Survey release by Glocalities at the eve of the centennial anniversary of NELSON MANDELA's birth on July 18 and OBAMA's speech to a new generation of leaders honoring Mandela on July 17 in Johannesburg.
A 26-country survey conducted by Glocalities among 31,786 people reveals that 84% of the world population mistakenly thinks that extreme poverty has either increased or stayed the same. In reality, extreme poverty has decreased by 50% in the last 2 decades (UNDP figure). Mandela urged world leaders in 2005 to ‘’act with courage and vision’’ to make poverty history. Although the world is already halfway through the race for realizing his dream, people are very pessimistic and uninformed about progress made. A lack of hope undermines the UN Global Goals campaign. The mood of pessimism is especially prevalent in the Western world and fuels insecurity and divisive populist movements. The global survey was conducted by Amsterdam-based research agency Glocalities in cooperation with Global Citizen and with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The interviews were held in January and February 2018.
Millennial leaders hopeful and ready to take action
The 16% of people who are aware about the progress in the fight against global poverty are far more hopeful about the future of the world's poorest people when compared to the majority who are not aware of progress (INFOGRAPHIC ATTACHED). These people, especially Millennial leaders, are also much more positive about the future of gender equality, international stability and living conditions for people around the world. Millennial leaders can make the difference needed for realizing the 17 UN Global Goals by 2030, such as no poverty, quality education, climate action, decent work and economic growth.
Obama addresses Millennial leaders in his speech honoring Mandela in Johannesburg on July 17.
Glocalities Research Director Martijn Lampert:
“The best news of our generation goes largely unnoticed. The time has come to let the world know that we are already half way through the race in eradicating extreme poverty. Every day 250,000 people get out of extreme poverty. Millennials can be the great generation Mandela envisioned.’’
Global Citizen Policy Director Michael Sheldrick:
‘’The survey results are alarming. In these times of uncertainty, we need leaders who are able to inspire and rally public momentum behind the Global Goals for Sustainable Development and achieving a world without extreme poverty by 2030’’.
The Glocalities report advises to take the Global Goals Campaign to the next level. The study highlights the importance of tapping into cultural, values and lifestyle characteristics of Millennial leaders and activists worldwide.
Global Citizen organizes the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in Johannesburg on December 2 with celebrities, artists and political leaders such as Oprah, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Cassper Nyovest, D'Banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Pharrell Williams & Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher, Wizkid, SouthAfrican President Cyril Ramaphosa and Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Prime Minister Erna Solberg from Norway.
