Google is well known for its interest in how the power of technology and information can help solve some of the world's toughest problems. Indeed, via Google.org, Google contributes employee time and resources, as well as funding, towards a range of projects, like Google Flu Trends, that we believe have really power to change the world for the better.
We also take a keen interest in what other organisations are doing to make the world a better place. Many Googlers in Australia have recently been inspired by the work of the Global Poverty Project which, led by former Young Australian of the Year Hugh Evans, aims to inspire us all to change the way we view the challenge of global poverty, and to send a clear message to policy makers and governments that they must keep their pledge to the Millennium Development Goals to end extreme poverty. 1.4 Billion Reasons, the Global Poverty Project's road show, is travelling the nation highlighting that what may seem like small efforts on an everyday level do, in fact, have a massive impact on the world's poor.
This week we were lucky enough to have the Global Poverty Project visit Google Sydney. Googlers were challenged to think and discuss through ideas which confronted the notion that ending extreme poverty is an impossibility. Through a data driven presentation coupled with heart rendering footage from those living in the developing world, the Global Poverty Project brought the realisation that ending extreme poverty is not only possible - but achievable in our lifetime. It was powerful stuff. Many Googlers left the event with the commitment to further their efforts and make a choice to join the global movement on a local level to end extreme poverty.
Google is proud to be the technology partner of the Global Poverty Project, supporting them in their important mission via Google Grants and other technology advice. You can learn more about the project by visiting their YouTube channel, or visiting their website (www.globalpovertyproject.com) to find a time to see the presentation for yourself as the project tours the country before taking their message globally.