“We’ll create a Poverty Museum in 2030.” Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhuammad Yunus has been quoted as making this statement, referring to the elimination of poverty by 2030 due to microcredit.
I was thrilled to read The Herald’s coverage of Yunus, who over 30 years ago revolutionized the banking industry in his home country of Bangladesh. He gave loans to the poorest of the people, providing them with the opportunity to rise above poverty. The beauty of his concept proved to not be an economic loss as nearly all honored the repayment agreement.
Yunus’ action was so successful in his own country that the United Nations, the World Bank and USAID went on to embrace the concept.
It truly is a celebration! Yunus has helped millions of people overcome poverty. What is most dear in my heart about this honor, the Nobel Peace Prize, bestowed upon him is the recognized connection between the reduction of poverty and the creation of peace.
Imagine how much sooner we could have a Poverty Museum if the billions spent on war by our nation and others were placed in the elimination of global poverty through microcredit.
Next month, from Nov. 12-15, the Global Microcredit Summit will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Over 2,000 delegates from over 100 countries will attend. Yunus is a member of its Global Advisory Committee. More can be learned about the summit at www.microcreditsummit2006.org.
The Global Microcredit Summit first began in 1997 with the RESULTS Educational Fund. Here in Snohomish County, we have a Local Chapter of RESULTS that meets on a monthly basis. To learn more, call our group leader, Teresa Rugg, at 360-862-9034.
We do have the path to peace, through the elimination of poverty.
Jeannine Fosca
Everett
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