The first generation of children born in the new millennium could inherit a world free of poverty and full of promise.The means are there. In fact, for less than a third of what it now spends on the military, the world could meet basic human needs and ensure fundamental human rights.The issue, however, is not just money. It’s also a question of political will.

For 50 years, World Vision has been working in local communities in developing countries. We’ve helped the poorest of the poor grow food, obtain clean water, build homes, start businesses, and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Yet we often see the poor struggling against structural issues that hinder their efforts to effect lasting change.
At the beginning of the first millennium, Jesus Christ spoke of a world of justice, harmony, and peace. Yet at the dawn of the third millennium, many of the world’s children live in poor, hostile, and unjust conditions as bad or worse than those of first-century Palestine. After 2,000 years, we can do better. Much better. Many of the developed countries have promised to eradicate world poverty through international cooperation. The rich nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have pledged to commit .7 percent of their gross national products to help poor nations. But they have not delivered. Official assistance to the world’s poor is less than one-quarter of one percent of the rich world’s wealth.

By seriously addressing these 10 urgent issues, the developed world could end needless poverty and suffering. It could create structural changes that would free children from misery and despair. The children of the next millennium could enjoy safe, healthy, and sustainable lives.

World Vision proposes this “to do list” for the new millennium:
(click on each item for its description)


1. A livable income.
2. Food for everyone.
3. Primary education for all children.
4. Clean water.
5. Debt relief.
6. Peace building.
7. Girls growing as equals.
8. A sustainable future.
9. An end to child exploitation.
10. Freedom to believe.

Conclusion: What it will cost.