Global Citizen talks a big game. We argue that ending extreme poverty is possible by 2030. We talk about ending global hunger and improving global health. We point to 2015 as the pivotal year to accomplish these goals, since this is the year that world leaders will meet to develop the Sustainable Development Goals for the next 15 years.

The thing is, all of this talk means nothing if the world doesn't have a plan to back it up. As Global Citizen partner ONE writes, we need a clear plan of action and the resources to deliver it.

This July, world leaders will convene for the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is hugely important, as my my colleague/ finance guru from Global Poverty Project*, Alison Shea explains in an article calling for action at the event:

Basically, this is the first major summit of the three big ones this year (the other two being the massive UN General Assembly in September where the Sustainable Development Goals will be announced and the Climate Change summit in Paris this December). This conference determines whether the others, and thus the next 15 years, will be successes or not. Because this is the one where world leaders come together and decide on how we’re going to achieve global development and thus where the world’s priorities lie. Money speaks louder than words, after all.

You heard the woman! It’s vital that the conference is a success. To that end, ONE has developed The 2015 DATA Report which outlines key commitments that can be game-changers, particularly for those living in the poorest nations.

ONE is advocating for a mutual accountability pact to meet the most basic needs, thus ensuring that everyone plays their part.

On their website they summarize the pact with these five key components:

1. Minimum spending levels on essential services such as basic health, education and some social protection, which will be provided through:

2. Increased domestic government revenues;

3. Increased ODA to 0.7%, with half allocated to LDCs;

4. Specific investments in agriculture, infrastructure, energy and technology, in order to support sustainable, inclusive growth and development; and

5. Delivery of a data revolution to help support a robust accountability framework that sets out clear mechanisms for ensuring that commitments are followed through.

Check out the full report to better understand these five key recommendations.

It’s time we put our money where our mouth is.

Editorial

Defeat Poverty

Ending extreme poverty requires a plan, and ONE knows just what to do

By Christina Nuñez