UK Department for International Development

behrmang - Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 07:51

Focus Content:

Your chance to shape the debate

DFID is working on a new White Paper that will be published in July 2009. As we develop a new narrative to explain how our approach is changing, we want to hear your views. Please join us at one of our regional consultation events to share your ideas. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and debate a focus topic. At these events you will hear from:

a DFID Minister
a speaker from one of the many organisations that work hard to help eliminate global poverty
volunteers who have worked on international development projects, and who have stories to tell about their experiences.

There are 12 events being held around the UK between 18th March and 18th May.


	New estimates suggest the economic downturn could set back the fight against extreme poverty by up to three years, with the number of men, women and children being forced to live on less than 90p a day growing by millions every week.		Securing our common future The economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year. Ahead of the G20 Summit in London, DFID is proposing an international ‘rapid response’ fund that would provide a safety net for the world’s most vulnerable people. What can I do? Join the bloggers Have your questions answered (Yoosk London Summit) Watch the YouTube debate Keep up to date on views from around the world

The next global challenge

On 2 April 2009, world leaders from the G20 countries – representing 85% of the world’s output – will meet in London. They will meet against the backdrop of the worst international banking crisis in generations.

Speaking at a UK-led conference ahead of the Summit, Secretary of State Douglas Alexander said:

“The global community faces enormous challenges. The economic crisis, food security, climate change, energy insecurity, conflict, rising population - these are challenges of unprecedented magnitude which affect us all, and in particular the world's poorest and most vulnerable. The nature of this interdependence means that it has never been so important to invest in our common future.”