Fighting Poverty around the World: The EU in Action – An interactive webpage
14-07-2009The EU’s action to fight poverty around the world, driven by the UN Millennium Development Goals, are described in a lively and interactive webpage available on the EuropeAid website, mainly aiming to mobilize citizens in member states. Hosted by “Jack and Kate” the webpage includes a ‘virtual journey’ based on real-life situations, a downloadable video on ‘Music Against Poverty’ and a section on “How to get involved”.
According to the information available, 12 per cent of EU aid goes to the Mediterranean and Middle East and 16 per cent to Eastern European Countries, on diverse themes, from eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and primary education for all, to gender equality, environment protection, cutting child mortality, etc.
In 2006, the EU gave €47 billion to help developing countries, 57 per cent of the total aid they received, making it the most important donor of development aid, it is noted, while a breakdown is given, including aid given to EU member states.
The webportal features two contests, addressed to young EU citizens, of which one is still open:
- A Music Against Poverty contest, open to EU citizens between 15 and 30 years old, who can submit a song on the importance of fighting poverty around the world before 31 August 2009. Visitors will be able to vote for the songs they prefer, that will be recorded professionally and performed at a special event.
- The European Development Youth Prize 2008/2009 is already closed and the winners will be announced in September. It targeted 16-18 year olds from EU member states who submitted a poster or video on "gender equality", "children and youth" or "cultural diversity", all coming under this year's overall theme on human development. The contest focused on Africa, and the winner will win a trip to this continent.
Fighting Poverty webpage
EuropeAid action
