AP News, October 18th, 2007
Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson called Thursday for a focus on fighting poverty and hunger in the developing world, arguing hunger and overpopulation are the greatest looming threat to the establishment of a stable world.
"For decades, we believed that the only apocalyptic threat to human civilization was the possibility of nuclear war," said Richardson. "Now we know better. We know that poverty and overpopulation affect us all."
Richardson called for a new Marshall Plan with the United States leading an international effort to tackle the issues, and he used the speech to tout his experience as a former ambassador to the United Nations.
"We cannot afford leadership that has not been tested," Richardson said. "My colleagues in this race have my respect, but it is a simple fact that the next international deal negotiated by any of them will be their first."
Richardson said his plan would focus on development initiatives, expanding sustainable energy programs and reinvigorating the United Nations.
"The United Nations is a necessary and important framework for building the international cooperation that will be necessary to confront problems like environmental degradation and poverty," said Richardson. "We must reform and invigorate it."
Richardson argued that his experience in international affairs made him best qualified to lead in a troubled world.
"As a former UN ambassador, I more than anyone in this race understand the shortcomings of that institution," said Richardson.
He also called for:
_Increased U.S. investment in the World Bank's debt relief and development efforts, along with encouragement for other wealthy nations to do the same.
_Development of sustainable energy, an effort he said is essential to reversing global warming and one that would spark economic development.
_A new diplomatic effort to deal with food production in developing areas, focusing on developing new crops and protecting natural resources.
_Fighting cross-border crime, particularly the black market in drugs and arms. International cooperation is essential for that effort to succeed.
He coupled his proposal with a separate initiative aimed at global disease.
