Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has launched a Co-operative Group-sponsored initiative to teach British communities about extreme poverty around the world.
At the launch of the Global Poverty Project’s ambassador programme at the London School of Economics yesterday, Mr Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which funds projects around the world that help to eradicate social injustice, applauded the initiative.
In a speech which focused on healthcare and agriculture based on his Annual Letter, Mr Gates said: "Helping the poor is common sense but people can be intimidated by its complexity. There are a lot of myths about aid and a reluctance to believe good news stories.
"But there are lots of reasons to be hopeful. Innovation is on our side and the UK is exemplary. Its commitment to the poor, even in hard times, is incredible. I applaud your commitment to this cause." Hugh Evans, founder of the Global Poverty Project flew in from New York for the launch and told the News that he echoed that view: "The UK always leads the way when it comes to International Development and a grassroots initiative like this is no exception. It’s great to be working in partnership with the Co-operative Group — such a cutting edge organisation — which, like us, is committed to ending global poverty."
Co-operative Group Chair Len Wardle explained how the Group’s commitment to tackling poverty was a long standing one: "The Co-operative Group is delighted to be part of this new initiative to tackle global poverty. The ambassadors have a crucial role to play in getting the message out into communities. There is a lot of hard work ahead but the effect can be really significant."
The partnership between the project and the Co-operative Group will run throughout 2012 as part of the society’s efforts during the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives. Tackling global poverty is a key element of the Group’s rolling three year Ethical Plan and last year, the business committed to spending £7m per annum supporting projects such as this.
Source: thenews.coop
