Action Alert from the Sisters of Charity Federation NGO

John Freund, CM
April 29, 2009

In light of the upcoming United Nations Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development the Sisters of Charity Federation, Office of the NGO Representative Sr. Caroljean Wille, SC requests letters be written to President Obama.

Background
While most of us are very aware of the effects of the global economic crisis in our own countries, the impact on developing countries has been far more devastating. Meetings held this week with government representatives as well as World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives highlighted the necessity for a coordinated global response to the crisis.

It was agreed by all present that there is a need for a new global financial architecture. There are many voices about what form this needs to take, but developing countries are insisting that changes in the Bretton Woods Institutions (WB and IMF) must include their input. It is no longer acceptable to allow a few countries to speak for everyone. The voices of leaders from developing countries spoke strongly about the fact that although they had very little to do with creating the crisis, they are among the hardest hit. It is estimated that as many as 90 million more people will live in poverty as a result of the crisis and that as many as 200-400 thousand children will die.

The United Nations will host a high-level conference on the economic crisis from 1-3 June, 2009, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. In order for this conference to be effective it is essential that high level government leaders be in attendance. Therefore, we are urged to write to President Obama and ask him to attend this meeting.

Please take action today by writing to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20500

Email: comments@whitehouse.gov

Dear President Obama,

There will be a high level meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York form 1-3 June 2009. I urge you to attend this meeting and to work collaboratively with other world leaders to create a global financial architecture that is people-centered and takes into account the needs of all countries. This June conference must identify the critical challenges facing the human community and devise a process that gives all of the stakeholders a voice as well as a road map to follow. This conference provides an excellent opportunity for the United States to show both leadership and a willingness to work with other countries for the good of all.

Sincerely,

 


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