The Credit Crisis and the UN
by Laura Partridge ~ October 16th, 2008

‘Compared with the funds going to shore up the global financial system the aid needed to save lives in Ethiopia is a drop in the ocean. The events of recent weeks clearly demonstrate that – with the right kind of political will and ambition - action is possible in the face of urgent needs. We need donors to demonstrate that same kind of urgency when responding to acute hunger and underlying vulnerabilities in places like Ethiopia.” Waleed Rauf, Oxfam Country Director, Ethiopia

It’s so true that the credit crunch highlights just what can be done-just what money can be found- when governments deem in necessary. It is also disheartening that this level of action, or financial support has not been put behind the Millennium Development Goals. This suggests that eradicating global poverty is not deemed such a necessity. This is not to say that the bailout is either wrong or right but is evidence that governments have the power to take more significant action than they have been.

The credit crisis also highlights the problem with relying on state-funding to support the UN Millennium Development Goals. States are always going to be primarily concerned with their national priorities. Not only is alternative funding needed, but it is also necessary to mobilise global support for the UN to direct government focus onto the bigger picture. The Influx Project aims to do just that.