Friday, February 24, 2012

Blog #6 Inequality between rich and poor highlighted by UN panel


The extremes between the rich and poor internationally have become a threat to global stability.  This was one of the issues discussed at the UN commission for social Development.  Present at the meeting were top UN diplomats, Officials from UN agencies, and representatives of non-government organizations.  Ambassador Jorge Valero the permanent representative from Venezuela blames the growing inequality on the excess of global capitalism.  Valero said Inequality and poverty are some of the outstanding issues on the international agenda. These problems can only be fixed by attacking the structural causes that generate them: a consumerist, selfish, and predatory global system based on the commodification of man and nature.  Dr. Ortiz Associate director of policy and practice at UNICEF said “National redistribution is not enough to address Inequality.  There is a strong link between high income inequality and social unrest and economic instability.” Mr.Chong of Baha’I international community noted “the relationship of dominance-one nation over another, one race over another, or one class or gender over another contribute to inequitable access to resources and knowledge.”

 I am sure there are soon to be laws, Bills, and acts, which are set into motion to help prevent, slow, or reverse global inequality.  However the article brings up several really good points.  I agree with Ambassador Valero when he said there is “a consumerist, selfish, and predatory global system based on commodification of man and nature.”  People’s greed for profits increase inequality as they seek out the cheapest possible labor they can find on the planet.  Consumerism fuels the greedy drive of capitalists.  I would like to point out that the consumerism is not coming from impoverished nations, but developed established nations.  Consumerism is not sustainable, and to make a real change in improving global equality there needs to be a collective effort of many people all around the world to help with the social issue.

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