It’s been 20 years since the huge phenomenon of Make Poverty History. Nearly one-quarter of a million people marched the streets of Edinburgh. More than three billion worldwide watched Live 8. And over 7 million of us wore white wristbands in solidarity, calling on rich nations to end poverty globally, once and for all.
It was a campaign with a specific ask: pressure the G8 to get serious about debt relief and aid. It didn’t ask the public for funds. It asked for our hearts, our voices. Our collective power. And the G8 responded. In July 2005 they announced debt cancellation for over 30 African nations, a doubling of aid and new ODA targets.
We marched. We believed. We achieved.
Yet 20 years on, poverty remains. Extreme poverty has dropped significantly, but broader global poverty lines show modest declines, with persistent poverty across Africa.
Here in the UK we’re talking about poverty ‘at home’ more than ever. Years of austerity and rising costs of living mean more – and record – numbers of children in the UK now live in relative poverty, compared to 20 years ago.
Meanwhile, those hard fought-for aid commitments are being rolled back across the G7. Aid reduced by 8% in 2024. Projections show a further 28% drop by 2026.
The UK’s own aid has been slashed – from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5% in 2020, and now to just 0.3%. This much reduced budget is the ‘new normal’ for UK aid.
Where we are now isn’t the campaign’s fault. That campaign was a moment – a beautiful one – designed with specific ambitions and timelines. That’s what made it possible to unite 500 charities behind it.
These organisations were perhaps better placed to carry the flame forward – to keep the public engaged, passionate and believing in a better future.
But that hasn’t happened. Now we’re in a different story.
Fewer people in the UK are giving to charity than ever. The sector has lost 4 million donors since 2019. For some, the cost-of-living crisis has hit hard. But it’s also about trust – nearly one in five people don’t donate because they don’t trust charities to use their money wisely.
Looking at the change we believed in and where we are now – isn’t it natural to ask what we’ve achieved and was it worth it?
Making Poverty History wasn’t about us as a solution. It was about us telling politicians to do better in our names. And it worked – for a time. Those charities that brought us together to increase aid saw funds entering the sector soar. More money to spend, more work to do. Keeping us involved and engaged? It wasn’t necessary. We took a backseat.
But when public belief is left untended, other narratives take hold. And the cost is clear. Barely a murmur, let alone a backlash, as hard-won gains are lost. Support for ODA has been on a long-term decline since Make Poverty History, with 45% of the UK public thinking we should keep or increase aid today. However, 45% still represents a huge number. An ocean of belief.
And that’s where hope lies. My research at the University of Manchester reveals that the public isn’t just an answer. It’s the answer.
Those 250,000 people who marched? They still exist. That white bracelet from 2005? Maybe it’s in the back of a drawer. Maybe it’s gone. But the belief – the fight, the commitment to humanity – is still in you.
And a new generation joins us. Even more attuned to injustice. Even more determined to act. In my role as an academic I see this year-on-year as we welcome and teach incredible students who don’t just want to understand and critique the systems that surround us. They also want to play a role in building new ones.
Too much of the charity sector is still rooted in saviourism and we ‘ve worked together to build One World Together, a radically different, yet simple, model of giving based on the values that ignited our passions back in 2005.
These values – our belief in dignity, justice, and solidarity – are our greatest strength. They bring consistency and commitment to a better world when we stay connected, keep learning, and keep talking about what we’re building together. They make change resilient. Less vulnerable to political swings and public mood.
Now is the time to move beyond a moment. To build a movement that builds and sustains the change we want to see. Until now there hasn’t been a place for that.
We’re doing everything in our power to change this. We know what the only solution looks like, so that in 20 years we’re not back here again, asking how the next big thing ended. You.
Note: This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.
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