- Current global developments and financial crisis is threatening achievements already made in reaching Millenniun Development Goals by set target date.
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro warned yesterday, saying world is currently at a critical juncture in global development also noting that current financial turmoil, combined with food crisis and climate change, threatens efforts to halve poverty and other social and economic ills by target date of 2015.
“We are facing a financial crisis of epic proportions. No one knows for certain, at this stage, how this will unfold,” Ms Migiro told ninth meeting of Regional Consultation Mechanism of UN agencies and organisations working in Africa, which is taking place in Addis Ababa.
“The impact of the present turmoil, compounded by the food shortages and the effects of climate change, could very well derail the prospects of attaining the MDGs across the board,” she added.
All of these challenges are interrelated, she said, pointing out that rising temperatures will threaten agricultural productivity and exacerbate food insecurity, and therefore deepen poverty.
“Both climate change and food security compel us to address people’s vulnerabilities. They are both integral parts of our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” Ms. Migiro told the meeting.
She stressed need to work together at global, regional and sub-regional levels, as one UN family to find common solutions to these challenges.
“The Organisation is only as relevant as it is able to deliver tangible results to people on the ground. If we fail to act in a more coherent manner, we will fail the very people who count on us to deliver on the promises we have made,” deputy Secretary-General also stated.
“When we act with unity of purpose, United Nations can better support the efforts of African countries,” she added. “We will go a long way in backing the African Union and NEPAD to realise its vision – from promoting peace, regional integration, and good governance, to accelerating development.”
In addition to representatives of UN agencies, gathering in the Ethiopian capital included officials from African Union (AU) Commission, regional economic commissions and the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) – the continent’s overarching framework for socio-economic sustainable development.
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