Rushanara Ali MP receives 'Devex 40 under 40 Award'

Bangladeshi born British MP Rushanara Ali on Monday received prestigious 'Devex 40 under 40 Award' for her contributions in the realm of international policy development.
As shadow parliamentary undersecretary of state for international development, Ali is Labour's spokeswoman on aid issues relating to Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, international finance and trade wealth creation, the private sector, and conflict and stabilization.
'Our focus must not only be on tackling poverty but also global inequality within and between countries,' said Rushanara when asked about her thoughts on International Development following the award giving ceremony.
Pointing to a gap between rhetoric and pledges made by governments on aid effectiveness and transparency, Rushanara said she and her Labour Party have been pushing the Conservative led government to pursue a new kind of relationship where donor and recipient countries are genuine partners.
Asked about her vision for UK's engagement with Muslim world, she emphasized on rebuilding trust and partnership. Noting the Arab Uprising a vital opportunity for the West to bridge the gap, she said Britain needs to play a more vital role in the Palestine-Israel conflict, which is a major source of discontent in the Muslim world.
Referring to her recent tour of Bangladesh, where 20million people are in direct threat of becoming refugees due to adverse effect of climate change by 2040, the British MP urged increased international cooperation to reduce carbon emission.