Now that Golden Year 4 has arrived, it is clear that Master’s persistent work and blessings are helping make the world a better and better place. As nations, groups and individuals unite, many people are compassionately and generously helping each other as brothers and sisters.

On the front line of the fight to improve basic living standards of people around the world, the World Food Program (WFP), a United Nations agency, has received a total of US$566 million from 38 different countries and groups. As an international organization that relies entirely on voluntary contributions to provide emergency food assistance for over 97 million people per year, the WFP’s work and the needs of the people directly benefit from such generosity.

To help nations striving to improve the lives of their fellow citizens, many governments and international banks have canceled all or part of monies owed to them by other countries. For instance, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) forgave US$4.4 billion owed by five developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States ♥♥♥♥♥♥, UK, Russia ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, Belgium, Germany ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ and Norway are also forgiving monies owed by other countries or have made pledges to assist in debt cancellation by providing funds. Some countries’ debts owed to the US are being forgiven in exchange for the implementation of conservation efforts. China has also relieved debts owed by 36 of the world’s least-developed countries.

Many nations and groups have made humanitarian commitments to bring health to people around the world. In Africa, the Global Fund provided 18 million bed nets treated with insect repellent as well as millions of anti-malarial drug treatments to be distributed throughout affected nations. The United States, which is the largest contributor to the Global Fund, has given US$1.2 billion to help 15 countries hardest hit by malaria.

The Spanish International Co-operation Agency has contributed to fight cholera in Angola, and Canada has also given to Ethiopia’s children through UNICEF to provide more vaccinations, vitamin supplements and other forms of health care. UNICEF, also funded entirely by voluntary contributions, is the world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. Ireland, whose contributions to UNICEF have tripled over the last five years, just pledged its biggest-ever contribution for helping children worldwide.

Italy, Canada, Norway, Russia and the United Kingdom collaboratively launched a US$1.5 billion plan to develop and provide vaccines ♥♥♥♥♥♥ against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria that largely affect developing countries. Ethiopia will also receive US$30 million from the International Development Association (IDA) to fight AIDS.

In countries that have experienced large-scale catastrophe, international help has been quick to arrive. To respond to the needs of Afghanistan following civil unrest and natural disasters, nations such as Japan ♥♥♥♥♥, Italy ♥♥♥♥♥♥, Canada ♥♥♥♥♥♥, the United States and Germany have provided emergency and reconstruction assistance. In noble moves to bring help to the Pakistani people following a 2005 earthquake, the World Bank, Belgium, the ADB ♥♥♥♥ and UNICEF all contributed financially or through provisions delivered directly to affected areas.

In a recent conference in Lebanon, over 30 countries pledged a total of US$7.6 billion toward aid and reconstruction loans. Switzerland also recently contributed US$11.5 million to rebuild villagers’ homes and lives.

In Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, the ADB ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ provided funds to repair and reconstruct irrigation systems in Aceh and Nias. China made a similarly generous gesture in its pledge of more than US$50 million to Indonesia, a part of which was a purchase of several million dollars of medical equipment for the country.

Ireland gave US$27 million for drought relief in Africa, and Norway has contributed to Burundi to help guarantee a food supply for more than two million of its citizens.

The World Bank ♥♥♥♥♥♥ is launching an insurance fund designed to provide five Caribbean countries with financial assistance for key services following seasonal hurricanes. The initiative will also provide a standing fund of up to US$50 million for these countries to access in cases of emergency.

With a contribution totaling US$601 million in humanitarian aid to Tanzania over the next five years, the European Union will help provide food and housing for the country’s refugee population as well as building new development.

Many countries have lent a helping hand for the difficult situations faced by the Iraqi people. Australia and Japan are contributing humanitarian aid for displaced Iraqis along with funds for reconstruction aid for when they return to their home country. The UK is increasing its support of the Red Cross efforts in Iraq, and the US has offered direct humanitarian aid as well as acceptance of at least 7,000 Iraqi refugees in the coming months. Sweden ♥♥♥♥♥♥ has also opened its doors to many new Iraqi immigrants, with most receiving permits to go live with family members who have already relocated there.

The UK is making a cash contribution to help 70,000 Palestinian public sector workers who have not received reliable pay for almost a year. This is in addition to other contributions made by the UK to meet Palestinian basic needs. The European Commission ♥♥♥♥♥♥ has sent aid to Colombia to support the people who have been displaced from their homes due to strife in their country.

The Netherlands ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ reached out to children across the world with the largest single contribution in UNICEF’s 60-year history, which will provide educational opportunities to 25 million underserved children in over 40 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has implemented an educational project in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa to improve the skills of teachers and secondary-level students.

From a gift of 1,000 personal computers made by Nigeria’s Zenith Bank, Nigerian youths are now more encouraged to bridge the ‘digital divide’ through the introduction to information and communication technology.

To assist Haiti in re-establishing stability, Canada is providing funds for UN peace projects in that country. Iceland is supporting a resettlement program in Uganda, whose people were at one time 100% displaced. Fresh water is also more accessible to people in Uganda thanks to the EU and UNICEF, whose support is helping improve the drinking water infrastructure.

To assist the countries of China, India and Brazil develop more sound environmental practices and energy-efficient standards, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership is providing consultation expertise with funds received from Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

In its agricultural assistance to the African countries of Mali and Burkina Faso, Venezuela became the first Latin American country in history to fund UNFAO projects in another country. This contribution will help set up small-scale irrigation projects and promote a more efficient use of water resources.

The world’s richest person, Bill Gates, has said, “With great wealth comes a responsibility…to help those most in need.” Leading by example, he contributed a large portion of his wealth to charity. Contributions from wealthy Americans in general increased from $4.3 billion made in 2005 to $48.5 billion in 2006. In a similar manner, wealthy persons worldwide have announced other generous contributions.

As Master has said, “That’s how the world will become paradise: Everyone shares with each other, and everyone becomes happier.” (Aphorism, News #51) It is apparent that we are entering a loving world where more and more people share with each other. We thank God for these blessings!

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