Global Development Matters is designed to engage U.S. citizens and leaders in examining how rich world policies affect global poverty reduction. As we make decisions on the eve of the 2008 U.S. presidential election, understanding the connection between global development and U.S. political choices is now more relevant than ever.

Improving fragile global economies requires decisive action. Rich countries need to expand and improve policies and practices that help poor people to escape poverty. The solution is about more than sending money to countries in need. It requires a deeply considered, multi-faceted approach to trade, migration, security, investment, technology transfer, the environment, and spending strategies. And it requires committed, informed leadership.

The U.S. is a rich and generous country. It should be at the forefront of global development. But we rank 14th out of the 21 richest nations on our dedication to policies that benefit the five billion people living in poorer nations, lagging far behind the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom, among others.

If we the people speak, our country’s policymakers will listen. Learn more about how the U.S. influences global poverty so you can speak up, and help tell our leaders that our choices affect others’ lives, and that Global Development Matters— to all of us.