Cowen: Overseas aid must not be cut back

HUNGER and poverty around the world should not be ignored as richer nations come to terms with the global economic crisis, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, said in his message to mark January 1 2009 — the World Day of Peace.

Mr Cowen called for “global solidarity” in tackling poverty which he said is “an obligation” for all wealthier nations even as they face recession.

Mr Cowen said commitments made in the Millennium Developments Goals to end world hunger and poverty by 2015 should not falter in tougher economic circumstances.

The Taoiseach said that “despite serious economic difficulties, Ireland remains on course to achieve the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on Overseas Development Aid”.

Responding to a message by Pope Benedict to mark the World Day of Peace, Mr Cowen said: “In this time of global economic crisis, His Holiness’ message is a timely reminder of the obligation that we in the developed world have to assist those in greater need.”

Pope Benedict said that “to fight poverty is to build peace”.

The Taoiseach responded: “I fully share the view of His Holiness that we must have a wide-ranging understanding of poverty and that individuals, peoples and nations must join in global solidarity to tackle its many causes.

“We must ensure that progress already made is safeguarded and that commitments made in fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals do not falter,” Mr Cowen said.

He stressed that “a secure and stable world is dependent on effective arms control, disarmament and the elimination of nuclear weapons”.

The fight against HIV worldwide is “a key priority for Ireland”, he said.

“In September of this year, Ireland’s Hunger Task Force presented its report to me at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

“A special team has now been established in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that we follow through on the Hunger Task Force commitment to give hunger the absolute priority it deserves.”