The world's attention in 2005 was very much focused on Africa.
The global call for action against poverty was, in terms of public awareness abot poverty in Africa, nothing less than a milestone - no less than 85% of the British public were aware of the Make Poverty History campaign.
But where do we go from here? To address this, I decided to organise a meeting called "Africa: Beyond 2005" to address the challenge that we now face - to use the goodwill and interest that now exists to end the needless suffering across Africa and to ensure that our efforts go beyond last year.
2005 was an important year - much was achieved, but much was left unachieved.
The event we held at the end of April in Llanishen Leisure Centre did several things. First of all, it celebrated the variety of life in Africa. We had music, photography, tastes and dance from Africa to celebrate the vibrancy, joy and optimism that is Africa. The highlight of this celebration was a performance from the Ofuobi dancers from the African Community Centre in Swansea.
We also reflected on the fact that life for many in Africa is impoverished. Ellizabeth Wanjiku of BAWSO spoke abut the devastating effects of poverty and AIDS in Kenya; Uzo Iwobi from the African Community Centre spoke of the hardships in her native Nigeria and abour the fact that even though Africa needs more help, a little is still better than nothing for the individual.
We also addressed what more needs to be done. Catherine Hester from Oxfam Cymru spoke of the progress made last year and the inspirational scenes she saw in Edinburgh at Make Poverty History events, but about how more work needs to be done on making trade fair. Euro MP Glenys Kinnock also emphasised this message and focused on how armed conflict in Africa often frustrates development.
The need for a UN arms treaty is paramount - as Glenys said, "We need a legal framework for monitoring and tracking weapons. It has been pointed out that it is actually easier to track a GM tomato or a lost suitcase in an airport than it is to track an AK47 assault rifle or a rocket launcher."
Sue Essex AM talked about Welsh-African links and about how the Welsh Assembly will be delivering its report on how it can help development.
It was very encouraging to see more than 130 people at the meeting, listening to the speakers and visiting the stalls of organisations like Money for Madagascar, Christian Aid and Rwanda Restored.
I am proud of what the Labour Government has done in international development - of the fact that we have more than doubled aid and of the fact that we have provided 100% debt relief for 14 heavily indebted African countries.
We have put a lot into Africa, but we must continue to do so. If you would like further information, for example, on helping those suffering in East Africa's terrible drought, you can visit www.oxfam.org.uk.
We must not be complacent.
If you would like to take part in a walk in Velindre Park in Whitchurch for Macmillan Cancer Relief on the morning of Friday, May 19, call my office on 02920 624166 for more information. |
