We live in extraordinary times. Indeed, our world is marked by great progress and prosperity. Due to major advances in economics, science and technology, we have entered an era of wealth, innovation and productivity. For many, the human condition has never been better- or more fulfilling.

 

 

EXTREME POVERTY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING THE WORLD TODAY. More than 2.8 billion people (almost half of the world's population) live on $2 per day; more than 1 billion people live in abject poverty, surviving on less than $1 per day. Poverty favors hunger and malnutrition, lack of access to clean water, inadequate shelter, and poor or no healthcare.

 

ILLITERACY AND IGNORANCE THRIVE IN THESE SITUATIONS. Today, 80 million children do not have access to basic education. Unless changes are made, they will grow up to join the more than 875 million illiterate and uneducated adults around the world.

 

THE DIVISION OF WEALTH BETWEEN RICH AND POOR CONTINUES TO GROW AT AN ALARMING RATES. The gap in average annual income between the richest and poorest fifth of the world's population is increasing, and has reached a ratio of 50:1. Demographers predict the world's population will grow by another 2 billion people over the next 25 to 30 years; 97% of this growth will take place in developing countries. This is a very large looming crisis.

 

A world filled with such inequalities is an unstable world for all citizens. Some of the most serious consequences of inequality are...

A lack of investment in education has led to a challenging and daunting global situation.