------ Forwarded Message
From: Alison Gemgnani <AGem...@unfoundation.org>
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:27:15 -0400
Subject: UN Millennium Campaign, North America MDGs Newsletter - June 22, 2010
North America Millennium Development Goals Newsletter
Covering Information from
Monday, June 14, 2010 ? Monday, June 21, 2010
The United Nations Millennium Campaign, North America has created a page on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Nations-Millennium-Campaign-North-America/127460757270059?ref=sgm> to serve as a forum for discussion on progress towards the MDGs in the United States and Canada. Keep up-to-date on information in the lead-up to the UN MDG Review Summit in September by ?liking? us and sharing information on what your organization is doing.
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Please forward this newsletter to your networks and listservs. With the UN MDG Review Summit quickly approaching, it is increasingly important to for our community to share information on the MDGs. Should you have content and/or events to highlight, please email Alison Gemgnani at agem...@unfoundation.org <mailto:agem...@unfoundation.org> .
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
?This is a moment for Canada to claim leadership in maternal and child health, and hold the G8 members accountable.?
? Rosemary McCarney, President & CEO, Plan International Canada
CANADA
G8 Countries Have Fallen $10B Short of Commitments <http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/countries+have+fallen+short+commitments+report/3181349/story.html> : Montreal Gazette, June 21 (MDG 8)
G8 countries released a "Muskoka Accountability Report" <http://g8.gc.ca/g8-summit/accountability/> , showing a shortfall of about $10 billion in previously pledged official aid to the world?s poor. The aid shortfall comes from an estimate by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that official development assistance from its 33-country Development Assistance Committee (DAC) would increase by $50 billion annually by 2010 from 2004 based on commitments made at the Gleneagles and UN Millennium summits. Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon gave the Canadian government an ?A? for meeting its Gleneagles pledge to double international assistance to $5 billion and double aid to Africa to $2.16 billion.
G20 Should be T20, Global Trustee <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/all-that-matters/G20-should-be-T20-global-trustee/articleshow/6069244.cms> : Times of India, June 20 (MDGs 3, 5, 7 & 8)
Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, and Abdou Diouf, Secretary-General of La Francophonie, argue that the first priority of the G20 is to represent the silent voice of those without that power. The G20 needs to see itself as the ?T20?, the trustees of the world?s interests; it cannot claim economic leadership unless it shows concern for those who are absent from its table. Sharma and Diouf lay out a three-point agenda focused on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and climate change, insisting ?to achieve the MDGs, women are pivotal. Prime Minister Harper has rightly put this issue at the heart of Canada?s G8 work, and the G20 can follow suit.?
What Canada Needs to Do at G20: Deliver for Moms, Babies <http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/825931--what-canada-needs-to-do-at-g20-deliver-for-moms-babies> : The Star, June 18 (MDGs 4 & 5)
Canada has promised $1 billion to save the lives of the world?s poorest mothers and their babies. Maternal and child health has become the signature issue of the G8 summit. Though the summit is just days away, the federal government hasn?t outlined its plans. Since last fall, Canada?s development agencies have been pressing Ottawa on what can be achieved. ?This is a moment for Canada to claim leadership in maternal and child health, and hold the G8 members accountable,? argued Rosemary McCarney, head of Plan International Canada.
Tories Put Climate Change on G8 Agenda After Pressure From World Leaders <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/dont-shirk-climate-talks-with-african-leaders-at-g8-group-urges-tories-96296923.html> : Canadian Press, June 14 (MDG 7)
After coming under pressure from world leaders and environmentalists, Canada has added climate change to the G8 agenda. A spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed that climate change will be on the table at both the G8 and G20 Summits. Leaders from the European Union, Mexico and the United Nations have been calling on Canada to put climate change on the agenda when it hosts summits in Huntsville and Toronto. A coalition of environmental groups noted that African leaders ? whose countries could be hard hit by climate change ? have been invited to the G8 as observers, so not discussing the issue would be a "slap in the face."
UNITED STATES
President Obama Tells G20 Nations to Seal Economic Recovery <http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hZfQzs9LGE44r0JXxA_NWJzg9exgD9GDT3PO0> : Associated Press, June 19 (MDG 8)
President Barack Obama is appealing to the world's major economies not to waver in their efforts to support a sustained rebound from the near collapse of the global economic system in the fall of 2008. "We must act together to strengthen the recovery?it is essential that we have a self-sustaining recovery that creates the good jobs that our people need," President Obama stated in his letter <http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/president_obama_letter_to_g-20_061610.pdf> to other leaders of the Group of 20 major industrial countries, written in advance of the upcoming summit meeting in Toronto.
US Names Eight Countries to Get Health Aid <http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65H5HC20100618> : Reuters, June 18 (MDGs 4, 5 & 6)
Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nepal and Rwanda will receive additional technical and management resources for programs in infectious diseases, maternal and child health, family planning and building health systems. "Global Health Initiative Plus countries will provide enhanced opportunities to build upon existing public health programs; improve program performance; and work in close collaboration with partner governments, across US government agencies, and with global partners," the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and US Agency for International Development (USAID) indicated in a joint statement.
Feed the Future? is Central to United State Foreign Policy: Clinton <http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article463182.ece> : The Hindu, June 16 (MDG 1, 7 & 8)
At the 2010 World Food Prize Laureate announcement ceremony at the State Department, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton indicated that the US? new food security policy ?Feed the Future <http://www.feedthefuture.gov/> ? is central to US foreign policy. ?We want to strengthen every link in the farming chain from improving the seeds that farmers plant in their fields to helping create thriving food markets, to promoting nutrient-rich crops so people get the nourishment that they need to thrive, especially mothers and children,? Secretary Clinton remarked.
UNITED NATIONS AND AROUND THE WORLD
UN Agency Adopts First Ever Global Labor Standard on HIV/AIDS <http://accra-mail.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17884:un-agency-adopts-first-ever-global-labour-standard-on-hivaids&catid=66:world&Itemid=215> : Accra Daily Mail, June 20 (MDG 6)
Governments, employers and workers meeting at the annual conference of the United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva adopted a new international standard on HIV/AIDS ? the first international human rights instrument to focus specifically on the pandemic as a workplace issue. Among its provisions, the new instrument stresses that measures to address HIV/AIDS in the workplace should be part of national development policies and programs. The ILO recommendation does not require ratification; however, it must be communicated to national parliaments for discussion of how it might be implemented through national policies and legislation.
Africa Must Toughen Trade Stance, Says UN Report <http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/18/africa-toughen-trade-stance> : The Guardian, June 18 (MDG 8)
According to the Economic Development in Africa Report 2010 <http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?intDocItemID=19753&docid=13329&intItemID=5491&lang=1&mode=press> issued by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), African governments must take a tougher stance in trade negotiations with emerging markets to ensure these new partnerships do not replicate the old low-value-added model of commodity exports. The report urges African countries to be more assertive when negotiating to get more balanced deals and secure the infrastructure funding as well as knowledge-sharing that can help them move toward producing a greater variety of goods and more sophisticated goods. "The main challenge facing African countries is how to harness and use these partnerships more effectively to further their long-term development goals,? the report indicates.
Civil Society Pushes for Action Ahead of MDG Review <http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51832> : IPS, June 15
Informal hearings took place among the UN General Assembly, civil society organizations and the private sector, in hopes of gaining many different perspectives for the September plenary meeting, which will review progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While the hearing took place, activists rallied outside the UN to demand faster progress on poverty reduction. Rally participants signed an open letter to UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon containing recommendations for enhancing the MDGs' effectiveness.
Food Prices to Rise by Up to 40% Over Next Decade, UN Report Warns <http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/15/food-prices-rise-un-report> : The Guardian, June 15 (MDGs 1, 7 & 8)
According to the annual joint report <http://www.agri-outlook.org/pages/0,2987,en_36774715_36775671_1_1_1_1_1,00.html> from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food prices are set to rise as much as 40% over the coming decade amid growing demand from emerging markets and for biofuel production. Although the report sees production increasing to meet demand, it warns that recent price spikes and the economic crisis have contributed to a rise in hunger and food insecurity. The report indicates that about one billion people are estimated to be undernourished.
Africa?s Toughest Challenge is About to Enter Over Time <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephan-b-tanda/africas-toughest-challeng_b_610825.html> : The Huffington Post, June 14
Businessman and activist, Stephan Tanda argues that while the World Cup showcases the economic, social and political developments Africa has achieved, it?s just as important to focus on the other event that will determine continued efforts to lift the continent out of poverty ? the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Review Summit <http://www.un-ngls.org/spip.php?page=mdg2010> . ?When world leaders and international aid agencies meet in September to discuss the prospects for attaining MDGs over the next five years, they need to turn up their game and start playing as a team,? Tanda writes, adding, ?With five years to go, we are entering into over time?there's still time to attain one of the biggest prizes of all.?
REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS
UN Identifies Strategies to Accelerate Development, Poverty Reduction <http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35058&Cr=mdgs&Cr1> : UN News Center, June 17
At UN Headquarters in New York, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark launched the report entitled What Will It Take To Achieve The Millennium Development Goals? An International Assessment <http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2010/june/le-pnud-propose-un-programme-daction-en-huit-points.en> . ?For those living in poverty, the MDGs have never been abstract or aspirational targets,? said Ms. Clark, adding ?they [MDGs] have offered a pathway to a better life...put simply, advancing the MDGs is an important milestone in our quest for a more just and peaceful world.? The report draws examples of development models that have worked from 50 countries across the world.
Jubilee USA Report Gives a ?D? Grade to G20 for Breaking Commitments to the World?s Poorest <http://www.jubileeusa.org/truth-about-debt/debt-related-issues/g-20.html> (MDG 8)
On the eve of the third G20 Summit since the global economic crisis began, Jubilee USA launched a new report entitled ?Making the Grade? The Group of G20?s Commitments to the World?s Poorest <http://www.jubileeusa.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Resources/G20/Jubilee_G20_Making_the_Grade.pdf> .? Overall, the report gave G20 leaders a ?D? grade based on findings that reveal little progress has been made since their last summit on development commitments. In fact, the G20 has delivered just $1.2 billion in new resources to the 2.7 billion residents of the 78 lowest-income countries ? approximately the same amount the Canadian government will be spending on security alone as host of the 2010 G8 and G20 summits.
Ownership in Practice: Let Countries Know What Donors Are Doing <http://www.oxfamamerica.org/files/information-let-countries-know-what-donors-are-doing.pdf> : Oxfam America (MDG 8)
Oxfam America argues that in trying to improve US foreign aid, we must listen to the people who know aid best - those who receive and deliver aid. They understand best how aid should work, how aid delivery affects outcomes, and how aid can motivate governments and communities to invest in their own development. The Ownership in Practice policy briefs reflect perspectives from the field on the kinds of reforms that would improve the usefulness of US foreign aid on the ground and insights from policymakers as to policy options that would put this vision into practice.
MDG COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
MassiveGood Campaign Joins the Race to Reach the Millennium Development Goals <http://www.massivegood.org/en_US/> (MDGs 4, 5 & 6)
To help tackle funding issues that have slowed the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the MassiveGood campaign was launched in the United States. The campaign allows people to make a micro-donation each time they buy a travel ticket. ?We?re targeting travel. People buying plane tickets and renting cars; those are people who are already paying 200 dollars or 400 euros. Tacking on an extra two dollars is nothing to them. That extra two bucks?might be saving a life,? argued Jienna Foster, Communications Director. The campaign is focusing on the health related MDGs.
Join the Conversation: Making the Millennium Development Goals Happen <http://mdg.devex.com/> : UN Foundation and Devex
The United Nations Foundation <http://www.unfoundation.org> and Devex <http://www.devex.com/> teamed up to launch a global dialogue on ?Making the Millennium Development Goals Happen.? The first discussion focuses on MDG1: Eradicating Hunger and Extreme Poverty. The forum is intended to serve as a resource for development professionals around the world to discuss, debate, and celebrate progress to date on the MDGs, and to facilitate recommendations for the achievement of the Goals over the next five years. Development professionals are encouraged to join the MDG-related discussion.
REMINDERS
Day1 National Radio Begins "Faith & Global Hunger" Series <http://day1.org/1938-faith_and_world_hunger_series> (MDG 1)
The "Day 1" national radio program hosted by Peter Wallace is airing a special four-part series examining global hunger through a Christian social justice perspective, in order to spark increased awareness and support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) among people of faith. The first two series aired on June 13th (Hodding Carter III) and 20th (Rev. Dr. Barbara Lundblad) and the following series will air June 27th (David Beckmann) and July 4th (Right Rev Michael Curry).
UNDP/Olympus/AFP Foundation Photo Contest: ?Picture This: We Can End Poverty? <http://picturethis.undp.org/> : Deadline ? July 16
LinkTV Online Film Contest for MDG Stories <http://www.linktv.org/ViewChangeFilmContest?hm> : Deadline ? August 31
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 21 ? 23: World Religions Summit <http://www.faithchallengeg8.com> , Winnipeg, Canada
June 24 ? 25: UN Global Compact Leaders Summit <http://www.unglobalcompact.org/newsandevents/2010_Leaders_Summit/index.html> , New York, New York
June 25 ? 26: G8 Summit <http://g8.gc.ca/home/> , Muskoka, Canada
June 26 ? 27: G20 Summit <http://g20.gc.ca/home/> , Toronto, Canada
On the Horizon
August 4 ? 6: 7th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations <http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/ya_home.htm> , New York
August 23 ? 27: World Youth Conference Mexico 2010 <http://www.youth2010.org/site/> , León Guanajuato, Mexico
August 30 ? September 1: 63rd Annual United Nations DPI/NGO Conference <http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/index.asp> , Melbourne, Australia
September 17 ? 19: Stand Up, Take Action: Make a Noise for the MDGs <http://standagainstpoverty.org/> , Worldwide
September 20 ? 22: United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit <http://www.un-ngls.org/spip.php?page=mdg2010> , New York, New York
November 11 ? 12: G20 Summit <http://www.g20.org/> , Seoul, South Korea
 
The 8 Millennium Development Goals
www.endpoverty2015.org <http://www.endpoverty2015.org> and www.standagainstpoverty.org <http://www.standagainstpoverty.org>
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Alison Gemgnani
Editorial and Advocacy Consultant
United Nations Millennium Campaign
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www.endpoverty2015.org <http://www.endpoverty2015.org/>
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