..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date 1 October 2004
Press Release No: G/21/2004

CONCERN ON MEETING TARGETS ON HUNGER AND OTHER GOALS

ADB joins UNESCAP, to help region speak with one voice on MDGs

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- Supporting the Achievement of the MDGs in Asia and the Pacific (Phase II) - the second regional MDG report is scheduled for launching in September 2005 with the theme “institutional change as a requirement for achieving the MDGs.” The report will be designed to “speak with one Asia Pacific voice” at the meeting where many world leaders will review progress of implementing the MDGs.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also announced that it will join the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct the major regional UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) study.

“While some countries have achieved remarkable reductions in poverty levels, the decline has not been linear. In fact, several countries have increasing poverty levels during certain periods. Hence, sustainability of poverty reduction remains a challenge,” said Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UNESCAP Executive Secretary, at the Advisory Panel Meeting in Bangkok (Sept. 28-29th).

While some countries may have achieved the MDG poverty reduction targets, meeting the targets on hunger and other goals remains a continuing concern.

“All factors suggest that as the United Nations prepares for the five-year review of the implementation of the Millennium Declaration, a major breakthrough is needed if the 2015 MDG targets are to be met,” added Mr. Kim.

Distinguished members of civil society and academia from 11 countries in the region, including Central Asian Republics and Pacific Island Countries and a 12-member Panel to advise on the content of the second regional MDG report, attended the meeting.

The Meeting was inaugurated by Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, UNESCAP; Mr. Hafiz Pasha, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific; and Mr. Brahm Prakash, Director, Poverty Reduction and Social Development Division, Asian Development Bank. Ms. Erma Witoelar, currently the first United Nations Special Ambassador for the MDGs for Asia and the Pacific is a member of the Panel.

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