Nelson Mandela to Address Global Anti-Poverty Campaign in London

The UK-based global anti-poverty campaign "Make Poverty History" will be strengthened by the support of Nelson Mandela who is going to visit London for a public address next month. On Thursday 3rd February, thousands of people are expected to gather at the landmark of Central London - the Trafalgar Square - at 12noon to meet Nelson Mandela.

Mandela’s visit is going to be the prologue and the most impressive event of "Make Poverty History" campaign among a series of landmark meetings that are going to take place throughout 2005.

Through a convincing speech, the 86-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, former South African president will put pressure on world leaders to make good on their promises to increase and improve aid for the poor, deliver trade justice and provide further debt relief. He will also call on the public to join the "Make Poverty History" campaign and take action.

Mandela’s visit will coincide with the G7 Finance Ministers meeting that is going to be held in London the next day. Campaigners hope that the G7 rich countries will make significant steps in dropping the debts of developing countries which currently costs them $39 billion a year.

Adrian Lovett of British charity Oxfam, part of the Make Poverty History coalition explained the significance of Mandela’s visit, "Nelson Mandela's presence in London sends a clear signal from one of the world's greatest heroes that 2005 is the year when we strike a huge blow against world poverty."

"His presence is not only a rallying cry to the public to get involved, but serves notice to rich countries that the world will not put up with false promises, delays and hollow soundbites," he added.

White bands, the symbol of "Make Poverty History" campaign, will adorn the square, and will be worn by members of the public.

29th January will see church members across the UK attend an official reception to mark the launch of "Make Poverty History" campaign. Bloomsbury Baptist Church in London will host the event. It aims to mobilise and inspire people of faith to take action in 2005.

Joel Edwards from the Evangelical Alliance, Martin Drewry from Christian Aid, Ben Mussanzi, a Tearfund partner and Stephen Rand from the Jubilee Debt Campaign will be speaking at the ceremony.

"Make Poverty History" is a coalition of over 200 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities. It is also the UK arm of the Global Call for Action Against Poverty (GCAP) a network of organisations representing over 150 million people from 60 different countries. GCAP has just officially launched by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil on Thursday 27th January.