generally considered one of the greater feats. While many infants receive doses of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of their routine immunization schedule, OPVs enable public health officials to reach children who were not vaccinated as infants, since they can be <a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/polio-eradication-through-innovation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">administered quickly via a dropper, are easy to transport, and are inexpensive</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The difference is that OPVs contain a weakened strain of the poliovirus to help build immunity. In under-immunized populations, where community members are not protected against polio, this weakened strain can circulate for a prolonged period of time and genetically revert to a form of the poliovirus that can cause paralysis.</p> <p dir="ltr">Currently, the <a href="https://polioeradication.org/news-post/whats-next-for-the-novel-oral-polio-vaccine-type-2-nopv2-now-that-its-been-who-prequalified/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">type 2 variant poliovirus</a> accounts for almost 75% of variant poliovirus cases in 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">Responding to this trend, health officials have started employing the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), which <a href="https://polioeradication.org/polio-today/polio-prevention/the-virus/variant-poliovirus-cvdpv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contains improvements that help make the weakened strain of the poliovirus less likely to mutate</a> and spread in areas with low immunization rates. While this strategy has proven effective at reducing cases of <a href="https://gis.ecdc.europa.eu/portal/apps/dashboards/fc1d8b9f4a8740808935600db9a96057" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VDPVs</a>, the fact remains that well-immunized communities can prevent these types of mutations from taking place.</p> <p dir="ltr">The world has the tools to end polio. Right now, it’s a matter of employing those tools using whatever means we can to ensure no child faces the threat of contracting polio.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s in the interest of all countries, no matter their income levels, to ensure polio is eradicated everywhere,” Dr. Orenstein said. “I always say, vaccines don’t save lives—vaccinations save lives.”</p> <hr/> <p><em><strong>Disclosure: </strong>This article is part of a polio content series that was made possible with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.</em></p> </section></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Jaxx Artz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:44:54 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/10-years-ago-india-was-declared-polio-free-heres-w/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/e1/3a/e13aa7b1-0263-4c2f-8162-99b17ceaeb2d/india_10yearspolioeradication_vaccination_ap.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Mukhtar Khan/AP</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How P&G Is Working to Revitalize Critical Water Resources in Partnership With Native American Communities</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-pg-is-working-to-revitalize-critical-water-res/</link><description><p>We need water. Not just in the sense that we need it to quench our thirst or wash our laundry – those things are important, of course, but more than anything, we need water to survive. </p> <p>The problem is that we’re running out of it (and fast) and we need to act immediately to make sure we protect what we do have for the sake of nature and humankind. Water scarcity describes the growing lack of access to water.</p> <p>Smart climate adaptation (which basically means preparing communities to adapt to the new realities of climate change) is necessary in order to tackle water scarcity. This is something that Global Citizen partner P&amp;G recognized and decided to invest in. </p> <p>Striving toward what the company calls a “Water Positive Future”, P&amp;G has dedicated itself to finding creative ways to use and preserve water wisely across the globe. </p> <p>“Imagine new inventions that not only make our lives better but also help the environment. It's about changing how we all use water in our homes, neighborhoods, and cities,” said the P&amp;G team. “This effort isn't just about one solution; it's a mix of smart ideas in how things are made, used, and improved.”</p> <p>Partnership and collaboration is the name of the game for P&amp;G when it comes to tackling the world’s water crisis. The company is working in 18 water-stressed areas around the world, where they operate. The steps to making that happen include teaming up with communities on the ground to tailor specific water solutions to their needs, as well as partnering with innovative organizations to creatively input these solutions. </p> <p>They’ve kicked off their work in this area through a partnership with Native American communities in the US and Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), an organization that focuses on water, carbon, and energy solutions to help tackle water scarcity and the climate crisis. This partnership is helping to create solutions to protect ecosystems, replenish groundwater supplies, reduce the amount of water diverted from essential bodies of water, and improve water quality for the communities and wildlife that depend on it.</p> <p>One of the regions that this work began in is Arizona, where the partnership between P&amp;G, BEF, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes has seen vital protection of the water in Lake Mead, which is a critical water source for the American Southwest. </p> <p>The Colorado River Indian Tribes are dependent on the water to sustain their farmlands which have existed for centuries, and through working with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, P&amp;G, BEF, and other organizations, strategies have been put in place to help conserve the existing water from the lake, and also add additional water to keep the water at consistent levels.</p> <p></p> <p><br/> Another initiative from the partnership between P&amp;G and BEF is the Wuda Ogwa (Bear River) Water and Habitat Eco-Restoration Project. Through this project, the main goal is to restore the land and its water sources back to what they were in the 1800’s, in order to release control of the water and allow it to breathe new life into Battle Creek's ecosystems. This effort will also increase the amount of water in the river, making it cleaner and a better home for a variety of aquatic creatures.</p> <p></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Overall P&amp;G’s work to tackle water scarcity aims to tick off three boxes: </p> <ol> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Restoring water for people and nature in water-stressed areas around the world</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Responding to water challenges through innovation and partnerships - including Providing clean drinking water to children and families in need. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Reducing water in the company’s internal operations</p> </li> </ol> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">The initiatives that P&amp;G have kicked off so far are important starting points for these goals, and are essential to combatting the impacts on communities who often experience the worst of it.</p></description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:36:55 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-pg-is-working-to-revitalize-critical-water-res/</guid><category>Water & Sanitation</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/9d/53/9d53d8c1-a081-4823-ba4b-b4af18a9cace/simon-hurry-ps4sxkm15g4-unsplash.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>How Canopy’s Partnership with Cisco Foundation Keeps Forests Standing</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-canopys-partnership-with-cisco-foundation-keep/</link><description><p>In the ongoing efforts to preserve our planet's forests, sobering statistics shed light on the magnitude of this challenge.<br/> <br/> "There are more than 5 billion trees that are cut down every single year to make innocuous things like paper, t-shirts and pizza boxes," says Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy. “These rising figures are a stark reminder of the environmental toll modern consumption habits have on our forest ecosystems.”<br/> <br/> However, amidst this alarming reality, there are beacons of hope. Canopy, in collaboration with the Cisco Foundation and supported by their <a href="https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/environmental-sustainability/climate-grants-and-investments.html">10-year climate commitment</a>, exemplifies the power of partnership in driving meaningful change. Through this commitment, the Cisco Foundation funds nonprofit grants and impact investments in climate solutions. Canopy’s mission to protect forests and curb deforestation reflects Cisco Foundations’ goals to support high-impact programs that regenerate our natural world.</p> <p><q>There are more than 5 billion trees that are cut down every single year to make innocuous things like paper, t-shirts and pizza boxes.</q><br/> <cite>Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director, Canopy</cite></p> <p>"Canopy’s partnership with the Cisco Foundation is built on a shared belief that supporting innovation at scale to address significant social problems has the potential to achieve a global impact," explains Rycroft. <br/> <br/> Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, Canopy is championing responsible practices and advocating for the preservation of our planet's invaluable ecosystems. "We currently work with hundreds of large corporate customers of paper, packaging, and wood-based textiles like rayon and viscose," shares Rycroft. "We work to scale the use of discarded textiles, agricultural residues, lower carbon, more circular feedstocks and industry food waste that lower impact overall to make next season's clothing and packaging," she adds, underscoring Canopy's commitment to do-good practices throughout their supply chain.<br/> <br/> Their mission is clear: “To ensure that the world's Ancient and Endangered Forests aren't being mowed down.”</p> <p><br/> </p> <p>Canopy's objective is to protect the world’s forests, species, and climate, and to help advance Indigenous communities' rights. With the help of supporters and conservation allies, Canopy has played pivotal roles in securing large-scale conservation gains in 39 million acres of Ancient and Endangered Forests in Indonesia, Canada’s Boreal Forest, and North America’s coastal temperate rainforests.<br/> <br/> At the heart of their purpose-driven work lies a simple yet profound belief: “Being stylish doesn't have to cost us the Earth.” This mantra encapsulates the ethos of their work, emphasizing the importance of responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.<br/> <br/> To mobilize their vision and ensure they are closer to their goal of eliminating the use of Ancient and Endangered Forests in the supply chain mix by 2033, Canopy has garnered more than 20 Next Generation Innovator Partners and has supported three new Next Generation pulp mills, including the fruition of the world’s first commercial scale textile-to-textile pulp mill in Sweden, and agricultural residue pulp mills for paper packaging in China and North America. And with ever-growing consumer demands, this is no small feat. <br/> <br/> As we navigate the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss globally, initiatives like Canopy and Cisco Foundation's partnership shine brightly as examples of proactive and effective action. By embracing sustainability and corporate responsibility, they inspire others to join the fight for a more sustainable and resilient future. The pursuit? Together, we can all protect forests, safeguard our planet, and ensure a long-lasting legacy for generations to come.</p></description><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:11:23 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-canopys-partnership-with-cisco-foundation-keep/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/07/98/0798e93c-26c8-4886-98b7-173860174488/boreal_tweet.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Beyond Cervical Cancer: How Rwanda Is Leading the Fight to Vaccinate Girls</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cervical-cancer-rwanda-hpv-vaccine/</link><description><p dir="ltr">“I bled and bled again, until I felt there was no more blood in my body.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Age 65, Pascasie Nyirahirwa slipped into a coma and was rushed to the nearest hospital in Cyangugu, southwestern Rwanda where she was given three blood transfusions and diagnosed with cervical cancer. Her chances of survival were slim — it’s estimated that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281756/">every two minutes</a>, a woman dies from cervical cancer around the world. </p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 914449 " id="914449" title="Embeddable Action - 914449"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p>Nyirahirwa survived but many women are not so lucky. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Rwanda and it kills <a href="https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/RWA.pdf">829 women</a> each year. In 2022, cervical cancer killed around 350,000 women globally, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer">according to the World Health Organization (WHO)</a> with about 90% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. </p> <p>Few diseases reflect global inequity as much as cervical cancer. More than <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/cervical-cancer/230519-ccei-brochure.pdf">85%</a> of those affected are young undereducated women living in poverty. The burden is the greatest in Africa where it’s the second most common cancer among women — <a href="https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/XFX.pdf">and the deadliest</a>. </p> <p>In Rwanda today, Nyirahirwa may not have gotten sick at all thanks to a nationwide vaccination campaign.</p> <p>Back in 2011, Rwanda became the first African country to implement the HPV vaccine which prevents infection by certain types of human papillomavirus, a virus that ultimately causes more than <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6811952/">nine of every 10</a> cases of cervical cancer. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - 13943202677_80c026d8f7_h.jpg " id="914837" title="Image - 13943202677_80c026d8f7_h.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The HPV vaccine dramatically reduces the number of women who will develop cervical cancer. If given to girls before the age of 17, it reduces incidences of cervical cancer by 90% compared with women who are not vaccinated, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32997908/">according to a large-scale study conducted over an 11-year period</a>.</p> <p>“We know that cervical cancer is a preventable cancer, which is also potentially curable should we be able to diagnose it early enough,” says Dr Princess Nothemba Simelela, assistant director-general for family, women, children, and adolescents at the WHO. “Women continue to die needlessly from this cancer.”</p> <p>In the first year of the scheme, Rwanda reached <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221340/">nine out of every 10</a> girls eligible for the vaccine and today continues to demonstrate <a href="https://globalhealthprogress.org/collaboration/rwandan-hpv-national-vaccination-program/">one of the highest HPV vaccination rates</a> in the world. In fact, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/aug/18/how-rwanda-could-become-one-of-the-first-countries-to-wipe-out-cervical-cancer-acc">officials say</a> Rwanda could be the first country in Africa – possibly the world – to eliminate cervical cancer. </p> <p>“We are among the frontrunners,” says Dr. Francois Uwinkindi, manager of the non-communicable diseases division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, part of the Ministry of Health.</p> <p>Part of the campaign’s success can be attributed to the way Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has worked with village elders, community leaders, churches, and schools to dispel myths around the vaccine and combat misinformation. First-person stories <a href="https://girleffect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FINAL-Girl-Effect-and-Gavi-4.0-Report.pdf">are shared in the magazines that Rwandan girls read</a> and an army of community health workers go door to door in villages across the country to answer questions about the vaccine, raise awareness of the disease, warn of the dangers of cervical cancer, and encourage women to attend screenings.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Student in Rwanda Conversation Clinic.jpg " id="914838" title="Image - Student in Rwanda Conversation Clinic.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>But Rwanda's journey was not without obstacles. A decade ago, HPV vaccination was not the global health priority that it is now.</p> <p>It wasn’t until 2018 that the WHO’s Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/cervical-cancer/230519-ccei-brochure.pdf?sfvrsn=8f15a050_5&amp;download=true">issued a call to action</a> to scale up prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer. </p> <p>Two years later, in 2020, for the first time in history, the world resolved to eliminate cervical cancer. The WHO adopted the <a href="https://www.who.int/initiatives/cervical-cancer-elimination-initiative#cms">global strategy for cervical cancer elimination</a> by 2030. To eliminate cervical cancer, less than four in every 100,000 women must develop cervical cancer. To achieve the goal, countries must ensure 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15.</p> <p>There were also significant cultural hurdles to overcome.</p> <p>"Trying to understand the worries from our population was key," says Dr. Hassan Sibomana, who leads Rwanda's vaccination efforts.</p> <p>"There are still women who think cervical cancer is as a result of witchcraft and visit witch doctors for treatment as opposed to medical doctors," says another cervical cancer survivor, Angeline Usanase, who lives in Rwanda's capital, Kigali. There were also rumors that girls would have their wombs removed or that the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1877575615000889">vaccine would make girls infertile</a>.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 914839 " id="914839" title="Related Stories - 914839"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Then, eliminating cervical cancer isn’t cheap, coming in at about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357722/">$10.23</a> for every immunized girl. </p> <p>Simelela believes that costs are so high because cervical cancer affects women, not men: “If this was a cancer that affected men in the way it does women, we would be having a different conversation.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She adds: “What I see [worldwide] is women get a lot of attention when they’re pregnant, but beyond that nothing exists really in the public health system for women.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rwanda seems to be going against the grain here, finding a solution by <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10649882/#:~:text=After%20the%20three%2Dyear%20arrangement,the%20cervical%20cancer%20prevention%20program.">partnering with a pharmaceutical company</a> that donated two million doses of the vaccine over the first three years of the scheme’s roll-out. Since then, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has covered the cost of vaccines. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that if you empower women, you empower the entire family and society,” says Uwinkindi.</p> <hr/> <p><em><strong>Disclosure: </strong>This article is part of a content series that was made possible with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.</em></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:09:49 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cervical-cancer-rwanda-hpv-vaccine/</guid><category>Health</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/c4/f2/c4f26f82-699f-400e-b51a-c164366ad07c/student_in_rwanda_hpv_series_conversation_clinic.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Tracy Keza | Global Citizen</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Water Has Long Been Used As a Tactical Weapon In Warfare — The World Now Has a Chance to End This</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/water-weapon-in-warfare-opinion/</link><description><p class="legacy"><em><span>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-zeitoun-468094">Mark Zeitoun</a>, Professor of Water Security at <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-east-anglia-1268">University of East Anglia</a>.</span></em></p> <p>Water nourishes, cleanses, and even inspires the poetry and painting so desperately needed by our modern and rushed society. We really cannot live without it.</p> <p>But as a professor of water security who focuses on its role in conflict, I know that water is death, too. And I don’t just mean the awesome destructive force of floods – hundreds of children in Pakistan and twice as many adults drowned when a “<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/29/asia/pakistan-flood-damage-imf-bailout-intl-hnk/index.html">monsoon on steroids</a>” burst the banks of the Indus River last summer – or agonising spells of drought.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 914001 " id="914001" title="Embeddable Action - 914001"></cms-plugin> <p>I mean the way we use water in war – or more specifically, as a tool towards violent political or military objectives, when water becomes a tactical weapon and a strategic battlefield resource. At the UN conference, delegates have a chance to begin to put a stop to this. But before we change our behaviour, we must first reflect on it.</p> <h4><strong>Water the weapon</strong></h4> <p>We have for centuries used rivers to hurt our enemies. Back in the early 1500s, Leonardo da Vinci worked with Niccolò Machiavalli on an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to divert the Arno River away from Florence’s rival city, Pisa.</p> <p>Four centuries later, Belgian teenage troops and farmers knew exactly how to flood the parts of the Yser river that German troops had advanced along during the first world war. Another century after that, Ukrainian forces cut the sole water supply to Crimea after Russia’s annexation of it, and just a few weeks ago <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/02/10/1155761686/russia-is-draining-a-massive-ukrainian-reservoir-endangering-a-nuclear-plant">Russian troops used the Dnipro river</a> to stop troop advances.</p> <p>Rivers are also often used to conceal crimes. Paris police threw dozens of their Algerian victims into the Seine <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-french-algerian-war-60-years-on-what-is-behind-frances-reconciliation-agenda-192270">in 1961</a>, while Syrian forces dumped dozens of people they had executed into the Aleppo river in 2013, and into the Al Assi in 2015. Sudanese authorities tossed <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/05/africa/sudan-death-toll-intl/index.html">at least 40</a> of their own people into the Nile in their failed attempt to disrupt protests in 2019 – in a way, emulating the British slaughter of 13,000 Sudanese at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles in Omdurman in 1898.</p> <p>Snipers know the tactical value of water, too. They sat several floors up in Sarajevo’s abandoned buildings in the 1990s, perched like patient storks over the women and children who would risk their lives to get to the tap stand at the end of an alley. Snipers also hid behind their scopes at a distance from a leaky pipe in a refugee camp in Beirut in the 1970s, “as if hunting thirsty gazelles” in the words of poet <a href="https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft1z09n7g7&amp;chunk.id=s1.1.11&amp;toc.id=&amp;brand=eschol">Mahmoud Darwish</a>. “Killer water”, he concludes.</p> <p>And water can be used more strategically – to clear the killing fields. Dozens of public reservoirs were pierced like colanders in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/disa.12039">southern Lebanon in 2006</a>, presumably to keep those who had fled to Beirut away. Similarly, elders who refused to flee the fighting in villages in 1990s Kosovo were regularly <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reflections-Understanding-Our-Abuse-Water-ebook/dp/B0BW12YD7W/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=mark+zeitoun&amp;link_code=qs&amp;qid=1677050604&amp;sourceid=Mozilla-search&amp;sr=8-2">dumped into backyard wells</a>, to discourage their adult children from returning.</p> <p>A different type of cleansing also happens along the West Bank of the Jordan river, where Israeli governments provide water to settlers but employ both bureaucratic and physical ways to <a href="https://theconversation.com/israel-is-hoarding-the-jordan-river-its-time-to-share-the-water-126906">deny it to the locals</a>. Here, water policy has mixed with political and military goals to the point where they are virtually indistinguishable.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 914000 " id="914000" title="Related Stories - 914000"></cms-plugin></p> <p>However, water isn’t always an effective tool of military and political violence. For instance, the enormous British “dambusters” campaign in the second world war, in which dams were targeted with “bouncing bombs”, is <a href="https://www.maxhastings.com/2019/09/04/exploding-the-dambusters-myth/">disingenuously remembered</a>. In fact, it only managed to properly take out two dams in the end, and killed mostly Russian women civilian prisoners of war who had been forced to work in German factories along the Ruhr river. More recently, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State">Islamic State</a> discovered that <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28772478">control of a dam</a> in Iraq and Syria does not automatically give you control of the people who live downstream.</p> <h4><strong>The battle for water – and ourselves</strong></h4> <p>Though humanity uses water to nurture, it also uses water to destroy and to contaminate, or to ethnically cleanse territory even as water is made the foundation of global public health. For all its wonderful properties, water is a critical mirror of society. It exposes the extent to which we are led by ideologies and greed, and juxtaposes some of the world’s most inspiring and depraved behaviour.</p> <p>But now people are fighting back. Lawyers are developing principles on the <a href="https://legal.un.org/ilc/guide/8_7.shtml">protection of the environment</a> and <a href="https://www.genevawaterhub.org/resource/geneva-list-principles-protection-water-infrastructure">water infrastructure</a> during armed conflict. If we muster the will and courage, these initiatives can feed into relevant <a href="http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/2573">security council resolutions</a>, maybe even a UN Convention. Eventually, the tactical use of water could be as unacceptable as using human shields or targeting schools.</p> <hr/> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/water-has-long-been-used-as-a-tactical-weapon-in-warfare-the-world-now-has-a-chance-to-end-this-201835">original article</a>. Light edits have been made to this article to be repurposed a year after initial publication. </em></p></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:52:23 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/water-weapon-in-warfare-opinion/</guid><category>Water & Sanitation</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/21/2c/212ccc9d-9882-4385-b042-f2006c8e61d7/flickr_unicef_water_access_2023.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">©UNICEF Ethiopia/Nahom Tesfaye</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Unlock Your Influence With This Must-Know Guide to Activism</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/unlock-your-influence-with-this-must-know-guide-2/</link><description><p>In a world where global challenges feel overwhelming, let’s redirect our energy towards taking meaningful action, step by step. Together with Aéropostale and Global Citizen, dive into the ultimate guide to activism.</p> <p><strong>Step 1: Find Your Passion</strong><br/> First things first, what lights a fire in your belly? Whether it's saving the planet or fighting for equality, find your passion and let it fuel your activism journey. Remember, your voice matters, and your passion is your superpower! <strong>Take action:</strong> Explore different causes, attend local events, and reflect on what deeply resonates with you. Sign up <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/" target="_blank">here</a> to be the first to know about events and campaigns that drive change. Your passion will drive your commitment to activism.</p> <p><strong>Step 2: Educate Yourself</strong><br/> Knowledge is power, so dive deep into the issues you care about and get real-world insights from credible sources and activists on social media. Stay informed and immerse yourself in personal stories to better understand what's happening on the ground! <strong>Take action:</strong> Follow <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/categories/demand-equity/" target="_blank">reputable sources</a>, engage in discussions with diverse perspectives, and fact-check information before sharing it. Knowledge is the foundation of effective activism.</p> <p><strong>Step 3: Amplify Your Voice</strong><br/> Activism can also be a creative outlet to express how you feel about causes that speak to the heart. Get creative and find your own unique way to speak out. Whether it's through art, music, or viral TikTok dances, let your voice be heard loud and proud! <strong>Take action:</strong> Use social media platforms to share your message, create art or videos to raise awareness, and participate in local events. Your voice has the power to inspire change. Sound good? Click <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/putting-social-media-to-work-for-social-justice/" target="_blank">here</a> for insider insights from digital activists.</p> <p><strong>Step 4: Connect with Like-Minded Changemakers</strong><br/> Let's face it, we're stronger together. Connect with fellow activists online and offline, and brainstorm ideas like strategizing for change. Together, we'll amplify our impact and create a movement too big to ignore! Amanda Gorman, poet and activist for racial justice and literacy, said it best: “Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power. Together, we can dismantle the systems of oppression and create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect." <strong>Take action:</strong> Join activist groups or organizations, attend community events, and network with individuals who share your passion for change. Collaboration strengthens our collective efforts.</p> <p><strong>Step 5: Take Action, Make Waves!</strong><br/> Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Start small, start local, but always dream big. Host a beach cleanup, organize a climate strike, or start a petition for change. Remember, every action counts, and together, we'll be the change we want to see in the world! <strong>Take action:</strong> Set specific goals, create action plans, and collaborate with others to maximize impact. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater movement for change.</p> <p>Activism isn't just for the history books – it's your time to shine. So grab your phone, and your passion, unlock your influence and activate for change like never before. </p> <p> </p></description><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:53:47 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/unlock-your-influence-with-this-must-know-guide-2/</guid><category>Inequalities</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/0f/24/0f24894b-81a5-4220-9b0f-cdf245062d72/2.png"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">n/a</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>7 Heritage Sites We Are Losing to Conflict and Climate Change</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/hertiage-sites-conflict-climate-change/</link><description><p>Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities in Global South countries, including <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.unicef.org/rosa/blog/climate-changes-greatest-victims-are-women-and-girls%23:~:text%3DYet%2520they%2520show%2520a%2520harsh,by%2520climate%2520change%2520are%2520women.&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1709911606608077&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PL8V3BidHRZ1SA1uwHrNw">women and girls</a>, farmers, those <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/climate-change-is-connected-to-poverty/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAi6uvBhADEiwAWiyRdv7LgJPYLuvNYYptrltjo1GUCeF-eFf3jlTInRfhZ2fVhMDf3-0_BhoC88wQAvD_BwE">living in poverty</a>, <a href="https://www.unicef.org.uk/climate-change/#:~:text=Climate%20change%20is%20changing%20children%27s,the%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change.">children</a>, and <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/climate-change.html">indigenous communities</a>.</p> <p>Loss of life. Loss of homes. Loss of livelihoods. Loss of education. Loss of health care. The effects of conflict and climate change are vast and far-reaching. Not only do they have a humanitarian impact, wreaking havoc on the most vulnerable, but one of the less considered victims of conflict and the climate change are world cultural heritage sites. </p> <p><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/climatechange/">According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</a>, 1 in 3 natural sites and 1 in 6 cultural heritage sites are currently threatened by climate change. Erosion due to sea level rise, for example, has threatened serious damage to the iconic Moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and also destroyed sections of Kilwa Kisiwani, a historic Tanzanian city.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 911849 " id="911849" title="Embeddable Action - 911849"></cms-plugin> <p>World heritage sites are places of exceptional cultural or natural significance and are recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value. They play an important role in preserving communities' cultural identiy, attracting tourism, supporting thousands of jobs, and contributing to the national and local economies. </p> <p>These sites include ancient ruins, historical monuments, natural landscapes, and cultural practices. Well known world heritage sites include: the Great wall of China, Stonehenge in the UK, the Taj Mahal in India, Victoria Falls in southern Africa, and Easter Island off the coast of Chile to name a few. Can you imagine a world without these incredible cultural and historical sites?</p> <p>In order to ensure the universal protection of world cultural heritage sites, the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict <a href="https://en.unesco.org/protecting-heritage/convention-and-protocols/1954-convention">was created in 1954</a> by UNESCO. Widely known as the <a href="https://en.unesco.org/protecting-heritage/convention-and-protocols/1954-convention">1954 Hague Convention</a>, it is the first and most comprehensive <a href="https://en.unesco.org/protecting-heritage/convention-and-protocols/1954-convention">multilateral treaty</a> (an international agreement between more than two parties, often resulting from a conference held under an international organization) that is solely dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage in times of peace and during armed conflicts.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911851 " id="911851" title="Related Stories - 911851"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In recent years, post-conflict and post-disaster <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/reconstruction/">reconstruction has become an increasingly important issue</a> after the destruction of cultural heritage sites in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Nepal, Syria, and Yemen. In response to this UNESCO has <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/reconstruction/">launched</a> key initiatives for the reconstruction and recovery of a number of world heritage sites that have been heavily damaged by conflict or disaster. — but the answer to protecting world heritage is of course to tackle the climate emergency and end conflict worldwide.</p> <p>These are seven examples of heritage sites that have been impacted by conflict and climate change.<br/> </p> <h4><strong>1. </strong><b id="docs-internal-guid-4bebc53f-7fff-9e73-c9c4-47a13adbc393">Over 300 Ukrainian heritage sites and artifacts have been damaged and stolen since the war began.</b></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Church in Kherson after Russian shelling " id="912852" title="Image - Church in Kherson after Russian shelling"></cms-plugin></p> <p>According to a report published by the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/tools-of-war-conflict-and-the-destruction-of-ukrainian-cultural-heritage/49CD4A3FA298780A79C025541C78CF5A">Antiquity</a>, the scale of destruction of Ukrainian heritage sites due to conflict has not been seen in the country since World War II. </p> <p>Since Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, many cultural sites across Ukraine have sustained <a href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/21/in-pictures-ukraines-cultural-landscape-significantly-damaged-after-two-years-of-war#:~:text=Ukrainian%20cultural%20heritage%20is%20not,of%20Ukraine%20told%20The%20Economist.">varying degrees of damage</a>. </p> <p>As of Feb. 7, 2024, UNESCO <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/damaged-cultural-sites-ukraine-verified-unesco">verified damage</a> to 342 sites, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict on the cultural heritage of Ukraine. Among the damaged sites are 127 religious sites, 150 buildings of historical and artistic significance, 31 museums, 19 monuments, 14 libraries, and one archive.</p> <p>Moreover, It has been reported that more than 480,000 artworks have been illegally removed by Russian troops as of early 2024, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine told t<a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2024/01/05/inside-the-hunt-for-ukraines-stolen-art">he Economist</a>. The Kherson Museum alone has lost <a href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/21/in-pictures-ukraines-cultural-landscape-significantly-damaged-after-two-years-of-war">28,000 artworks during the occupation of Kherson city</a>, which highlights the <a href="https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/21/in-pictures-ukraines-cultural-landscape-significantly-damaged-after-two-years-of-war">systematic targeting of cultural treasures</a>. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911861 " id="911861" title="Related Stories - 911861"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Numerous measures have been implemented in response to the ongoing conflict to safeguard Ukraine's cultural heritage. A dedicated unit of <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/ukraines-territorial-defence-forces-create-174607983.html">Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces</a> has been established to investigate the targeting of cultural heritage sites across Ukraine. The unit is led by lawyer <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-accuses-russia-museum-looting-church-destruction-60-minutes-transcript/">Vitaliy Tytych</a>, and its primary objective is to gather evidence to <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/ukraine-aims-to-hold-russia-accountable-for-heritage-site-attacks/">prosecute</a> The Russian military. Additionally, Ukraine has received financial support and training from the US Department of State. In February 2023, the department <a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-announces-7-million-for-ukraine-cultural-heritage-response-initiative/">announced</a> that it would invest $7 million to help Ukraine protect its cultural heritage. This funding will also be used to <a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-announces-7-million-for-ukraine-cultural-heritage-response-initiative/">train Ukrainian soldiers</a> in safeguarding cultural heritage during armed conflicts.</p> <h4><strong>2. The Great Mosque of Aleppo was destroyed during Syria’s Civil War.</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Inside the Great Mosque of Aleppo, Syria " id="913421" title="Image - Inside the Great Mosque of Aleppo, Syria"></cms-plugin></p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/apr/25/syria-umayyad-mosque-destroyed-pictures">The Great Mosque of Aleppo</a> also known as the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, Syria, was constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries. It featured a minaret that was used for daily prayers and was one of the oldest and largest mosques in the city.</p> <p>But in 2013, this cultural heritage site was <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22283746">destroyed</a>, including the mosque’s tower <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/apr/25/syria-umayyad-mosque-destroyed-pictures">which had stood since 1090</a> amid violence during the Syrian civil war. </p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/apr/25/syria-umayyad-mosque-destroyed-pictures">According to the Guardian</a>, the mosque was being occupied by anti-government rebels at the time and used as a battleground. Both<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/apr/25/syria-umayyad-mosque-destroyed-pictures"> Bashar al-Assad's regime and anti-government activists</a> blamed the other side for the attack.</p> <h4><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911850 " id="911850" title="Related Stories - 911850"></cms-plugin></h4> <h4><br/> <strong>3. Easter Island’s famous Moai statues are at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels. </strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Easter Island statues " id="912664" title="Image - Easter Island statues"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Have you ever heard of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island?</p> <p>The island is home to the Moai: <a href="https://www.timeout.com/news/rising-sea-levels-are-threatening-easter-islands-famous-moai-statues-031522">monolithic rock figures that are both a marvel of human engineering and phenomenal works of art, ranging from two to 20 meters in height</a>. Rapa Nui's <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/715/">900</a> Moai are an incredible sight, and a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/715/">UNESCO World Heritage site</a>. From the 10th to the 16th centuries, the Polynesian society living on the island built shrines and erected these enormous stone figures, creating an unrivaled cultural landscape that continues to fascinate people throughout the world. </p> <p>However, due to climate change, many of these Moai statues could soon be under threat due to the rising sea levels around Rapa Nui increasing the likelihood of flooding during storms and adverse weather events. This, in turn, is causing the Moai figures to be pulled away from their bases, which could eventually lead to the statues' collapse.</p> <p>Rapa Nui's Moai statues are not the only things under threat on this remote Pacific island. The local indigenous population's way of life is also in danger due to global warming. According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-11/easter-island-at-risk-from-rising-seas-extreme-weather">Bloomberg</a>, reduced levels of rainfall on the island have made life challenging for its 8,000 inhabitants. In 2020, the island received only <a href="https://www.timeout.com/news/rising-sea-levels-are-threatening-easter-islands-famous-moai-statues-031522">992 milliliters of rainfall, compared to 1,311 in 1991</a>.</p> <p>Despite this, efforts have been taken to protect the Moai and the Indigenous population. A <a href="https://www.timeout.com/news/rising-sea-levels-are-threatening-easter-islands-famous-moai-statues-031522">sea wall has been constructed to preserve the Moai at one location</a> while the Chilean government has also collaborated with scientists to implement a <a href="https://www.timeout.com/news/rising-sea-levels-are-threatening-easter-islands-famous-moai-statues-031522">broader climate action plan</a>.</p> <h4><strong>4. Mali’s Timbuktu cultural heritage sites were destroyed by conflict.</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - The Great Mosque of djenne Mali cultural heritage site " id="913006" title="Image - The Great Mosque of djenne Mali cultural heritage site"></cms-plugin><br/> In 2012, rebel Islamist groups took over the ancient city Timbuktu in Mali and <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20160822-mali-icc-justice-timbuktu-jihadist-cultural-heritage-destruction">destroyed</a> mosques, mausoleums, and Sufi tombs that had been built as far back as the 15th century.</p> <p>In response to this, Mali’s government sought support from the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/story-timbuktu/">international community through UNESCO</a>. Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia were placed on the List of <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/story-timbuktu/">World Heritage in Danger</a> and UNESCO initiated a series of <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/story-timbuktu/">major actions to assist Mali</a>. </p> <p>In 2016, the International Criminal Court (ICC) found Ahmed Al-Faqi Al-Mahdi who was <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53650493">head of the jihadist group known as the Hisbah</a>, <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/mali/al-mahdi">guilty of war crimes</a> and sentenced him to <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/story-timbuktu/">nine years</a> in prison for his role in the deliberate destruction of <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/story-timbuktu/">religious and historical buildings</a>. </p> <p>This was the first time the ICC examined the destruction of religious sites as a war crime.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911840 " id="911840" title="Related Stories - 911840"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>5. China’s cultural heritage sites and ancient artifacts are under threat from extreme weather.</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Zhenhai Bridge cultural heritage site China " id="912980" title="Image - Zhenhai Bridge cultural heritage site China"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In recent years, China has seen <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8346/china-needs-a-law-that-protects-its-cultural-heritage-from-climate-change/">significant climate-related damage to immovable tangible cultural heritage</a>. A recent example is the flooding in 2020 that damaged over 130 cultural sites, including the Zhenhai bridge in Huangshan, Anhui province, a protected cultural site which dates back <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8346/china-needs-a-law-that-protects-its-cultural-heritage-from-climate-change/">500 years to the Ming dynasty</a>. </p> <p>Moreover, ancient cave paintings such as those found in the renowned Mogao grottoes, are being damaged due to rainwater leaks and rising levels of humidity. When water vapor levels exceed <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/16/china-gansu-greenpeace-climate-change/">60% of saturation, salt begins to crystallize and separate on the walls of the cave, which can cause the paint to dislodge</a>. As a result, murals dating back to the 4th century are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/16/china-gansu-greenpeace-climate-change/">deteriorating rapidly</a>, with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/16/china-gansu-greenpeace-climate-change/">flakes</a> of paint falling off at an alarming rate.</p> <p>On Feb. 1, 2024, China implemented its <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8364/chinas-first-ever-disaster-management-regulation-for-heritage-sites-needs-to-mention-climate-change-greenpeace/">first-ever provincial-level regulation on natural disaster risk management for cultural relics in Shanxi province</a>. The regulation aims to manage disaster risk for <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8364/chinas-first-ever-disaster-management-regulation-for-heritage-sites-needs-to-mention-climate-change-greenpeace/">53,875 registered cultural heritage sites</a>. However, this has been criticized for not including <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8364/chinas-first-ever-disaster-management-regulation-for-heritage-sites-needs-to-mention-climate-change-greenpeace/">climate change’s impact</a> on these cultural heritage sites. </p> <p>Published in August 2023, "<a href="https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MZIFJL1VTX7">Vanishing Point: Cultural Heritage, Climate Change, and Conservation Challenges</a>" <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/publication/8346/china-needs-a-law-that-protects-its-cultural-heritage-from-climate-change/">highlighted</a> the need for revisions to China's Cultural Relics Protection Law to consider the impact of climate change on cultural relic preservation. The proposed changes would expand the scope of the law to include more types of relics and enhance China's strategies for addressing climate change impacts on cultural heritage.</p> <h4><strong>6. Bangladesh’s historical Bagerhat mosques are being impacted by rising sea levels and saltwater.</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Sixty-Dome Mosque Bagerhat heritage site " id="912666" title="Image - Sixty-Dome Mosque Bagerhat heritage site"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Bagerhat in southern Bangladesh is a city home to 360 mosques from the 15th century and is recognised as one of the <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/pAVh2vVbOjc8_A?hl=en">most important religious sites</a> in Bangladesh. It was added to UNESCO's list in <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/pAVh2vVbOjc8_A?hl=en">1985</a> for its global significance. </p> <p>However, climate change is bringing more <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N2XM22E/">extreme heat and rainfall, flooding, erosion, and saltwater</a> to the low-lying southern city, thus posing a threat to Bangladesh's historical and cultural Bagerhat mosques.</p> <p>In Mosque City of Bagerhat, such changes are undermining historic structures, causing the surface of aging bricks and masonry to disintegrate more rapidly, for instance, and allowing fungus and plants to gain a foothold, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N2XM22E/">according to Reuters</a>.</p> <p>Bangladesh has taken strides on adaptation planning over the last decade, by implementing the <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/a-quick-guide-to-bagerhat-39-s-climate-crisis-cyark/pAVh2vVbOjc8_A?hl=en">National Adaptation Plan of action (NAPA), setting up climate change trust funds, and pioneering community-based adaptation approaches</a>.</p> <h4><br/> <strong>7. Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo </strong><b id="docs-internal-guid-7c7b429f-7fff-ce7c-94f5-7430f1be4933">Sacred </b><strong>Grove is at risk of flooding.</strong></h4> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - palaces at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove Nigeria heritage site " id="912665" title="Image - palaces at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove Nigeria heritage site"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a forest sanctuary located along the Osun River, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, in southern Nigeria. This site is considered a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118/">national monument</a> and is believed to be the dwelling place of the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118/">goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheons of Yoruba gods</a>. The grove’s landscape, which includes the Osun river, is adorned with <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118/">sanctuaries, 40 shrines</a> including the Busanyin Shrine, as well as <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1118/">sculptures and artworks</a> honoring Osun and other deities. </p> <p>Additionally, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is an important <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WQXxPEgV7aOlPg?hl=en">religious site</a> for <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WQXxPEgV7aOlPg?hl=en">Yoruba religion practitioners, local traditionalists</a>, and followers worldwide who visit.</p> <p>The Osun River plays a <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WQXxPEgV7aOlPg?hl=en">vital role</a> in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and many structures, worship points, and sculptures are located near the water.</p> <p>However, as the intensity of rains <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WQXxPEgV7aOlPg?hl=en">increases</a> within the tropical monsoon region, these structures are at risk of damage caused by flooding and heavy rains. In 2019, seasonal flooding <a href="https://todaynewsafrica.com/california-based-nonprofit-organization-cyark-completes-digital-documentation-of-osun-osogbo-sacred-groove-in-nigeria-with-support-of-u-s-government/">caused severe damage</a> to the Busanyin Shrine.</p> <p>The mud-based concrete that supported the pillars of the shrine was damaged and the roof collapsed. This loss has been devastating to the local community and local traditionalist priests, which can no longer use the shrine safely.</p> <p>Local community groups, religious leaders, government agencies, and conservation experts have come together to <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WQXxPEgV7aOlPg?hl=en">protect and preserve Osun-Osogbo Grove and the Busanyin Shrine</a>.</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:02:27 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/hertiage-sites-conflict-climate-change/</guid><category>Environment</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/81/b8/81b80b66-9a6f-4f2b-9187-b6fc0f8460bb/yoko-correia-nishimiya-widzz-mk9di-unsplash.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Yoko Correia Nishimiya | Unsplash</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Sudan Crisis: 7 Facts About the Scale of Need in the Country</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sudan-crisis-facts-humanitarian-aid/</link><description><p>There’s a civil war in Sudan that’s been ongoing for about a year. Here’s what’s happening: </p> <p>The Northeast African nation has been in the throes of civil war since April 15, 2023. The violence began in the country’s capital Khartoum, following protests against a military regime that’s been in power since 2021. For almost a year, the country has been impacted by a violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which has killed 14,000 people — although the number may be larger due to a l<a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/03/sudan-give-un-fact-finding-mission-a-chance/">ack of access to the war zone for adequate reporting</a>. Despite several attempts at a ceasefire, particularly to allow access to aid, none have truly stuck and civilian lives have been the cost. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sudan-conflict-explainer-how-can-i-help/">We’ve laid out a timeline of how this current civil war began, including the failed ceasefire attempts, dating back to 2019, that you can refer to here</a>. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 913386 " id="913386" title="Embeddable Action - 913386"></cms-plugin> <p>As 2023 saw a number of conflicts, violence, and natural disasters — all of which have seen human suffering and all of which continue to need humanitarian assistance — the Sudan war has fallen to the bottom of global funding agendas, and yet the scale of need in the country keeps rising. </p> <p>"Sudan keeps getting forgotten by the international community," UN Humanitarian Aid Under-Secretary-General, Martin Griffiths, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-appeals-41-bln-help-war-torn-sudan-refugees-2024-02-07/">told diplomats in Geneva</a>.</p> <p>He continued: "There is a certain kind of obscenity about the humanitarian world, which is the competition of suffering, a competition between places: 'I have more suffering than you, so I need to get more attention, so I need to get more money.'” </p> <p>"We must not forget Sudan," he said.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 913416 " id="913416" title="Related Stories - 913416"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Here are seven facts about the scale of need in Sudan:</p> <h4><strong>1. 25 million people are <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-appeals-41-bln-help-war-torn-sudan-refugees-2024-02-07/">in need of humanitarian aid</a>.</strong></h4> <p>That’s half of the entire population of Sudan who face need of humanitarian assistance, 14 million of whom are children. Even before the current ongoing violence, a third of Sudan’s population (around 15 million people)<a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/facts-crisis-sudan"> were already in need of humanitarian assistance due to</a> “ongoing conflict, the climate crisis, disease outbreaks, and economic decline.” </p> <p>The military war has made matters much worse over the span of a year, and aid needs include access to food, access to protection from the ongoing violence, healthcare assistance, shelter, and access to clean water. </p> <h4><strong>2. <a href="https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/PB_Sudan_famine.pdf">Half a million people</a> will likely be killed by famine by June 2024.</strong></h4> <p>This is based on an examination by the Clingendael Research Institute which looked at the state of food insecurity in the country, taking into account lower crop stocks as a result of the war’s impact on agriculture. The war has already disrupted the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/fighting-sudan-leaves-farmers-struggling-get-crops-planted-2023-07-17/">planting</a> and <a href="https://www.theafricareport.com/332463/famine-threatens-sudan-after-war-claims-harvest/">harvest</a> seasons, meaning citizens have less access to food (not including a lack of access to adequate humanitarian assistance). </p> <p>The report predicts the likelihood of “half a million excess deaths, half a million additional people fleeing Sudan, and 15% fewer births than normal” directly linked to food insecurity.</p> <h4><strong>3. 10.7 million people have been displaced. </strong></h4> <p>The most recent estimate of displaced people was released in January 2024 by <a href="https://dtm.iom.int/reports/dtm-sudans-internally-displaced-persons-2023-estimates?close=true">the UN’s International Organization for Migration</a> (IOM). Those fleeing their homes to protect themselves from violence have sought refuge in Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and the Central African Republic. </p> <p>"As of today, one in every eight internally displaced persons in the world is in Sudan. " said IOM Director General, Amy Pope in a statement. “...the humanitarian response so far is insufficient to meet the dire needs. We cannot turn our backs on the millions of people in need of support.” </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 913417 " id="913417" title="Related Stories - 913417"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>4. 4.2 million people <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/cluster-status-gender-based-violence-gbv-sub-cluster-response-april-15-october-2023">are in need of gender-based violence-related</a> assistance. </strong></h4> <p>This is already an increase from the 1 million that the UN calculated at the beginning of the fighting. What’s more is that the UN Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimates that the demand for GBV assistance will rise to <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/cluster-status-gender-based-violence-gbv-sub-cluster-response-april-15-october-2023">6.9 million individuals in 2024</a>. </p> <p>Women and girls are often used as weapons of war during times of fighting, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/women-and-girls-impacts-war-conflict/">you can learn more about how conflict and war hits them the worst in our explainer here</a>. </p> <h4><strong>5. Approximately 70% of healthcare facilities are non-functional. </strong></h4> <p>According to the Sudan's Doctor's Trade Union, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/sudan-conflict-african-countrys-health-system-nears-breaking/story?id=99564797">as reported by ABC News</a>, roughly 70% of healthcare services have ceased operations due to shortages in supplies, personnel, and low access to the facilities themselves. The union reports that 21 hospitals have been evacuated by militants, and 17 hospitals have been destroyed by bombing and aerial attacks. </p> <h4><strong>6. 12 million children <a href="https://www.unrefugees.org/news/sudan-crisis-explained/?SF_monthly=70141000001AXHNAA4?SF_monthly">have been forced out of school</a> because of the war.</strong></h4> <p>Including the children who were already out of school before the war, the number of children without access to education is 19 million.</p> <h4><strong>7. The United Nations has <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/02/1146317">appealed for $4.1 billion</a> in funding support for humanitarian aid.</strong></h4> <p>With rapidly increasing needs within the country and for the nations hosting refugees, the UN appealed to the international community for US $4.1billion to address humanitarian issues in the country. </p> <p>The organization breaks down the funding needs as follows: $2.7 billion for emergency and humanitarian response for 14.7 million people inside Sudan and $1.4 billion for a regional refugee response plan to assist 2.7 million people in five neighboring countries. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 913418 " id="913418" title="Related Stories - 913418"></cms-plugin></p> <p>The civil war was ongoing at the time of publication <a href="https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/11/sudans-military-rejects-ramadan-ceasefire/">as another ceasefire was rejected by the SAF</a> as recently as March 11, 2024. As the war continues, the needs will rise, access to resources will diminish, and civilians will continue to senselessly lose their lives to armed violence. Sudan’s crisis must stay in headlines and continue to hold our attention in order for citizens to have a fighting chance at survival, and <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-war-fuels-poverty/">against impending poverty</a>. </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Khanyi Mlaba</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:02:14 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sudan-crisis-facts-humanitarian-aid/</guid><category>The Movement</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/da/86/da865be5-1cdb-4f29-9eab-a990cd3b6583/sudan_crisis_refugees_ap_downloaded_march_2024.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP/Amr Nabil</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>UK Budget 2024: The Government Still Hasn’t Restored Global Aid — But the World’s Poorest Are Still Suffering.</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/uk-budget-2024-aid-jeremy-hunt/</link><description><p dir="ltr">In March 2015, just over nine years ago, the then-UK Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Spring Budget.</p> <p>In a moment of history applauded by the world, Osborne <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/26/overseas-aid-protected-by-george-osborne">pledged</a> help for the world’s poorest and those in war zones by safeguarding the UK’s spending on Official Development Aid (ODA).</p> <p>ODA is funding, provided by governments of wealthy nations to developing countries, and is an essential tool for assisting those living on the frontlines of climate disasters and humanitarian crises. The money goes towards things like improving access to water, healthcare and high-quality education, protecting biodiversity, and combating the climate emergency.</p> <p>Back in 2015, the world was faced with <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2015-year-europes-refugee-crisis">a worsening refugee crisis</a> and humanitarian crises in <a href="https://reliefweb.int/disaster/fl-2015-000153-irq">Iraq</a>, <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/09/yemen-the-forgotten-war/">Yemen</a>, Afghanistan, and more. </p> <p>In a vow to meet the country’s moral obligation to the world’s poorest, Osborne used his spending review to change how the budget was spent, as the government acknowledged that “aid spending has sometimes been controversial at home, because people want to know that it is squarely in the UK’s national interest.”</p> <p>This was no coincidence. For months, Global Citizens including the likes of One Direction <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/one-direction-for-the-uk-budget-uk-1st-to-meet-its/">had been calling on the chancellor</a> to officially commit through law to maintain the UK's important commitment of sending 0.7% Gross National Income (GNI) to international aid, a target set by the United Nations in 1970.</p> <p>Advocacy efforts paid off — and the aid budget was left intact.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Great that <a href="https://twitter.com/onedirection?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@onedirection</a> supporting action on global poverty.Proud to confirm in Budget UK committed to spend 0.7% of national income on aid</p> — George Osborne (@George_Osborne) <a href="https://twitter.com/George_Osborne/status/446290752138932224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">But then, in 2021, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government made the decision to <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9224/#:~:text=In%20November%202020%2C%20the%20Government,at%20least%20after%202027%2F28.">cut ODA from 0.7% to 0.5%</a>. </p> <p>The consequences have been disastrous. The Malawi Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention and Response Programme <a href="https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/projects/GB-COH-3799145-781-203216MW">was canceled</a>. Female empowerment projects in Nigeria and Afghanistan <a href="https://www.devex.com/organizations/women-for-women-international-wfwi-44537">were closed</a>. Peace-building work in South Sudan <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudan-anniversary-conflict-covid-and-climate-crisis-plus-uk-aid-cuts-peace">ended</a>. Education programs <a href="https://www.devex.com/news/uk-cuts-education-aid-even-as-its-global-summit-approaches-100419">were cut</a>. Around 72 million people <a href="https://www.devex.com/news/72-million-people-to-miss-treatment-for-ntds-due-to-uk-aid-cuts-102393">were expected</a> to miss treatment for neglected tropical diseases. Specialist work on conflict prevention <a href="https://www.devex.com/news/impact-of-funding-cuts-to-uk-s-cssf-revealed-102386">lost millions</a> allocated to the Middle East. Over <a href="https://syriarelief.org.uk/media/220504143232/the%20children%20failed%20by%20the%20world%20v6.pdf">40,000 Syrian children lost out on an education</a> as a direct result of the cuts. The list goes on.</p> <p dir="ltr"><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911631 " id="911631" title="Related Stories - 911631"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">Today, poverty and hunger are increasing. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2022, <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/cc3017en/online/cc3017en.html">691–783 million people</a> in the world faced hunger, 122 million more than in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, <a href="https://www.wfp.org/global-hunger-crisis">345 million of those people</a> are facing acute levels of hunger, including starvation. That’s five times as many people as the entire UK population. </p> <p>Meanwhile, conflict is <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/violent-conflict-wwii-un-antonio-guterres">on the rise</a>, <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/global-trends">millions are displaced</a>, and international law is disregarded with impunity. Not a single country in the world has achieved gender equality and there are even places, such as Afghanistan, where girls now have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers did. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 911630 " id="911630" title="Related Stories - 911630"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">Yet, when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt brandished that little red suitcase in front of 11 Downing Street today to announce the spring budget, he and his government made exactly zero commitments to international development and global solidarity whatsoever.</p> <p>But we can’t give up. While the budget might be set, there are many ways to unlock funding for international development.</p> <p>The budget <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-68489807">confirmed the extension of a windfall tax</a> on oil and gas firms by 12 months. Following oil and gas companies’ record profits in 2022, the surcharge was introduced by Rishi Sunak when he was chancellor as a way of funding help for households facing rising bills as energy prices soared. Some of these funds could be diverted towards those who are facing the harshest consequences of the climate emergency.</p> <p>The UK needs to embrace international solidarity mechanisms and innovative funding options for global public good and stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable communities in low- income countries. Take action today, and <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/action/we-need-a-uk-budget-that-tackles-an-unstable-world/">tell the UK Chancellor</a> we can't risk putting these problems off any longer.</p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 911629 " id="911629" title="Embeddable Action - 911629"></cms-plugin></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Tess Lowery and Cecilia Dosu</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:02:45 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/uk-budget-2024-aid-jeremy-hunt/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/d5/03/d503f6e4-47a3-4586-b5d0-2c8b92dfd776/george_osborne_spring_budget_2015.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>6 Biggest Moments Driving Impact and Action From Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-melbourne-the-biggest-moments-d/</link><description><p dir="ltr"></p> <p>Impact is created when people, leaders, and activists unite to <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/take-action/" target="_blank">take action</a> for a common cause. </p> <p>And from March 5-6, the dynamic Global Citizen NOW summit returned for its third year, this time taking center stage in Melbourne, Australia. </p> <p>Upholding its core principle of uniting people in action, the event brought together diverse voices – from world leaders to grassroots activists – to tackle humanity's most pressing issues, from climate change to global poverty.</p> <p>Launched in New York City in 2022, Global Citizen NOW brings together diverse voices for two action-packed days. Through engaging panels, participants delve into solutions for humanity's most pressing challenges, from climate change to global poverty.</p> <p>And the Melbourne event was no different. Over two inspiring days, 32 Global Citizen Youth Leadership award winners, artists, entrepreneurs, and influential figures joined audience members from across the Asia-Pacific region in exploring the future of Australia and the region.</p> <p>Equally important was the ongoing acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land where Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne took place. </p> <p>The two days were spearheaded by a powerful convergence of Australian First Nations voices and diverse leaders from across the Asia-Pacific. Global Citizen NOW's Melbourne edition, held on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, offered a commendable example of such recognition.</p> <p>Wurundjeri female dance group, Djirri Djirri, and Traditional Custodians of Narrm, Melbourne, performed as part of the Welcome to Country opening ceremony on Day one of the two day summit.</p> <p>This act of recognition set a strong precedent for future events, reminding us that positive global change must be built on a foundation of respect and inclusivity towards the original inhabitants of the land on which we strive for a better future.</p> <p>Culminating in meaningful action and significant announcements, Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne served as a powerful testament to the collective power of diverse voices, proving that when individuals and leaders come together, impactful solutions to pressing global challenges become a reality.</p> <p>Here are six moments of impact to celebrate:</p> <h3><strong>1. Hon. Xanana Gusmão Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Calls on the Australian Government to Do More</strong></h3> <p>The first, and opening panel of Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne, Day one ignited a crucial conversation aimed at navigating development challenges in the Asia-Pacific, with a conversation with H.E. Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, and renowned Australian journalist, David Speers. </p> <p>“Global Citizen should be commended for bringing together so many people to meet,” said Prime Minister Gusmão. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I have confidence the current government of Australia is more open-minded than the (previous government)," H.E. Mr. Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste, told the <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtzn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlblCtzn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNow</a> conference in Melbourne <a href="https://t.co/gYu0TjuoBu">https://t.co/gYu0TjuoBu</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1764869240333500759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Diving into the role Australia plays in confronting the pressing issues of global poverty and climate change within the region, Prime Minister Gusmão spoke at length on the urgent issues facing many of the world’s most vulnerable communities and the importance of protecting the environment. </p> <p>“We will take all measures to protect the environment,” said the Prime Minister. </p> <h3><strong>2. Global Citizen's Michael Sheldrick, and Michah Australia </strong><strong>Launch ‘Safer World For All’ Campaign to Protect Global Communities</strong></h3> <p>The world has entered a period of ‘poly-crisis,’ and severe shocks threaten to derail hard-earned progress to improve the lives of millions of communities living in poverty. </p> <p>The day one panel, “A Safer World For All, the Moral Obligation to Act,’ marked the launch of the 'Safer World for All' Campaign, a joint initiative with Global Citizen and Micah Australia aimed at increasing Australian Aid while highlighting the world's most pressing issues. </p> <p>Moderated by the National Director of Micah Australian, Matt Darvas, the panel featured insights from Miniter Zoe Daniel, Tim Costello, Most Influential Asian-Australian 2023 Mariam Veiszadeh, and 2024 Global Citizen Youth Leadership Award Winner Bianca Manning. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">High-energy launch of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaferWorldForAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaferWorldForAll</a> campaign to increase investment in Australian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/development?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#development</a><br/> <br/> Great to hear <a href="https://twitter.com/zdaniel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zdaniel</a> MP on the broader benefit to our economy and society through greater investment in foreign aid<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtzn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GlblCtzn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/micahaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@micahaustralia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ACFID?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACFID</a> <a href="https://t.co/nplXcxNcrU">pic.twitter.com/nplXcxNcrU</a></p> — Melissa Conley Tyler (@MConleytyler) <a href="https://twitter.com/MConleytyler/status/1764800977922621588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>“As we heard in the Welcome to Country this morning, the concept of the country for Aboriginal people is truly encompassing all of our life, our culture, our communities, our identity is wrapped up in the country, in the environment and,” said Manning. “We've found so much commonality and so much solidarity in our worldviews around climate.”</p> <p>Panelists shared their experiences in calling for stronger leadership in global efforts to eradicate poverty, combat climate change, and reduce inequality.</p> <p>“That aid and development is, actually, in Australia's interest. Ten out of 15 countries in our region that were receiving Australian aid are now among our biggest trading partners. We are benefiting from it,” said Costello. </p> <h3><strong>3. Gavi Announces the Introduction of Life-Saving HPV Vaccine to Timor-Leste</strong></h3> <p>Global Citizen NOW Melbourne's "Defeating Disease: From Reduction to Eradication" panel, featuring global health leaders, saw another major announcement on day one of the event. </p> <p>Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao, Chief Resource Mobilization &amp; Growth Officer, Gavi took to the stage to pledge on behalf of Gavi, to introduce human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in Timor-Leste starting in July 2024, which is projected to impact more than 86,000 women and girls in the region. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Accelerating access: <a href="https://twitter.com/GaviMarieAnge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaviMarieAnge</a> announces <a href="https://twitter.com/gavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gavi</a> 's pledge to introduce HPV Vaccines in Timor-Leste starting in July 2024. This amazing commitment will affect over 86,000 women and girls in the region as part of their campaign to fund global vaccination over the next 5 years. <a href="https://t.co/rP0HbYU1Dm">pic.twitter.com/rP0HbYU1Dm</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1764854041585099141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <h3><strong>4. IFAD Celebrates First-Ever Official Mission to the Pacific by an IFAD President </strong></h3> <p>Over the past year, Global Citizen has led a campaign alongside global leaders to urge Australia to rejoin the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). </p> <p>As part of the day one panel discussion "Future of Food: Farming on the Front Lines of Development" delved into the significance of smallholder farmers across the region, shedding light on their role in the future of food systems and food security. </p> <p>Panelist and president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Alvaro Lario took the opportunity to announce the news that the organization had completed its first official mission to the Pacific by an IFAD President to the Solomon Islands earlier this year. </p> <p>“I just came from the Solomon Islands, where I was meeting with the Prime Minister and seeing some of our projects in the region,” said Lario. “I would say that one of the things that we are proud of is when the projects conclude that there's the sustainability aspect, that many of the changes in the communities change.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICYMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICYMI</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNow</a> kicked off yesterday in Melbourne, with the <a href="https://twitter.com/IFADPresident?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IFADPresident</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MagnersFarm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MagnersFarm</a> highlighting the growing food crisis and why investing in smallholder farmers is key to turn the tide. Ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCNow</a>, our ED <a href="https://twitter.com/paulnewnham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paulnewnham</a><br/> shared this👉<a href="https://t.co/7eRM04LCZB">https://t.co/7eRM04LCZB</a> <a href="https://t.co/BkVFqCkDAA">pic.twitter.com/BkVFqCkDAA</a></p> — SDG2AdvocacyHub (@SDG2AdvocacyHub) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDG2AdvocacyHub/status/1765147664172151283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Lario met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and visited projects in the field to see the impact of IFAD's investments to address the region's extreme vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, including threats to food security and nutrition.</p> <h3><strong>5. Global Citizen Hosts Official Launch of the ‘Naiulo Declaration’ Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty</strong></h3> <p>The science is clear: we must urgently phase out fossil fuels. Yet, many of the world's most powerful countries lag in taking decisive action. In response, a formidable coalition led by Pacific Island States has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🏝️ Pacific nations rise for climate action! The powerful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaiuliDeclaration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaiuliDeclaration</a> launched at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNow</a> demands a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FossilFuelTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FossilFuelTreaty</a> to end our dependence on oil, gas, and coal. Stand with the Pacific in building a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FossilFreeFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FossilFreeFuture</a>! ✊<a href="https://t.co/RISUZiRkf7">https://t.co/RISUZiRkf7</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z2rmhp1lHj">pic.twitter.com/Z2rmhp1lHj</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1765233344868995545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>The second day's panel, "Resilience and Global Action: Pioneering a Fossil-Free Future," hosted by 2022 Global Citizen Prize winner and activist Brianna Fruean, witnessed the official launch of the "Naiuli Declaration for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty."</p> <p>Born out of the Pacific Strategy Retreat for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Pacific civil society organizations launched the "Naiuli Declaration." This declaration advocates for a new international treaty to halt fossil fuel expansion, phase out existing projects, and facilitate a just global transition to a fossil fuel-free future, ultimately aiming for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The water is rising, but so are we!<br/> <br/> Pacific civil society unveiled the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaiuliDeclaration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaiuliDeclaration</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> - with clear demands for the just transition away from fossil fuels the world desperately needs. <a href="https://t.co/wR4ClUy5tA">https://t.co/wR4ClUy5tA</a></p> — Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative (@fossiltreaty) <a href="https://twitter.com/fossiltreaty/status/1765250945733300726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <h3><strong>6. First Nations Lawyer and Activist Sandra Creamer Calls for Australia to Protect Activists</strong></h3> <p>Activists are often the frontline voices of change. Sandra Creamer, a First Nations Australian lawyer, activist, and board member of IPRI (Indigenous Peoples Rights International), exposes the stark reality facing environmental activists worldwide.</p> <p>First Nations lawyer and activist Sandra Creamer highlighted the ongoing threats against climate activists in her day one Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne Panel, and called for Australia to urgently do more to protect them.</p> <p>“Indigenous peoples and Environmental defenders tirelessly safeguard the front lines of our planet, often at great personal risk. Yet, their sacrifices frequently go unrecognized, and their voices are largely missing from global decision-making,” Creamer said in an address to the audience. </p> <p>“It’s time for governments to incorporate a human rights approach throughout all phases of climate action,” she said. </p> <p>The call comes as more activists and leaders are urging governments to include the views of environmentalists in the decision-making process on climate.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/SandraCreamer1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandraCreamer1</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/IPRightsIntl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPRightsIntl</a> calls on the Federal Govt. of Australia to increase the protection of Indigenous peoples and environmental defenders both at home and across the Asian-Pacific. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalCitizenNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalCitizenNOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/GfrFQK1el0">pic.twitter.com/GfrFQK1el0</a></p> — Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlblCtznImpact/status/1764894148262236163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>“Instead of viewing Indigenous peoples and environmental defenders as adversaries, governments must see them as allies with a shared interest in protecting our planet,” said Creamer. “This means fostering open dialogue and engagement at every level, from local communities to global forums like the Conference of the Parties (COP).”</p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Camille May</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:09:07 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-now-melbourne-the-biggest-moments-d/</guid><category>The Movement</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/56/55/56555090-09d3-45e0-a759-f3914f78ef97/gcnow_mel_panel_asaferworldforall_lawrencefurzyforglobalcitizen-001.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Lawrence Furzy</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>Black History: 7 Photographers Who Captured Iconic Moments</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/black-history-photographers-iconic-moments/</link><description><p dir="ltr">In the history of Black people in the US, there are iconic moments that may come to mind, such as Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Rosa Park’s brave act on the bus in refusing to give up her seat, and the historic election of Barack Obama as the first Black president of the US in 2009. However, have you ever thought about the photographers who captured these monumental moments and individuals?</p> <p dir="ltr">Photography has played an important role in documenting Black history by providing a visual record of significant <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2018/2/4/black-photographers-and-the-civil-rights-struggle">historical events, cultural moments, and everyday life</a> within the Black community. Through the camera’s lens, photographers have captured moments of triumph, struggle, resilience, and joy, thus creating a powerful and authentic representation of Black people’s experiences offering an alternative to typical representations in mainstream media, then and now. </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 907603 " id="907603" title="Embeddable Action - 907603"></cms-plugin> <p>From the <a href="https://www.artlex.com/photography/famous-black-photographers/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20significant,1906%20and%20worked%20various%20jobs.">Harlem Renaissance</a> movement in the 1920s and 1930s to the vibrant ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s to capturing social justice movements such as the Black Lives Matter protests, photography has been instrumental in preserving the legacy of Black icons such as Madam C.J. Walker, Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Nina Simone, allowing us to learn about their remarkable contributions outside of textbooks. </p> <p>However, for many Black photographers who have dedicated years or even decades to documenting Black history and community life, their work holds greater significance due to <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/piapeterson/black-photographers">a history of institutional racism and neglect from larger, mostly white archival institutions</a> like museums and libraries.</p> <p>By exploring the photographers behind these images, we gain insight into the individuals who shaped and preserved these pivotal moments in Black history, shedding light on their contributions and recognizing their significance.<br/> <br/> Here’s a snapshot of seven photographers who have captured historical, social, and pop culture moments in Black history.</p> <h4><strong>1. James Van Der Zee: Captured the Harlem Renaissance</strong></h4> <p>The term "Renaissance" has spanned centuries and taken on different meanings in various contexts. From a historical era to a <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/beyonce-renaissance-world-tour-lgbt-b2361899.html">groundbreaking album</a>, it continues to <a href="https://mirrornews.hfcc.edu/news/2023/10-23/renaissance-moment-how-beyonce-stopped-world-again">symbolize cultural rebirth</a> and revitalization. </p> <p>The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant period of <a href="https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/harlem-renaissance.html">social, artistic, and cultural expression</a> among African Americans in the 1920s and 1930s, which holds a significant place in Black history. <br/> Capturing the essence of this iconic era was none other than renowned photographer James Van Der Zee, whose stunning photographs offered a unique glimpse into the lives of African Americans in New York City during this transformative time, <a href="https://the-game.imago-images.com/articles/from-global-issues-to-untold-stories/black-history-month-the-photographers-who-documented-a-movement/">according to an article from The Game Magazine</a>. </p> <p>Through his lens, Van Der Zee portrayed both everyday individuals, special occasions, and notable personalities including activist <a href="https://www.history.com/news/harlem-renaissance-african-american-identity">Marcus Garvey, dancer Bill “Bojangles' Robinson, and poet Countee Cullen</a>.</p> <h4><strong>2. Stephen Shames: the Black Panther Party’s Unofficial Photographer </strong></h4> <p>Many of us have heard these three words: Black Panther Party. Some know the party's history as a movement for the <a href="https://www.stevenkasher.com/exhibitions/comrade-sisters-women-of-the-black-panther-party-by-stephen-shames">social, political, economic, and spiritual upliftment of Black and indigenous people of color</a>. Others know the movement from its key members such as Bobby Seale and <a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/angela-davis">Angela Davis</a>. But few know about the individuals who captured this historical movement in Black history.</p> <p>One such individual was photojournalist Stephen Shames, who played a crucial role in <a href="https://www.baystatebanner.com/2024/01/10/a-focus-on-the-women-of-the-black-panther-party-at-mfa/">documenting the Black Panther Party</a>. In 1967, at the age of 20, Shames met the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, Bobby Seale at a college protest opposing the Vietnam war.</p> <p>The two became close friends, as Seale was impressed by the <a href="https://www.baystatebanner.com/2024/01/10/a-focus-on-the-women-of-the-black-panther-party-at-mfa/">intimacy of Shames' portraits and invited him to capture the everyday inner workings of the party</a>. Through their friendship, Shames became the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-43587976">"unofficial official" photographer</a> of the party.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - Angela Davis black panther party " id="911838" title="Image - Angela Davis black panther party"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Over nearly a decade in the 1960s and 1970s, <a href="https://www.baystatebanner.com/2024/01/10/a-focus-on-the-women-of-the-black-panther-party-at-mfa/">Shames captured the critical community work and activism of the Black Panther Party.</a> He also documented behind-the-scenes moments, daily activities, empowering speeches, and emotional highs and lows of activist work as well as candid photos of the men and women who made up the movement.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - 701E_12.jpg " id="911839" title="Image - 701E_12.jpg"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Unlike some of the other photographers of the time such as <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/3km44b/stephen-shames-black-panther-party-photographs">Ruth-Marion Baruch or Pirkle Jones</a>, who also documented the Black Panther Party, Shames' photographs provide a unique perspective by offering a rare glimpse into the <a href="https://www.baystatebanner.com/2024/01/10/a-focus-on-the-women-of-the-black-panther-party-at-mfa/">inner workings of the party</a>. His images shed light on the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-43587976">human side</a> of the movement and highlight the positive impact the party had in organizing <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-43587976">community outreach programs</a>, a side of the movement that was not widely depicted in the media at the time. </p> <h4 dir="ltr"><strong>3. Kwame Brathwaite: Showcased the ‘Black Is Beautiful’ Movement </strong></h4> <p dir="ltr">The event that sparked the Black is Beautiful movement was the fashion show “<a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/blog/2022/01/28/fashion-show-helped">Naturally ’62</a>,” held at Harlem’s Purple Manor nightclub on Jan. 28, 1962. It was organized by the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-jpEVn3dFU">African Jazz-Art Society &amp; Studios (AJASS)</a>, a group of artists and activists who had formed in 1956, which included photographer <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/t-magazine/kwame-brathwaite-photographer.html">Kwame Brathwaite</a>, and his brother <a href="https://www.elombebrathfoundation.org/legacy">Elombe Brath</a>, a graphic artist. The event featured Black women models wearing their natural hair. </p> <p dir="ltr">Brathwaite’s photography was instrumental in the movement which spanned from the <a href="https://kwamebrathwaite.com/about/">late 1950s to the early 1960s</a> and advocated for the celebration of African features and heritage at a time when mainstream beauty standards were overwhelmingly Eurocentric.</p> <p>Brathwaite’s images, which are rich with Afrocentric pride and cultural symbolism, helped to foster a sense of identity and unity among African Americans. Brathwaite’s work also contributed to the redefinition of beauty standards, which made him a critical figure in the history of Black self-representation and empowerment, <a href="https://the-game.imago-images.com/articles/from-global-issues-to-untold-stories/black-history-month-the-photographers-who-documented-a-movement/">according to the Game</a>. </p> <p>Over the course of his prolific 60-year-career, Brathwaite was able to document the <a href="https://kwamebrathwaite.com/about/">intersection of music, fashion, activism, and art</a> on a global scale and was known to photograph jazz giants, elite athletes, models, and musicians including the <a href="https://kwamebrathwaite.com/about/">Jackson 5</a>, <a href="https://news.artnet.com/art-world/black-is-beautiful-photographer-kwame-brathwaite-remembrances-2282290">Whitney Houston</a>, <a href="https://kwamebrathwaite.com/about/">Steve Wonder, Muhammad Ali, Bob Marley</a>, and many more. </p> <p>Despite his accomplishments, it wasn’t until the final decade of Brathwaite’s life that he received recognition from the institutional art world, <a href="https://news.artnet.com/art-world/black-is-beautiful-photographer-kwame-brathwaite-remembrances-2282290">according to Art Net</a>.</p> <h4><strong>4. Chantal Regnault: Captured the Underground Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ Ballroom and Voguing Scene </strong></h4> <p dir="ltr">Have you ever wondered about the people who helped capture the vibrant and empowering moments of Ballroom culture? The phrase "10s, 10s, 10s across the boards" and the mesmerizing images of voguing may come to mind — but who is responsible for preserving this significant movement?</p> <p dir="ltr">One person we must thank is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chantalregnaultphoto/?hl=en-gb">photographer</a> Chantal Regnault, who has been instrumental in capturing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/dec/16/photography-dance">Voguing and the Ballroom scene of New York</a> and <a href="https://www.itsnicethat.com/features/chantal-regnault-voguing-and-the-house-ballroom-scene-of-new-york-city-1989-92-photography-281021">bringing it to the forefront of popular culture</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Between <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/dec/16/photography-dance">1989 and 1992 in New York</a>, French-Haitian photographer Chantal Regnault captured the growing Ballroom culture. With a camera in her hand, Regnault attended several Ballroom events across the city with a line of eager dancers wanting their picture taken. Along with capturing runway presentations to voguing battles, Regnault also captured icon Willi Ninja who is known as the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2011/dec/15/vogue-ballroom-new-york#/?picture=383365964&amp;index=0">pioneering godfather of Voguing</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Beginning in the late twentieth century, members of the underground LGBTQ+ community in large cities began to organize masquerade balls known as "drags" in defiance of<a href="https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule"> laws which banned individuals from wearing clothes associated with the opposite gender</a> and at which competitions and pageants were held, <a href="https://www.vanvoguejam.com/ballroom-history">according to Van Vogue Jam</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although some drag balls at the time were integrated, the judges were predominately white, and Black participants were often <a href="https://www.vanvoguejam.com/ballroom-history">excluded from prizes or judged unfairly, held against white aesthetic standards</a>. As a result of the racism they experienced in established drag pageant circuits, Black and Latino drag queens began to organize their own balls and competitions. The Ballroom scene became a safe haven for marginalized individuals to express themselves authentically and celebrate their identities freely.</p> <p>The legacy and impact of this movement and sub-culture continues to be celebrated through music, fashion, TV shows, and pop culture, with artists such as Beyoncé paying homage to the movement through her iconic <a href="https://www.strikemagazines.com/blog-2-1/how-beyonces-renaissance-pays-homage-to-the-ballroom-scene">Renaissance album</a>.</p> <h4><strong>5. Lawrence Jackson: the Photographer who Snapshot the US’s First Black President </strong></h4> <p dir="ltr">On Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama made history as the 44th President of the United States and the first Black person to hold the highest office in the country. During his presidency, photojournalist Lawrence Jackson, the only African American photographer on the White House photography team at the time, captured iconic images of the former president, his family, significant events, and notable figures who visited him.</p> <p>Notably, Jackson's work included the <a href="https://people.com/politics/barack-michelle-obama-white-house-behind-the-scenes-photos/">50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches</a>, where he photographed President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Rep. John Lewis led a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. His portfolio also features a candid image of the former First Lady Michelle Obama participating in a “Let’s Move!” Dubsmash video taping with NBA player Steph Curry and his wife, Ayesha Curry.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Image - photographer lawrence jackson president obama, michelle obama civil rights march anniversary " id="907009" title="Image - photographer lawrence jackson president obama, michelle obama civil rights march anniversary"></cms-plugin></p> <p dir="ltr">In 2019, Jackson released a book titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yes-Did-Behind-Scenes-Celebrating/dp/0525541012/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CLB6X5W2LUNR&amp;keywords=yes+we+did+lawrence+jackson&amp;qid=1571689838&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=yes+we+did+la,aps,155&amp;sr=1-1">Yes We Did,</a> which features a selection of compelling images from his eight years at the White House, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the president and the First Family, as well as documenting what it felt like to be a Black man photographing the first Black US president. Jackson's photography offers a unique perspective on historical moments and the personal interactions of those in power.</p> <p>On <a href="https://www.culturetype.com/2021/01/19/lawrence-jackson-black-photographer-will-document-historic-white-house-tenure-of-incoming-vice-president-kamala-harris/">Jan. 15, 2021</a>, Jackson returned to the White House as the official photographer for Vice President Kamala Harris, capturing another historic moment in Black history. Vice President Harris is the first <a href="https://www.culturetype.com/2021/01/19/lawrence-jackson-black-photographer-will-document-historic-white-house-tenure-of-incoming-vice-president-kamala-harris/">Black and Asian American woman to serve in this role</a> and Jackson's continued presence at the White House demonstrates his ongoing contribution to documenting significant events in Black history.</p> <h4><strong>6. Dee Dwyer: Shot the Black Lives Matter Movement </strong></h4> <p dir="ltr">During the peak of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 — a movement which dates back to 2015 — protesters from the US and globally came together in solidarity against police brutality and for <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/photos-black-lives-matter-protests-sweep-the-nation-this-weekend-11591465197">reform to the US justice system.</a> The 2020 protests were sparked by the murders <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/06/black-lives-matter-protests-split-police-brutality-solutions">of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade</a> at the hands of the police. Black photographers <a href="https://observer.com/2020/09/black-photographers-discuss-documenting-protests/">joined the protest efforts in the best way they knew how: art</a>.</p> <p>One of these photographers was award-winning documentary <a href="https://www.deedwyerjonts.com/">photographer</a>, curator, and director, Dee Dwyer, <a href="https://www.1854.photography/2021/11/dee-dwyer-jonts/">who felt it her duty</a> to tell the story from the perspective of the Black community.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dwyer’s black and white imagery captures the emotional intensity and underlying tension of the Black Lives Matter protesters at the time. Whether it’s the striking image of <a href="https://www.deedwyerjonts.com/toppling-of-albert-pikes-statue">the Confederate general Albert Pike’s statue being toppled and set ablaze on Juneteenth</a> or the encounters between <a href="https://www.1854.photography/2021/11/dee-dwyer-jonts/">protesters and police officers</a> or simply capturing bystanders and <a href="https://www.1854.photography/2021/11/dee-dwyer-jonts/">moments that are missed in the midst of the crowd’s momentum</a>, Dwyer has always aimed to <a href="https://www.1854.photography/2021/11/dee-dwyer-jonts/">put humanity first</a>. </p> <p>During an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/787388d0-38ac-4fff-9249-49e5c7457804">interview with the Financial Times</a>, Dwyer discussed her role in documenting the Black Lives Matter protests: “Though it is hard to be in the midst of the movement, it is needed. I am here to visually show the world that we are fighting for our freedom, our reparations and all injustices placed upon us because of the colour of our skin. As Malcolm X stated: ‘Concerning non-violence, it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.’ Black people are standing up and fighting back because we are tired of constantly being bullied.”</p> <h4><strong>7. Flo Ngala: First Black Woman Photographer to Work the Met Gala </strong></h4> <p dir="ltr">For one night only Hollywood stars, fashion designers, and lovers of fashion come together for the annual Met Gala. You’ve probably tuned into at least one of the Met Gala events or seen online commentary debating who was best dressed at the event, but have you ever taken a moment to think about who are the people behind the scenes taking these iconic red carpet photos of the night?</p> <p dir="ltr">The Harlem-based <a href="https://flongala.com/home">photographer</a> with Cameroonian and Nigerian roots, Flo Ngala, whose impressive portfolio includes work with artists <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/flo-ngala/">Cardi B, Gucci Mane</a>, and <a href="https://www.elle.com/culture/g39903894/flo-ngala-photographer-met-gala-getting-ready/">Burna Boy </a>, landed her first <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/05/style/figure-skating-harlem-women-of-color.html">New York Times cover in 2019</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">In 2022, she made history as <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/flo-ngala/">the first Black woman hired by Vogue to shoot the Met Gala</a>. On the night of the Met Gala, Ngala took a candid photo of <a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5586f1a9e4b01ea9a5877094/1674654468419-R7NNNOP6O06Z5829KZYD/Ngala_MET-3702.jpg?format=750w">Megan Thee Stallion taking a selfie with singer Normani at the event</a>. Ngala also took some stunning photos of other black celebrities at the event including legendary singer Lenny Kravitz, singer and actor Teyana Taylor, Lori Harvey, singer Janelle Monáe and model Willow Harlow, to name a few.</p> <p dir="ltr">In <a href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/met-gala-2023-inside-photos">2023</a>, Ngala returned to the Met Gala as one of <a href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/met-gala-2023-inside-photos">Vogue’s main photographers</a> at the star-stunned event. </p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:10:44 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/black-history-photographers-iconic-moments/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/e9/d0/e9d05359-dabb-43e5-b8ad-a92f3f1ca982/barack_obama_speaks_about_us_automotive_industry_3-30-09_2.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Lawrence Jackson/Executive Office of the President of the United States</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>13 Social Justice Anthems That Show We Need Music More Than Ever</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/social-justice-anthems-music-protest-songs/</link><description><p>The world is currently facing <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/facts-about-world-conflicts/">numerous ongoing conflicts</a>, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of wars, the climate crisis, and poverty.</p> <p>Bob Marley. Nina Simone. Public Enemy. Sinead O’Connor. Bob Dylan. Fela Kuti. Miriam Makeba. Throughout history, <a href="https://www.amnesty.org.au/10-songs-for-social-change/#:~:text=A%20Change%20is%20Gonna%20Come%20%E2%80%93%20Sam%20Cooke&amp;text=A%20key%20song%20for%20the,%E2%80%9CBlowin%20in%20the%20Wind%E2%80%9D.">musicians have used their art as a tool for inspiring change</a> and shed light on social issues and global injustices, from the original protest songs of the civil rights movement to charity singles raising money for those in need. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <cms-plugin alt="Embeddable Action - 905958 " id="905958" title="Embeddable Action - 905958"></cms-plugin> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>That tradition continues today with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Stormzy, and H.E.R. who continue to harness the power of music to protest inequality, promote peace, equality, and human rights, and drive change. </p> <p>Global Citizen has been at the forefront of using music as a catalyst for positive change, leveraging the art form to bring awareness to critical global issues. From fighting to end extreme poverty at the annual Global Citizen Festival to advocating for the planet's future, music has played a pivotal role in the organization's campaigning efforts. </p> <p>Here are 13 songs about social justice to inspire you to change the world for the better.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 905959 " id="905959" title="Related Stories - 905959"></cms-plugin></p> <h4><strong>1. ‘Baraye’ by Shervin Hajipour (Iran, 2022)</strong></h4> <p>In 2022, Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour shared his song "Baraye" with the world via an Instagram post in response to the protests ignited by the tragic death of <a href="https://time.com/6253188/iran-grammys-shervin-hajipour/">22-year-old Mahsa Amini.</a> The song became an <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/26/baraye-music-threatens-iran-regime/">anthem for the “Woman, Life, Liberty” protest movement</a> that was gaining momentum across Iran. It was sung by schoolgirls in Iran, played in cars in Tehran, and blasted at solidarity protests in Washington, Strasbourg, and London.</p> <p>The song was <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/26/baraye-music-threatens-iran-regime/">woven together entirely from a Twitter hashtag trend</a> in which Iranians expressed their <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/iranian-protest-anthem-that-led-to-singers-arrest-becomes-first-song-to-win-grammy-for-social-change-180981594/#:~:text=As%20its%20popularity%20grew%2C%20writes,Farahani%20at%20the%20band%27s%20Buenos">reason for protesting</a> and their <a href="https://theconversation.com/in-iran-and-beyond-arrests-of-singers-and-dancers-show-how-music-can-be-a-powerful-tool-of-resistance-210165">hope for a future free of oppression and violence</a>. It was even <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJb3uc1D1D8">covered by Coldplay</a>, who performed it alongside exiled Iranian actor Golshifteh Farahani at the band’s Buenos Aires concert in October, 2023.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 905954 " id="905954" title="Related Stories - 905954"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In 2023 Shervin Hajipour’s “Baraye” made history by <a href="https://time.com/6253188/iran-grammys-shervin-hajipour/">becoming the first award-winner</a> for the new Grammy Award category, “Best Song for Social Change.” Announcing the award, US First Lady Jill Biden described the song as a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8mpmNtmZ9Y">“powerful and poetic call for freedom and women's rights.”</a></p> <p></p> <h4><strong>2. ‘Wo Fie’ by Angel Maxine featuring Wanlov the Kubolor &amp; Sister Deborah (Ghana, 2022)</strong></h4> <p>In June 2022, Angel Maxine, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/wo-fie-pride-anthem-angel-maxine/">Ghana's first openly transgender musician</a>, joined forces with Wanlov the Kubolor and Sister Deborah to create the viral Pride month hit "Wo Fie." The song, which translates to "your home" in English, carries a powerful message about the importance of LGBTQIA+ individuals feeling a sense of belonging. Through a blend of Twi and English lyrics, Maxine calls for an end to homophobia in Ghana and advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 905955 " id="905955" title="Related Stories - 905955"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Amidst a challenging socio-political landscape for LGBTQIA+ rights in Ghana, the song has emerged as an anthem for the community. In 2021, the introduction of <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/13/africa/ghana-lgbtq-community-fears-cec/index.html">the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghana Family Values Bill</a>, also known as the "Anti-Gay Bill," points to the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country. </p> <p>Against this backdrop, "Wo Fie" serves as a poignant call for unity and understanding, amplifying the voices of those advocating for greater acceptance and equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Ghana.</p> <p></p> <h4><strong>3</strong>. '<strong>Patria y Vida’ by El Funky, Yotuel, Maykel Osorbo, Gente De Zona, and Descemer Bueno (Cuba, 2021) </strong></h4> <p>The 2021 anti-government protests in Cuba brought thousands of people together to voice their frustration with the country's ongoing economic challenges, food shortages, and lack of access to vaccines. This marked <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/patria-y-vida-cuba-protests-1196712/">one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba</a> in the past decade.</p> <p>Amidst the protests that took place, a song titled "Patria Y Vida" which translates as "Homeland and Life” became the anthem of Cuba's anti-government protest movement, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/cuba-protest-anthem-patria-y-vida-wins-latin-grammy-song-year-2021-11-19/">according to Reuters</a>. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/cuba-protest-anthem-patria-y-vida-wins-latin-grammy-song-year-2021-11-19/">defiant hip-hop</a> song, which was <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/altlatino/2021/07/19/1017887993/explaining-patria-y-vida-the-cuban-song-defying-an-evil-revolution">released in Feb. 2021</a>, was a collaborative effort by <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/altlatino/2021/07/19/1017887993/explaining-patria-y-vida-the-cuban-song-defying-an-evil-revolution">Cuban musicians in exile</a>, including members of Gente De Zona, Yotuel Romero from Orishas, and singer-songwriter Descemer Bueno, along with <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/altlatino/2021/07/19/1017887993/explaining-patria-y-vida-the-cuban-song-defying-an-evil-revolution">Maykel Osorbo and Eliécer Márquez</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/18/arts/music/patria-y-vida-cuba-protest-song.html">According to the New York Times</a>, the title of the social justice song is a twist on one of the most iconic slogans of the Cuban revolution, “patria o muerte,” a phrase that Communist leader Fidel Castro often used to end his speeches. Indeed, the lyrics take <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/patria-y-vida-cuba-protests-1196712/">direct aim at Cuba’s communist government</a>, whilst amplifying the message of longing for change and a better future for the people of Cuba: “No more lies. My people ask for freedom, not more doctrines. We no longer shout, ‘Motherland or death,’ but ‘homeland and life,’ and we begin to build what we dreamed, what they destroyed with their hands.”</p> <p>During an <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/patria-y-vida-cuba-protests-1196712/">interview with Rolling Stone</a>, one of the artists involved in the collaboration, Yotuel Romero, expressed his hope that the song would serve as a catalyst for change in Cuba, aiming for it to be the <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/patria-y-vida-cuba-protests-1196712/">last song written about longing for a free Cuba</a>. He envisioned a time where all future songs would celebrate the return to Cuba and the reconnection with loved ones. <br/> </p> <h4> </h4> <h4>4. ‘Alright’ by Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, and Mark Spears (US, 2015)</h4> <p>The year of 2015 was a time of social unrest where <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/dannyross1/2017/01/30/8-protest-songs-since-2000-that-inspired-change-all-the-way-to-the-bank/">headlines were dominated by the deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Freddie Grey, and Philando Castile</a> — all Black men who died at the hands of the police in the US. </p> <p>Their deaths acted as the catalyst for the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement leading to mass protests in the US and around the world. </p> <p>In the midst of this, <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/topics/kendrick-lamar/">Kendrick Lamar</a> released his social justice song “Alright” from his <em>To Pimp a Butterfly</em> album, which became the <a href="http://www.npr.org/2019/08/26/753511135/kendrick-lamar-alright-american-anthem-party-protest">go-to chant at Black Lives Matter protests</a> across the US. The song’s empowering chorus sees Lamar repeat the mantra, "We gon' be alright," which provided a sense of hope and united voices around the world against police brutality, racism, and violent oppression. </p> <p>Global Citizen's first <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/everything-you-need-to-know-move-afrika-rwanda/">Move Afrika</a> event at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda saw Lamar <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/move-afrika-rwanda-impact/#:~:text=Move%20Afrika%3A%20Rwanda%2C%20organized%20by,Board%20in%20supporting%20the%20event.">headlining</a> with a dynamic set including a performance of "Alright." Lamar's powerful rendition not only had the crowd moving but also sent a strong message in highlighting how music can be a catalyst for addressing social issues and inspiring positive change. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 905960 " id="905960" title="Related Stories - 905960"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Lamar has also been known for using his creative flair to highlight the many social and political issues in the world with songs such as <a href="https://www.socratic-method.com/kendrick-lamar/the-best-kendrick-lamar-lyrics-about-social-justice">“The Blacker the Berry,” “DNA,”</a> and his powerful collaboration with Beyoncé <a href="https://www.socratic-method.com/kendrick-lamar/the-best-kendrick-lamar-lyrics-about-social-justice">"Freedom."</a></p> <p></p> <h4>5. ‘Take Me to Church’ by Hozier (Ireland, 2014)</h4> <p>Hozier's "Take Me to Church" was one of the breakout protest songs of 2014. A mid-tempo soul song, the tune’s lyrics use religious terminology to describe love in the face of Church discrimination.</p> <p>The harrowing black-and-white music video follows a romantic relationship between two men and the violent homophobic attack that follows. It also includes footage from anti-LGBTQIA+ demonstrations in Russia and became an unofficial anthem for the struggle there. </p> <p></p> <h4 dir="ltr">6. 'Run The World (Girls)' by Beyoncé (US, 2011)</h4> <p dir="ltr">Over the last decade, various women’s issues and movements have gained <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/andreabossi/2019/12/27/iconic-womens-empowerment-songs-of-the-2010s/">global attention</a>, with music being used as a powerful medium for raising awareness. </p> <p>Beyoncé's 2011 release of the women's empowerment anthem "Run the World (Girls)" was a groundbreaking moment in music. The accompanying visuals showcased stunning scenes of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/andreabossi/2019/12/27/iconic-womens-empowerment-songs-of-the-2010s/">dancing, fighting, and intricate outfits adorned with fragmented metals</a>. This song became an iconic and timeless representation of female empowerment, inspiring listeners worldwide.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 906011 " id="906011" title="Related Stories - 906011"></cms-plugin></p> <p>In Beyoncé's song "Run the World (Girls)," she celebrates women's <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/andreabossi/2019/12/27/iconic-womens-empowerment-songs-of-the-2010s/">financial independence and determination</a>: “How we're smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bare the children, then get back to business.”</p> <p></p> <h4>7. ‘Where is the Love?’ by Black Eyed Peas (US, 2003)</h4> <p>In 2003, the legendary hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas released their iconic song “Where is the Love?” The <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/11/politics/black-eyed-peas-music-video-get-it/index.html">socially conscious</a> track was a <a href="https://www.glamour.com/story/black-eyed-peas-update-where-is-the-love">response to the 9/11 terror attacks</a> that took the lives of <a href="https://www.911memorial.org/connect/commemoration">2,977</a> people in 2001. </p> <p>Moreover, <a href="https://www.glamour.com/story/black-eyed-peas-update-where-is-the-love">according to Glamour</a>, the lyrics of the song address global issues including terrorism, racism, gang crime, pollution, war, intolerance, and violence against LGBTQIA+ people. The song also promotes themes of unity, compassion, and social justice. </p> <p>The hip-hop group reunited to recreate a new version of the hit song in 2016, collaborating with artists including Jessie J, ASAP Rocky, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and <a href="https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/black-eyed-peas-where-is-the-love-2016">many more</a>.</p> <p></p> <h4>8. 'Umi Says' by Mos Def (US, 1999)</h4> <p>The rapper and activist Yasiin Bey, who came to notoriety as Mos Def is the father of politically-conscious hip-hop and has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about social and political issues.</p> <p>In 1999, Mos Def released his hit "Umi Says" from his album <em>Black on Both Sides</em>. The song is a rallying cry that calls for the liberation of Black people amidst systemic <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-lion-babes-vibrant-take-on-mos-def-classic-umi-says-2746008">racial injustices</a>. </p> <p>The chorus, which repeats the line “my Umi says shine your light on the world,” is a <a href="https://singersroom.com/w3/10-best-mos-def-of-all-time/">call to action, urging listeners to use their voices and their talents to make a positive impact on the world</a>. The song is a testament to the rapper’s ability to inspire and uplift through his music.</p> <p>In 2000, Mos Def organized the Hip Hop For Respect project to speak out against police brutality.</p> <h4></h4> <h4>9. ‘Peace in Liberia’ by Alpha Blondy (Liberia, 1992)</h4> <p>In 1992, Alpha Blondy released his political anthem "Peace in Liberia" in response to the civil war happening in the country at the time. </p> <p>The lyrics of the song demand an end to Liberia’s civil war, which had been raging for several years and had resulted in widespread violence and instability and claimed the lives of <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2021/11/13/victims-of-liberias-civil-war-are-still-waiting-for-justice">250,000</a> people.</p> <p></p> <h4>10. ‘Fight the Power’ by Public Enemy (US, 1989)</h4> <p>"Fight the Power" by Public Enemy is one of the most iconic songs in music history. The song was produced as part of the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s 1989 film <em>Do the Right Thing</em>. The song spoke to the <a href="https://www.amnesty.org.au/10-songs-for-social-change/">social and psychological struggles</a> experienced by the American youth, as well condemning <a href="https://www.amnesty.org.au/10-songs-for-social-change/">racism and the lack of social progress, encouraging people to fight back</a>.</p> <p>The song also amplified the voices of marginalized Black communities who at the time were facing <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3dfed082-ba18-484b-8ca3-02b26845996a">neglect, exploitation, and demonization due to discriminatory government policies and policing methods</a>.</p> <p></p> <h4>11. ‘A Luta Continua’ by Miriam Makeba (South Africa, 1989)</h4> <p>Miriam Makeba best known as “Mama Africa” was a South African musician and activist who created many songs protesting the apartheid system from “Soweto Blues” to “Beware, Verwoerd! (Ndodemnyama).” She was also known for several native songs in Xhosa. </p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 906014 " id="906014" title="Related Stories - 906014"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Makeba was <a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/miriam-makeba#:~:text=She%20tried%20to%20return%20to,her%20first%20U.S.%20studio%20album.">exiled from South Africa in 1960</a> due to her stance against apartheid. During this time, <a href="https://www.dfa.co.za/lifestyle/joy-of-jazz-honours-the-legacy-of-miriam-makeba-d5dedde2-ef2a-4abe-8b30-4ea164dbd5f0/">she continued to use her platform</a> to draw attention to the injustices of the regime around the world. </p> <p>In 1989, Makeba released what would become a liberation song across the continent: “A Luta Continua.” The title of the song, which translates into English as “the struggle continues” spoke out against the injustices of apartheid and called for an end to oppression and inequality. The song also spoke of the liberation of other African countries fighting for independence such as Mozambique.</p> <p></p> <h4>12. ‘Get Up Stand Up’ by Bob Marley &amp; Peter Tosh (Jamaica, 1973)</h4> <p>In 1973, Bob Marley and fellow Wailers band member Peter Tosh wrote what would become one of the ultimate protest songs: ‘Get Up, Stand Up’. </p> <p>Marley was influenced by a trip to Haiti where he witnessed extreme poverty. The reggae hit, which would become one of Marley’s most enduring numbers, argues that instead of waiting for gold and happiness in heaven, the poor should demand better treatment while alive on Earth. </p> <p>It's no wonder this song has been a lasting protest anthem with powerful lyrics such as: “You can fool some people sometimes / But you couldn't fool all the people all the time / And now we see the light / You stand up for your rights!” </p> <p></p> <h4>13. ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ by Sam Cooke (US, 1964)</h4> <p>In 1964, singer Sam Cooke released what would become an anthem for the civil rights movement, “A change is gonna come.”</p> <p>Cooke was inspired to write this song after a trip he took to Louisiana with his family, where they were turned away from a <a href="https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/01/16/a-change-gonna-come-same-cooke-one-night-in-miami/6649395002/#:~:text=But%20it%20was%20an%20experience,Boogie%3A%20The%20Triumph%20of%20Sam">whites-only Holiday Inn, despite having a reservation</a>. </p> <p>The song highlights Cooke’s personal experience with racism and segregation in the US during the 1960s, as well as pointing to the <a href="https://variety.com/2021/music/opinion/sam-cooke-a-change-is-gonna-come-civil-rights-black-history-month-1234900231/">injustices</a> faced by African Americans and the fight for racial equality. </p> <p>Moreover, the legacy of the song has stretched far and wide and has been covered by several artists including Ottis Redding, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Lizzo, and Beyoncé in order to highlight not just racism, but other important injustices within society such as the gender inequality, and as a song of hope for the future.</p> <p></p></description><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Fadeke Banjo</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 13:45:38 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/social-justice-anthems-music-protest-songs/</guid><category>Citizenship</category><media:content url="https://media.globalcitizen.org/2b/bd/2bbd585b-6910-4473-9e67-e5aef3dc5afd/kendrick_lamar_global_citizen_by_greg_noire_gn_08366-enhanced-nr.jpg"><media:credit role="photographer" scheme="urn:ebu">Gettty Images for Global Citizen</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title>I Am A Climate Diplomat and Here Is Why I Think The Climate Emergency Needs Scientific Solutions.</title><link>https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/i-am-a-climate-diplomat-and-here-is-why-i-think-th/</link><description><p><i>Civic space in Sudan is considered repressed according to the </i><a href="https://monitor.civicus.org/country/sudan/"><i>CIVICUS Monitor</i></a><i> and as a result the country has seen ongoing pro-democracy protests since October 2021. Among the issues raised by civic society organisations and activists, such as the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies, is the </i><a href="https://www.acjps.org/publications/sudan-seven-human-rights-defenders-and-activists-arrested-detained-and-allegedly-tortured-by-the-saf-military-intelligence-unit-in-the-blue-nile-region"><i>continued arrest, detainment, and alleged torture of human rights activists by military units</i></a><i>.</i></p> <p><i>In addition to challenges with regards to narrowing civic space, </i><a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sudan-conflict-explainer-how-can-i-help/"><i>25 million people in Sudan are at risk of hunger and poverty</i></a> <i>as a result of ongoing conflict which ignited in April 2023. In November 2023, the UN Refugee Agency said </i><a href="https://www.unhcr.org/news/unhcr-sudan-refugee-response-will-need-445-million-rising-numbers-fleeing-sudan"><i>it would require almost half a billion dollars for the rising numbers of refugees</i></a><i> fleeing the conflict in the country.</i></p> <p><i>Nisreen Elsaim is a </i><a href="https://www.youngactivistssummit.org/2023-activists/"><i>2023 Young Activist Summit</i></a> <i>laureate born in Sudan who has seen the impact of both conflict and climate change on her home country. Elsaim is the president of Sudan Youth for Climate Change and serves as the chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. Here she shares how witnessing the government’s response to student protests was a catalyst for her choosing to pursue climate activism and diplomacy as her career path.</i></p> <hr/> <p>My name is Nisreen and I am a climate negotiator from Sudan. Sudan was, and still is, an easy going country, like many African countries. We had a great connection with nature. We played outside a lot. We have, compared to Europe and other places around the world, big houses with big yards where we could play with family. The family structure in my home country is very much connected. I grew up in Khartoum, which is the capital, and is where the Niles meet.</p> <p>There are two Niles, there's the White Nile which comes from Victoria Lake, Uganda, and then enters Sudan from the south. Then there's the Blue Nile, which starts in Tana Lake in Ethiopia and then enters Sudan on the eastern side. They meet in Khartoum in what we call the confluence of the Nile and they move together to the Mediterranean. So we also had this sense of growing by the Nile shores, playing a lot with mud, and being able to identify the surroundings. I really wish everyone could grow up like I did. We also had food that was locally grown, organic, and delicious. However, growing up around such a beautiful environment is not how I ended up in climate change work. It was actually politics.</p> <p>My entry into climate-related work did not come from me being conscious of the changing environment, to be honest. I did physics in my undergrad, and I always loved science. I was a really science-oriented person, and I believe that science can make our world a better place.</p> <p>However when I was a freshman in my first year of university, students took to the street against the government to protest against certain decisions. The government was not happy about that, and in response, they sent some of their special forces to the university who hit the students and threw two students from a balcony. It was very violent. I think one of the students passed away and the other one was seriously injured.</p> <p>I was only in my first year, so this was scary for me. After that I learnt from my older colleagues that this wasn't the first time, and that this was how the government dealt with all of the problems at the university. Subsequently, the university closed for three and a half months, and so I had plenty of time to think. With what had happened still on my mind, I thought about how science can save the world, yet it's not the scientists who are controlling the world. So I asked myself: “How can scientists save the world if no one is listening to them?” I then Googled what can be done and how we can do it, and that’s when I found something called science diplomacy.</p> <p><cms-plugin alt="Related Stories - 907875 " id="907875" title="Related Stories - 907875"></cms-plugin></p> <p>Science diplomacy is using science in diplomatic discussions. In science diplomacy, the two biggest topics, according to Google, were climate change and water. I could relate climate change to physics more than I could relate it to water. So I started reading more and more about climate change. This was when I actually realized that climate change exists and that it was impacting people.</p> <p>The following week I volunteered at one of the local organizations working on the environment in general, not specifically climate change. That was 2012. Since then, I have been doing climate change activism and work. So that’s how politics got me into climate change in the first place.</p> <p>Interestingly, though, the issue students were protesting about that day was an environmental one. The government decided to build a hydrological dam in the northern area state in Sudan. They removed people from their lands, because behind every dam is a lake, and they had to remove a lot of people from their houses because that area would be flooded with water from the lake. Those removed were farmers and fishermen who depend on the Nile for their livelihood.</p> <p>However the government took them to a place that was far from the Nile, and it was really hard for them to irrigate their crops and to fish. It was also a problem that they only compensated for people who owned houses. For<b> </b>example, if the house was big, they would have four families living there, [after relocation] they didn't give them the same size house, and they also didn't give every family a house. They