Monthly Action - February 2025 - Mandela +20
Take action for an end to extreme poverty and to protect democracy, human rights, and the environment, as we mark 20 years since a historic speech by Nelson Mandela calling on a generation to be great and
Make Poverty History.
Mandela +20
Twenty years ago this month Nelson Mandela made a historic speech in Trafalgar Square calling on a generation to be great and take action to end extreme poverty as he launched the Make Poverty History campaign. Christians, churches, the public and governments all responded. Billions of extra spending was released in overseas aid and billions more in unpayable debt of the world’s poorest countries was cancelled.
Twenty years on the world has seen huge progress. The number of people living in extreme poverty is half what it was in 2005. 77% of people living with HIV across Africa are receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, compared to just 7% in 2005. And the global child mortality rate has dropped from 6.3% to 3.7%, along with many other positive changes. But many new challenges have also emerged. Levels of human rights and democracy around the world have been declining since 2005. There are almost twice as many active conflicts in the world today as there were twenty years ago. And the world now produces more than 20% more greenhouse gas emissions every year than it did in 2005, driving the climate crisis.
A large number of UK global poverty and environmental charities are coming together this month to mark the historic anniversary and look at what has been achieved in the past twenty years. But most crucially of all they are also looking forward and asking what Nelson Mandela would be calling us to focus on today if he were making the same speech in 2025? Arise is taking part in the event in support of our 4 Shifts campaign for a green and fair global economy, and our Reform Movements campaign, supporting democracy and human rights around the world.
This month will you take action with Arise to mark Mandela +20?
Take Action
Practical Action
If you can get to London come down to Trafalgar Square on the evening of Tuesday 11 February for a major celebration marking Nelson Mandela’s historic speech twenty years ago. We will look at what has been achieved since, and be inspired with hope for the changes we can campaign for in 2025 and beyond. Music from 5.30 pm, main event from 6 – 7pm. It’s free for all, but please do click to register your attendance.
Speak out in advocacy
Contact Prime Minister Keir Starmer via social media. Share the link to the 4 Shifts Report and to our Reform Movements campaign. Tell him you are supporting the Mandela +20 moment this February, and ask him to ensure the UK plays its part championing actions to end poverty, restore the environment and promote and protect human rights and democracy around the world. Contact him on Twitter at: @Keir_Starmer, on Facebook at: Keir Starmer, on Instagram at: @keirstarmer, or search for him on your favourite social media platform. Use the hashtag #Mandela20
Pray
Pray that the UK and the other governments of the world will be inspired by the words and actions of Nelson Mandela calling on a generation to be great and take action to end extreme poverty. Pray that they will redouble their own efforts to end poverty, restore the environment and promote and protect human rights and democracy around the world.
Give
Consider giving to Bond, the network that coordinates all of the charities in the UK that are campaigning for progress in reducing and ending poverty around the world. They do an amazing job and are one of the main organisers of the Mandela +20 moment.
Ethical Consumption
Buy products and services from companies that are already modelling 4 Shifts principles of care for the environment, supporting the poorest and reducing inequality, like those with the Fairtrade or Living Wage marks. Try and avoid buying products and services from companies whose operations (inadvertently or not) are helping to prop up unjust regimes that oppress democracy and human rights. Check out the Ethical Consumer website for guidance on this.
Find out more
Latest news – Updates on previous campaigns and latest news from the Arise movement.
Join a local Arise group in your church or area – It’s great to take this action as individual Christians, but even better to come together with others to pray, discuss, worship, learn, have fun and take action together. Contact Arise if you are interested.
Arise Manifesto – Find out more about this month’s action in the Arise Manifesto, Arise’s big picture, researched, Biblical, holistic and practical vision for a better world.
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