Aid, Debt, Trade Action Index

Home > Act Now > Aid, Debt, Trade > Aid, Debt, Trade Action Index

Aid, Debt, Trade

Crushing debt burdens, unfair trade barriers, and inadequate financing are among the root causes of long-term poverty. Without a positive economic framework, the world's poor will never have the opportunity to sustain their own livelihoods.

Being a principal member of the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United States can bring about significant change in the international economic system that locks nations in poverty.

SPOTLIGHT ON | Debt Relief

Drop the Debt

World leaders are promising (again) to address the issue of debt at this year's G8 meeting. The UK Chancellor has even called on cancelling the debt of 41 countries. Unfortunately, his efforts have been met with more promises and little action.

+ Write your legislator to support debt relief
+ Learn more about the issue

Who's Who in Int'l Finance

International Monetary Fund (IMF): Created to promote stable currencies, foster economic growth, and provide temporary assistance. Criticized by poor countries for protecting the interests of creditors rather than debtors.

World Bank:Provides loans, policy advice and technical assistance to reduce poverty. Detractors say the Bank forces countries to implement rigid reforms that can hurt, rather than help, their development chances.

World Trade Organization (WTO): Establishes and governs the rules of trade between nations. Negotiations have been contentious in recent years as rich and poor countries clash over how trade should spread prosperity.

Toolkit

+ Aid, Debt, Trade
+ Fact sheet
+ Resources
+ Action