YOU MADE YOUR VOICE HEARD – Big IF London Rally

Yesterday something incredible happened, and it wouldn’t have happened without you. World leaders met to discuss the silent injustice of hunger that still sees 1 in 8 people go to bed hungry – and they acted.

You and thousands of others have been at the heart of this campaign, and are such a big part of this success. Leaders have heard our call, and have committed to funding plans that will save the lives of almost 2 million children who would otherwise die from malnutrition.

Whether you posted on Facebook, wrote to your MP or told your friends and family about this campaign, you’ve helped make this happen.

Thank you! People power works!

Zed United with Richard Miller, Executive Director ActionAid UK and ActionAid Zambia Country Director Pamela M Chisanga at the #BigIF London Rally

With tens of thousands gathered at yesterday’s Big IF London rally to hear powerful speeches from Danny Boyle, Bill Gates and Angelique Kidjo, and adding their names to our giant installation of spinning flowers, it is a day to remember. All of you should be really proud of your part in this campaign.

But we’re not done yet – in just over a week, leaders will meet again at the G8, and they must tackle the causes of hunger. This time, tax dodging and land transparency are on the agenda – and so far a deal that will benefit poor countries is badly off track. We need to keep the pressure on.

Hunger isn’t just a simple case of not being able to get enough nutritious food. It’s inflicted upon hardworking families when their land is grabbed or when food is used for fuel instead of feeding people. It’s also caused by governments allowing multinational companies to get involved in shady deals and avoid their fair share of tax. Find out more by watching our short video.

We heard this week that the hunger crisis is even worse than we thought – with more than 3 million malnourished children’s lives at risk each year. In 2013, almost half of all deaths of children under 5 years old are caused by malnutrition. That’s outrageous, and avoidable.

World leaders must continue on the great journey they’ve started out on today, and put an end to this. There can be Enough Food For Everyone, but only IF leaders take action now.

If you’d like to get more involved, the final Big IF rally will be taking place in Belfast a week today, and you’d be more than welcome to join us – you’ve seen what you can do!

Thanks again for all you’ve helped achieve so far.

Chibwe Henry
Chair, IF Diaspora Working Group

Chibwe Henry, DfAD CEO and IF Diaspora Working Group Co-Chair with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Angélique Kidjo and IF Ambassador at the Enough Food For Everyone IF High Level Nutrition for Growth Event on 8th June 2013, London