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Panel Asks Whether World Can "Keep the Promise" of the MDGs
Five United Nations officials called for renewed urgency in alleviating poverty during a September 16 panel discussion at SIPA on the eve of a global summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
World leaders proclaimed the MDGs in 2000 with eight specific targets for reducing poverty, hunger and other forms of deprivation by 2015. Panelists noted that progress has been uneven, and the global economic crisis has sapped support for international development. Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary General for Policy Coordination and Strategic Planning, noted that this is the "worst possible time to try to raise money for poor people."
Nevertheless, panelists argued that the MDGs are within reach and called for a sprint to the finish.
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"The MDGs are achievable and a lot has been done, so this is not the moment to weaken the effort," said Rebeca Grynspan, Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Several panelists surveyed the progress to date. Jomo Sundaram, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development, noted that extreme poverty has decreased, but this is largely due to economic development in one country — China. Poverty has increased in Africa, and hunger has increased worldwide over the last 20 years, Sundaram said.
There has been more progress in increasing primary school enrollment, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The gender gap in school attendance has decreased, Sundaram said. Treatment for HIV and AIDS increased tenfold from 2003 to 2008, and child mortality rates have decreased.
However, enormous challenges remain. Neglected tropical diseases continue unabated, inadequate sanitation continues to cause many health problems, and hundreds of thousands of women continue to die in childbirth. The rapid urbanization of many countries is creating massive slums, which the MDGs have not adequately addressed, Sundaram said.
Despite the difficulties of implementing the MDGs, panelists argued that they have been a valuable tool.
"The MDGs allowed civil society to mobilize around them," said Kandeh K. Yumkella, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Ongoing development work must apply the lessons of China and India's economic growth, Yumkella said. In particular, developing countries must industrialize their economies through policies that ensure universal access to energy, he said.
Nafis Sadik, Special Advisor of the Secretary General on HIV/AIDS and former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, argued that the development agenda must include promoting women's and girls' rights.
Sadik noted the creation this year of a new agency, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women.
"The new entity will need a remit that covers the entire spectrum of the UN operation," she said.
The panel was moderated by Professor Elisabeth Lindenmayer, Director of SIPA's United Nations Studies Program.
Tim Shenk, 09/20/2010