The Challenge of Reducing Poverty: Comparing Developed and Developing Countries

26/02/2007

Students in ECN 353: Economic Problems of Developing Countries get to listen to Hilary Benn, MP, Secretary of State for International Development at the Institute of Education on Tuesday 20th February 2007.

Poverty in Developing Countries

It was a rainy and gloomy sky that greeted those who braved the elements to attend the Overseas Development Institute hosted lecture The Challenge of Reducing Poverty: Comparing Developed and Developing Countries, given by MP Hiliary Benn Secretary of State for International Development at the Institute of Education. The lecture, which could have turned out like so many others, dry and lifeless, turned into a lively and informative session. Hilary Benn is not only an energetic speaker but also a man who is clearly passionate about his work. He could have done cut and dry comparisons, obvious to any of those who have been through high school, instead he made connections. Benn could have spoken about the west setting the example for economic development; instead he spoke of how the developing world can set examples for the west. The whole of his 40 minute speech, short, passionate and to the point was a new outlook on poverty and cooperation between those who have and those who have not. He challenged the mindset of the north and of the south, to rethink the process of give and take. Where most believe the north, the rich world, should give and set examples, Benn can see a world where north and south share, taking the best from both worlds to enrich all. It was, to say the least an unconventional idea. After his speech, surprisingly, was the question and answer session. Instead of going on for a full two hours about an idea, which to this author was captivating, he paused and took questions from the audience, and what’s more he answered them. Benn did not avoid, did not sidestep, did not go for politically correct, he answered the question as best he could. All in all, the lecture was a surprise in and of itself. Thank you, Mr. Hilary Benn MP, for a moving and captivating afternoon.

Story By: Kama Fitchett RU Student