I had the privelidge of hearing two of the best speakers ever at the YIBC event on Friday
Rev Jesse Jackson spoke eloquently and passionately
about Yorkshireman William Wilberforce, who fought to abolish slavery in the 19th century and the impact his campaign had had in the modern world.He argued that problems still existed, including recent incidents in pockets of London, but youngsters needed educating rather than punishing for their misdemeanours.He said: "If we can fight together and go to war together we can learn to live together in appreciative terms."
Bob Geldof however was even better - straight from the G8 summit he was without doubt the best speaker i have ever heard - he was inspiring
THE man who caused the world to stop and think of Africa yesterday brought a Yorkshire audience to its feet.
Bob Geldof was rewarded with a rock star response to a charismatic, show-stopping performance which left many of the 1,500 people at the Yorkshire International Business Convention visibly moved.Where last year the event had seen demonstrations against ex-US President George Bush Snr, this year there was merely a demonstration of the brilliance of one man not bound by political ties.Geldof drew a standing ovation for his simple message: "Don't let the politicians turn their backs on Africa."The Irish pop star turned humanitarian, given an honorary knighthood by the Queen, had flown into Yorkshire from the G8 Summit in Germany where political leaders were yesterday accused of falling short on their financial commitments made to Africa at the corresponding event in Gleneagles two years ago.A fresh announcement on aid for Africa was made as Geldof was speaking in Yorkshire. He later described it as a "total farce".Earlier the former Boomtown Rat told business leaders at Harrogate's Yorkshire Event Centre: "They'll make it look like a success."They will claim, no matter what, this was an amazing breakthrough. Don't hold your breath."But he said any plaudits Tony Blair would receive for the deal would be well placed.The Live Aid and Live 8 organiser said: "On this one he deserves it. This guy has fought like crazy 24 hours, all-nighters, to get them to be serious."His 40-minute speech, peppered with colourful language, was delivered without any notes or prompts.He said the most economically powerful nations had made a promise to those who had nothing."If they break it they have violated the most
sacred promise they can make. Why? Because it kills them (the people of Africa)."Geldof then returned to Germany in a private plane belonging to local business tycoon Paul Sykes.The G8 leaders yesterday agreed on a programme worth more than £30bn to combat the spread of HIV/Aids in Africa and also agreed there should continue to be an annual progress report on how far they are meeting their promises on Africa.But they stand accused of falling short on their Gleneagles pledges, with anti-poverty and aid groups claiming the target will be missed by £15bn.Geldof later told reporters at a press conference: "I don't want to see it (the 2005 Gleneagles G8 meeting) reiterated endlessly. I want them (the G8) to commit to it."This wasn't serious, this was a total farce."
If ever you needed a desire to step up and do something about Africa Bob gave you that desire and more - a truly awesome speech
Thanks
