Raising the Flag for a Brighter Future for All

Canberra’s Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be sporting a new look tomorrow (Monday 12 October) thanks to the array of colourful flags that will be raised.

Upon closer inspection, passers-by will see that each flag celebrates one of the 17 new United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development and highlights the Campaign for Australian Aid.

Last month world leaders met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to commit to a series of ambitious but achievable targets to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.  

The Global Goals build on the successful Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000-2015) that helped remove barriers for millions of people to release themselves from poverty. To reiterate some of the gains made by the MDGs, consider these statistics:

- 15 years ago: 27,000 children under five died from poverty-related causes every day.

- Today: 16,000 children under five die from poverty-related causes each day.

“The more people we can reach by showcasing the 17 Global Goals in public, the more awareness we’ll create around these ambitious but achievable targets to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change by 2030,” said Executive Officer for the Campaign for Australian Aid, Tony Milne.

“Given we’ve seen the new Malcolm Turnbull government take power, a high priority should be lifting our Australian aid investment levels from their historic lows following $11.3 billion of cuts.”

After joining leaders at the United Nations in New York, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop signalled Australia’s support of the Global Goals and was quoted as saying “Australia is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and working with others to build a true global partnership to deliver the 2030 Agenda.”

Mr Milne added that given the close proximity of the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade (DFAT) to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, it would be encouraging to see the MDGs currently showcased on its windows, updated to reflect the new Global Goals.

Coinciding with these flags being raised is Micah Challenge’s annual Voices for Justice event (10-13 October) that sees hundreds of people from all over Australia lobbying Federal politicians and holding a prayer vigil on the lawns of Parliament House.

If you’d like to arrange an interview or photo opportunity with Mr Milne, please contact Sarah Cannata on 0407 536 133.

About Campaign for Australian Aid

The Campaign for Australian Aid is a joint initiative of the Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge coalitions, for all Australians who believe we can and should do more as a nation to end extreme poverty around the world. It represents over 65 aid and development organisations, church, business and community groups.