Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday urged scaled-up action – including raising agricultural productivity across Africa – so that the continent can meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the target date of 2015.
This year could be the year of opportunity for the ‘Bottom Billion,’ Mr. Ban told reporters after chairing the second meeting of the so-called MDG Africa Steering Group in New York.
– Tremendous gains are possible if the international community translates commitment to deliverables, he said.
He pointed to examples of achievements made, such as Malawi’s lowering of child mortality rates, Senegal’s accomplishments in enhancing its water and sanitation facilities and Tanzania’s improvements in primary education.
– The challenge is now to replicate these successes in more countries, he observed.
GRØN REVOLUTION SKAL IGANG
Monday’s meeting identified several key programmes that need to be implemented by African nations, with assistance from the international community, in the near future.
That includes launching an African “Green Revolution” to speed up economic growth and tackle hunger; controlling infectious diseases by providing comprehensive AIDS treatment by 2010 and bringing malaria mortality rates close to zero by 2012; and ensuring emergency obstetric care for all women by 2015.
The Secretary-General noted that there are several pressing challenges, especially that of rising food prices. It is essential to raise the productivity of farmers while also mobilizing resources to combat malnutrition and hunger, he said, adding that $500 million is required to meet the most urgent needs.
HÅBER PÅ HANDLING FRA VERDENS LEDERE
He voiced hope that the Group’s recommendations would spur action on the part of world leaders and encourage them to focus on specific steps that need to be agreed upon to reach development targets.
– We see a lot of leadership from African governments on these issues, and we are committed to working with them to support the design and implementation of country-led strategies and programmes, he said.
Mr. Ban noted that on 25 September, he and the General Assembly President will convene a high-level meeting on the MDGs bringing together world leaders, civil society and the private sector. He voiced hope that this upcoming gathering will make a real difference in bridging the implementation gap.
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