New York, 25 September 2014
This morning in New York, President Kagame attended the United Nations Millenium Development Goals advocates meeting. President Kagame called on increased action towards achieving the MDGs and building on the gains made to date:“Everyone can be an advocate for the Millennium Development Goals. There is always more to do and every voice counts.”
Rwanda has achieved several MDGs including the fastest rate of decline of child mortality and gender parity in education. With only 462 days to go until the deadline set for MDGs, President Kagame reminded those present that the MDGs are only the beginning as more needs to be done:
“The MDG are a floor, not a ceiling. Being on track does not mean that problem is solved, far from it. Even in the face of setbacks, which will always be there, it is useful to see them as opportunities to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery.”
President Kagame made the remarks during a high level event aimed at showcasing the progress in achieving MDGs across the globe. The event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly launched the MDG Advocates Leaders Report titled “Accelerating Action: Global Leaders on Challenges and Opportunities for MDG Achievement.” The report features a range of contributions from 37 leaders, including President Kagame, the Secretary-General, MDG Advocacy Group members, Heads of State and Government, UN leaders, experts and champions of the MDGs.
In their joint foreword to the report, President Kagame and Prime Minister Solberg emphasize the need the importance of continuing the momentum beyond the MDGs:
“All of us, whether in government, business, or civil society, have to keep pushing, not just to December 2015, but beyond. The MDG deadline, after all, is not the finish line of a race, and there will be neither medals nor rest.”