Global Action Needed To Tackle Daunting Challenges

Global Response Needed To Tackle ‘Daunting’ Development Challenges, Migiro Says

New York, Oct 14 2008 4:10PM

Concerted international action is crucial in addressing development challenges, whose scope has intensified in recent months due to climate change, soaring food and energy prices and the global financial turmoil, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said today.

“The immediate future is uncertain,” Ms. Migiro told the General Assembly’s fifth committee, which deals with budgetary matters.

She noted that progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline, will be thwarted.

“Globally concerted efforts are needed to redress this and to avoid more problems down the road. The interests of all countries can be articulated by the United Nations.”

Strong leadership, backed by strong partnerships and political will, are also essential ingredients in meeting “daunting” development obstacles, the Deputy Secretary-General said.

“Dedicated attention will have to be given to climate change, innovative financing, international migration and development, violence against women and indigenous issues,” she added.

With there being a “serious mismatch” between the UN’s development responsibilities and available resources, Ms. Migiro underscored that the world body’s Secretariat needs “adequate capacity” to carry out its new functions in the face of ever greater challenges.

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