YouTube fights global poverty with ‘In my Name’

YouTube announced an effort with a strong line-up of celebrity and non-profit partners to campaign countries in an effort to end global poverty.

Celebrities and organizations that are involved include Will.i.am, of Black Eyed Peas fame, Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Fergie and nonprofit organizations Oxfam, GCAP, Save the Children and Comic Relief.  Collectively with YouTube “In My Name” aims to be a global effort to raise awareness around the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

These eight time-bound, measurable goals were set in 2000 to combat global poverty.  In My Name is meant “to give you the opportunity to tell your leaders to do more.  World leaders need to hear from you.” stated YouTube via their website.

From now through November 1, visit www.youtube.com/inmyname to upload a video stating your name, your home country, and your simple message to your government about the need to meet the MDGs. Be as creative, compelling, simple, or wordy as you like — this is your chance to join the video petition to end world hunger.  Once that date has passed, YouTube will create a mash-up of the most powerful submissions from around the world and broadcast it directly to the United Nations General Assembly.