Combining the three big campaigns with regards the future of Africa, Bono and Bob Geldof have launched a new initiative called DATA - Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa.
Talking about the new scheme to Hollywood Reporter Bono said: "They are three of the most pressing issues facing Africa. It's not just, let's help the poor people. At the heart of this is, do we really believe in equality and equal opportunity?"
While agreeing the world is right to be concerned about "what is going on in the Middle East and the swell of terrorism," he stresses that by furthering AIDS prevention work in Africa, "I think we can actually stymie the malaise of anti-American, anti-Western hatred if we actually get out and show what it is we are capable of."
The interview preceded the presentation of an Person of the Year award to Bono by the US National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences on Friday.
Talking about the award he said: "I turned it down last year just out of embarrassment. This year, I was told you just can't do that. MusiCares is an amazing thing, and you just have to roll with that. I just hope for the people who come that it's not a cringe-making affair. It seems like the sort of occasion that you should be dead to be there. It would be better if you were a ghost. I'm glad I'm not, by the way. That's one rock-star cliche too far."