When Global Citizen was founded in 2012, it was on the premise that when people come together, they can make great things happen. That together, as a movement of millions of people from all over the world, we can solve the biggest challenges and change the world for the better.
In the new political landscape that greeted us last week, it is more important than ever for the UK to be looking outside of its borders. If we are to tackle the world's biggest challenges - gender inequality, poverty, climate change, terrorism, climate change, the refugee crisis - international cooperation is vital. We need coherent policies of countries working in concert, strong alliances and partnerships globally. As the UK recalibrates its position in the world, the poorest people in the world must not bear the brunt of the decision to leave the EU.
We must live up to - and reaffirm our commitment to - the bold promises we have made at home and abroad: to give 0.7% of our gross national income to international development aid; to end extreme poverty by 2030, a promise made last year in an historic show of unity when we agreed the global goals for sustainable development.
In short, the UK must continue its bold leadership on international development.
As thousands of people continue to make the treacherous journey to Europe from Syria and other conflict affected areas, we must not think that we are now immune to the refugee crisis. The UK has committed to take 20,000 refugees from camps in the Middle East and to provide a home to 3,000 unaccompanied minors who have already reached Europe. We must not be diverted from delivering these promises - and from doing much more to address this escalating crisis. And we must continue to abide by the international laws that protect refugees - the right to asylum, the right to basic services and safe places.
Global Citizens have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of the UK. In the referendum, young people voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in the EU. These young people need to continue to ensure that their voice is heard as our leaders shape the future of our country.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/brexit-vote-global-economy-eu/