One billion people live in extreme poverty. This means they live their lives, buy their food, guarantee their shelter (or what passes for shelter) with less than USD $1.25 a day. This injustice needs to end. This year Global Citizens have the power push world leaders to make the decisions to end extreme poverty by 2030. To amplify the the call to end extreme poverty, global advocacy organizations are coming together under the banner of Action/2015. As you can see in graphic above, Action/2015 warns that if world leaders do not take on this issue with urgency, the number of people living in extreme poverty will actually increase to 1.2 billion by 2030. This increase would be the first in a generation

But change is possible through action! To end extreme poverty leaders must deliver at the UN Special Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015 and the UN Climate talks in Paris in December.

High profile activist, such as Malala, Bono, Ben Affleck, Bill and Melinda Gates, Mo Ibrahim, and Queen Rania have backed the call of Action/2015,insisting world leaders must tackle inequality, poverty, and climate change.

Action/2015 combines environmental, human rights, development organizations and faith networks. Humanitarian organizations such as Amnesty International to grassroots NGOs are creating a movement to make sure that the agreements of 2015 are shaped by the people.

As part of the action/2015 launch, activities are taking place in more than 50 countries from Nigeria to Norway to South Africa to Sri Lanka, calling on the public to join efforts to ensure that world leaders commit to a better world. Throughout 2015, campaigns will provide ways for Global Citizens to get involved and influence the outcomes of these global debates including:

• An end to poverty in all forms,
• The meeting of fundamental rights and tackling inequity,
• An accelerated transition to 100% renewable energy;
• A world where everyone can participate in holding leaders accountable.

2015 is a year to make history and become fully involved and invested in global politics. Sign the petition on this article to join Global Citizens in Action/2015, making sure world leaders make the commitment necessary to end extreme poverty once and for all.

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