Most of the world, and much of the United States, celebrated the November 4 victory of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. While many continue to discuss and deliberate the outcome, President-elect Obama is already hard at work. This week, he began announcing his transition team and meeting with his top economic advisors, and held his first press conference. Our next president will face a host of global challenges, including two wars, energy and food crises, climate change, and health emergencies.

Every minute a woman dies due to complications in pregnancy or
childbirth, adding up to half a million women dying every year. Another
10-15 million women suffer serious or long-lasting illnesses or
disabilities.

“No woman should die giving life,” said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.
“To have a healthy society, you have to have healthy mothers.”

In many countries, however, progress in maternal health has been slow.
In some, the situation has actually deteriorated over the last 20 years.

Over 43.7 million people, in 127 countries have broken the Guinness World Record – set last year at 23.5 million – for the largest number of people to “STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY” in 24 hours. Read Full Press Release »

From all parts of the world, millions stood and spoke out to demand a more urgent political response to the growing crisis of global poverty and inequality. They called on their world leaders to keep their commitments made in the Millennium Development Goals.