Poverty and Social Exclusion: Challenges for Developed and Developing Countries

Jan Urban, opened the panel by asking “is poverty and social exclusion a never-ending story, is it in decline or is it growing?” The panelists analyzed the effects of globalization, corruption and urbanization in this continuous search for an end to poverty. There was general agreement on the paramount role of education and aid commitment from the developed world.

 

Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, began the discussion by explaining that poverty stems from deprivation, lack of opportunity, poor distribution of resources, lack of education, and the shortage of adequate facilities. He asserted that no one is born into poverty and that poverty is a consequence of the circumstances of society and the incompetence of government in ensuring basic services and resources. By pointing out key areas in combating poverty including health, employment, and shelter, he emphasized “that the key to unlock all others is without a doubt education.” He stressed that giving up is not an option and that the appropriate mechanisms should be put in place to apply aid effectively.

 

Ján Kubiš started by examining the problem of urbanization and the issue of energy accessibility and efficiency. He cited the Millennium Summit of 2000 and the Millennium Development Goals as fora for the commitment of bilateral aid to the developing world. While these goals have not been reached, he pointed out that recent meetings intended to examine the process thus far have pledged clear recommitments in the post-financial crisis period. However, he cautioned that summits are unlikely to provide concrete answers because the real solution lies in action.

 

Tain-Jy Chen introduced his remarks with a brief analysis of the economic perspective of globalization and the interdependence of economies in relation to poverty. His major point focused on internal income distribution as exacerbating the income gap between the rich and poor and further increasing inequality. In agreement with other panelists, Mr. Chen said, “the urban areas are the most vulnerable to the reverse trend in income distribution.” He cited China as a prime example of the need to increase post-secondary education in the developing world as a means of increased social mobility.

 

Salil Shetty resented his attendance at summits and meetings because “simply, we need less talk and more action.” In his role with Amnesty International, he emphasized the importance of civil and political rights as a platform for subsequent social and economic rights. He mentioned several major causes of poverty, including state failure to develop resources, corporate irresponsibility and violations of women’s rights across the developing world. He posed the question “where do we go from here?” and suggested the link of human rights with the development process as the answer.

 

Beatrice Mtetwa presented her off-the-cuff views on the inclusion of democracy and government in the discussion of poverty and human rights, including the exploitation of natural resources in developed countries. She criticized the developed world for its lack of international standards against exploitation by corporate enterprise. Ms. Mtetwa questioned the motives of the developed world in placing other challenges, such as terrorism, above aid to circumvent poverty. She explained, “instead of the international community looking at the developing world as beggars, we ought to look at how we can [redistribute] resources by taking money back to the [developed world].”

 

Moderator Jan Urban concluded the discussion with questions on the role of corruption, good examples of aid programs, the urbanization process and by urging the rest of us to follow the lead of the panelists in taking responsibility and action in the struggle to end poverty.