The United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were set by 189 world leaders at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000. They are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people. World leaders have agreed to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Develop a global partnership for development.

We are asking our federal legislators for real and effective support for increasing the amount of aid that the United States provides so that the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals can be implemented and the goal of eliminating the worst of the world’s poverty can be accomplished by 2015.

Our faith traditions emphasize the brotherhood and sisterhood of the human family. When one of us suffers, all suffer. We cannot stand idly by while our sisters and brothers on our planet, especially the children, are dying for the lack of life’s basic necessities.

As a nation, we spend 1.5 billion dollars a day for war. 1.5 billion dollars would be equal to five years of malaria protection for all of Africa.

We, as people of faith, hear the call of these people and we urge all of our memberships to join in asking Congress to keep America’s promise and raise the amount of aid we provide to these poorest of the poor to 0.7% of our national income.

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