Sticking To The Millennium Development Goals

Sticking to the Millennium Development Goals

12 June 2009

Federal Member for Fraser, Bob McMullan MP, today highlighted the Australian Government's commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their focus for international efforts to reduce global poverty by 2015.

In a display of support for the MDGs, Mr McMullan launched eight icons of the Goals posted along 20 metres of windows outside AusAID House in London Circuit, Canberra.

"With the global economic recession forcing more people in developing countries into poverty, Australia is even more determined to stick to its commitment to the achieving the United Nations MDGs," Mr McMullan said.

The goals include:
* halving extreme hunger and poverty;
* getting all children into school;
* making women more equal;
* reducing child mortality;
* improving maternal health;
* combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;
* protecting the environment; and
* working in partnership to make poverty history.

"We have now reached a critical stage with the global economic recession threatening progress towards MDG targets," Mr McMullan said.

"Developing countries in our region need help more than ever. These icons will remind passers-by of the daily efforts being made by Australia's aid program to make life better for those living in relentless and grinding poverty not of their making," Mr McMullan said.

In the 2009-10 Budget, the Government underlined its ongoing commitment to increase Australia's Official Development Assistance to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2015-16.

Media contacts: Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205
AusAID Media 0417 680 590

Photo: www.ausaid.gov.au/media/images/lao_students.jpg

Caption: Laos children at a school where AusAID funds training for teachers.

Photographer: Jim Holmes

Media releases and speeches are available on AusAID's website www.ausaid.gov.au


SOURCE: AusAID