What was the most important year in modern history?
(23 December 2004)
At this time of year many of us take stock of past events and look to the future. We're interested in finding out what you think has been the most important year in modern history.
Maybe 1945, the end of the Second World War and the year the United Nations was created? Or 1985 the year the world came together to give money to Africa through Live Aid? Or 1990, when apartheid and the Cold War ended, and communism collapsed?
Or maybe you can think of other years which were more important. E-mail and let us know and we'll publish your opinions on this site in the New Year.
2005 – a year of opportunity
At VSO we believe that 2005 is going to mark a huge year for the world. The UK has many opportunities to change the factors that cause and sustain poverty: unfair trade rules, the burden of debt on developing countries, and insufficient and ineffective aid. These opportunities cannot be wasted, and VSO has joined with the Make Poverty History campaign, Stop AIDS and the Global Campaign for Education to really make a difference in 2005.
The year ahead
In April the Commission for Africa will report on its review of Africa's past, present and future. The report aims to set out what can be done to help Africa, the only continent in the world that has grown poorer in the last 25 years. VSO has helped the Commission in researching public opinion in Africa.
The UK is hosting the conference of the G8 countries in Gleneagles, Scotland in July. The main topic for discussion will be poverty in Africa. VSO wants the G8 to keep its promise that every girl and boy should be able to finish primary school by 2015 and make a commitment that everyone should have the access to HIV care and treatment by 2008.
From July the UK will be holding the presidency of the European Union. The presidency will mean that the UK will be able to push its agenda of cutting poverty and increasing aid in Europe and on a worldwide platform.
In September the progress of Millennium Development Goals will be reviewed by the UN. The goals were set in 2000 for the whole world to work towards. The eight goals include halving extreme poverty and providing primary education for everyone. The target date for achieving the goals is 2015, but some reports suggest some of them will not be reached until 2147 in parts of Africa.
How can you get involved?
VSO is part of the Make Poverty History campaign. You make your voice heard at www.makepovertyhistory.org.
Find out more about using your professional skills to help the developing world, and about our youth schemes.
You can also help VSO by raising money. It costs £15,000 to send a volunteer overseas for one year. Take part in our treks, bike rides, run the marathon or eat curry for us. Find out about these events and more in our events diary.
