What's New

UNDP head applauds India’s job scheme for nurturing rural livelihoods — by nicole — last modified 16 March 2010: Last week, Helen Clark, Administrator of the UNDP and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, embarked on a five-day visit to India in hopes of continuing strong relations between the UNDP and the country. With stopovers in different districts in the state of Rajasthan, she observed the use of ICTs in enabling effective and prompt delivery of government services, and political reservation in empowering marginalised women.
MDGs: A year in review — by nicole — last modified 10 March 2010: It is the 10th year since the development of the MDGs, leaving only five years to achieve them. 2010 marks the year of reflection and assessment. Regional Director of the UNMC, Minar Pimple, speaks on where Asia Pacific stands and where it needs to focus its efforts in the remaining years.
Pimple speaks on Samoa and MDGs — by nicole — last modified 09 March 2010: Minar Pimple, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific on the UN Millennium Campaign, visited Samoa to discuss progress towards the MDGs. He emphasized the importance of pursuing different policies in different contexts, noting that countries need to focus on the MDGs that are most relevant to environment which will not be the same across the world.
Moving forward at last — by nicole — last modified 08 March 2010: After a long history of developmental stagnation, the village of Bardarpur Khadar has finally obtained the attention of Indian policymakers. With the help of civil society organizations campaigning for their basic rights, the people of Bardarpur Khadar have demanded and received a full-fledged government supported overhaul of basic needs provision including water, electricity and schooling facilities.
Financial crisis hinders MDG progress — by nicole — last modified 26 February 2010: Supplemented by interviews with key stakeholders, MediaGlobal reviews the recently released UN- Asian Development Bank report on MDG progress in Asia Pacific. Taking from the report’s conclusions and stakeholder insights, MediaGlobal presents a concerning picture of the crisis effects on Asia and the Pacific.
New UN report on MDG progress in crisis time — by nicole — last modified 23 February 2010: A new UN report looks at the state of Asia Pacific in terms of progress towards the MDGs. The report suggests that progress is slow and hence, there is a need for fiscal stimulus packages for the social sector. It argues that social sector spending is the quickest way to mitigating risk because of its ability to produce a ‘double dividend’.
Localized MDGs moves South Asia backwards — by nicole — last modified 18 February 2010: As shown through the example of Nepal, the South Asian Development Goals (SDGs), are far from using the MDG-related policies as a guide forward. Instead of monitoring programs targeted at MDGs in Nepal that have already been in place for a few years, the SDGs seem to be starting the whole process over.
UN advisor urges private sector towards MDGs — by nicole — last modified 20 February 2010: Recently chosen senior advisor to the United Nations Office for Partnerships, Babu Lal Jain, speaks about achieving MDGs, with specific mention to schooling, monitoring, and ICT.
UNDP at Pacific Conference — by satish.n — last modified 20 February 2010: Addressing the Pacific Conference on the Human face of the Global Economic Crisis on February 10, 2010 at Vanuatu, Helen Clark, Chair of the United Nations Development Group highlighted action so far and future plans in dealing with the impacts of the global financial crises on the Pacific countries. She called for strong leadership, unity and collaboration to build resilience and move on.
Nepal & Malawi: On track to achieve Child Mortality MDG — by nicole — last modified 20 February 2010: Nepal and Malawi sit in the two regions of the world with the highest number of newborn deaths – South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, both countries are on their way to reducing the deaths of those under the age of 5 by 2/3 by 2015, and each of them is using a strategy that fits their individual environment.
Nepal and Malawi: On Track to Achieve Child Mortality MDG — by nicole — last modified 20 February 2010: 26 Jan 2010 12:42:15 GMT Nepal and Malawi sit in the two regions of the world with the highest number of newborn deaths – South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, both countries are on their way to reducing the deaths of those under the age of 5 by 2/3 by 2015, and each of them is using a strategy that fits their individual environment.
Anti-poverty vision — by satish.n — last modified 25 January 2010: Outreach across borders and identity divides, collective effort towards sustaining democracy and a transformative agenda are required to strengthen the campaign against poverty, says Lysa John, Global Campaign Director of Global Call to Action against Poverty(GCAP).
Defending the right to dignity — by swati — last modified 25 January 2010: To experience involuntary hunger is utter mockery of the basic human right to live with dignity, says Joel Saracho, the National Coordinator of the Global Call against Poverty in Philippines. He calls upon the people to reclaim their rights to food, education and decent jobs by choosing a government that ends hunger and poverty.
HIV/AIDS: Stigma and discrimination in healthcare — by swati — last modified 03 December 2009: On World AIDS Day, S. Mohammad Afsar, ILO Technical Specialist (HIV/AIDS), South Asia, appeals to the medical community not to turn away from people living with HIV. Universal access to treatment will remain elusive until discrimination in healthcare settings reduces, he writes.
Four million die young in Asia-Pacific — by kushalsaini — last modified 30 November 2009: The region has nearly half of the world’s under-five children dying due to preventable causes such as malnutrition and infections after birth. Dr Sri Chander, World Vision’s health advisor, emphasizes that many children can be saved, given right funding and health interventions. The global campaign ‘Child Health Now’ is a step towards achieving the MDG 4.
Indian youth show the way for achieving the Millennium Development Goals — by kushalsaini — last modified 26 November 2009: A unique nation wide contest supported by the Millennium Campaign brought in innovative ideas by the Indian youth to achieve the MDGs, with many demanding a greater role in nation building. The winners were announced at a recent function held in New Delhi.
Women in India for climate justice — by swati — last modified 16 November 2009: A women’s tribunal on climate justice in the Indian capital aims to bring in gender equity in the climate debate. The public hearing by civil society members witnessed testimonies of survival and adaptation by women, who traveled from far flung parts of the country to voice their stories.
Public hearing highlights climate change impact on grassroots — by kushalsaini — last modified 06 November 2009: At a recent public hearing held in Jaipur, people from all over India came together to share their experiences and speak of how their lives and livelihoods, traditions and culture are being impacted by climate change. The public hearing was organized by Oxfam India in collaboration with CECOEDECON.
India needs to prioritize in order to feed its starving millions — by kushalsaini — last modified 04 November 2009: In order to feed its hungry people, India should remove the bottlenecks in its policy implementations and ensure that aid reaches the poorest of the poor in society. Speaking with BBC on the occasion of World Food day, Salil Shetty, Director, UN Millennium Campaign stressed on the need for the government to effectively prioritize and deliver aid.
India's Muslims demand inclusive growth — by kushalsaini — last modified 29 October 2009: At a meeting organised in Kashmir earlier this week, Muslims in India voiced their concerns and needs. The common consensus is that in order to achieve the millennium development goals, the government needs to create a platform for more inclusive growth.
36.1 million Filipinos call for end to poverty — by kushalsaini — last modified 26 October 2009: With an increase from 35.2 million citizens standing up and taking part in the global anti-poverty campaign in 2008, Philippines lead yet again with the largest number of people calling for action against poverty worldwide this year.
23 Million people 'Stand Up' against poverty in India — by swati — last modified 22 October 2009: In India 23 million people stood up and took action in the world's largest anti-poverty mobilization last week. The global campaign, organized by the UN Millennium Campaign, is a reminder to governments to eradicate poverty and achieve the MDGs.
Faith unites people against poverty — by manasi — last modified 23 October 2009: Praying for a better world, hundreds of people from different faiths came together yesterday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in the Indian capital to pledge against poverty. Supporting the Stand Up Take Action Campaign, they demanded transparency and accountability in governance.
Indian Parliamentarians support Stand Up 2009 — by manasi — last modified 16 October 2009: Expressing their solidarity for the Stand Up Against Poverty Campaign, Indian Parliamentarians have given a clarion call to address grave issues of infant and maternal mortality and human rights violations.
Yatra highlights plight of village schools in India — by manasi — last modified 15 October 2009: A Shiksha Adhikar Yatra was organised by National Confederation of Dalit Organisations in Uttar Pradesh. The volunteers visited several villages in Lalitpur district of the state to spread awareness on importance of education especially for the girl child.
Peace Boat to carry Millennium Campaign Logo — by manasi — last modified 14 October 2009: Japan-based international NGO Peace Boat's vessel will have the UN Millennium Campaign logo. As part of the programme, youth undertaking voyage will be trained to raise awareness on MDGs.
Stand Up to mobilize thousands in western India — by manasi — last modified 13 October 2009: Jaipur based NGO Centre for Community Economic Development Consultant Society is gearing up to ensure maximum mobilization during the Stand Up Campaign in Rajasthan. Civil society organizations have come together to take actions like human chain, concerts, tree plantation, SMS and signature campaign etc.
Convention calls for greater transparency in RTI — by manasi — last modified 12 October 2009: A national convention was organised by the Millennium Campaign along with partner NGOs in the Indian capital yesterday to assess the progress on Right to Information Act. Central Information Commission chief Wajahat Habibullah said that the pathbreaking tool is yet to realize its full potential.
Government accepts GCAP Pakistan's demands on education — by kushalsaini — last modified 01 October 2009: Pakistan’s newly drafted National Education Policy reflects the demands made by GCAP Pakistan in its recent campaign. The policy has earmarked 4% of GDP by 2010 in order to ensure that the right of every child to education is fulfilled.
G20 miss out on concrete actions, says Millennium Campaign — by manasi — last modified 30 September 2009: The G20 Summit in Pittsburgh while calling for tightened financial regulations, failed to commit strongly on aid assistance for the developing countries. The Millennium Campaign has expressed concern over the limited scope of actions by the rich nations to effectively address the crisis.
Countries must move beyond Copenhagen, says Oxfam — by manasi — last modified 25 September 2009: International charity Oxfam has called upon developed countries to put climate financing on the table. Ahead of the UN climate talks beginning in Bangkok next week, NGOs have planned a series of events like women’s rally and People’s Climate Court to spread awareness on the pressing development challenge.
Aid to poor countries will decline, warns Millennium Campaign — by manasi — last modified 24 September 2009: As per the figures released by the UN Millennium Campaign, poor countries will face a shortfall of $33 billion in aid delivery if the G20 fails to commit resources. The Campaign has urged world leaders meeting at Pittsburgh this week to prevent further indebtedness.
Workshop highlights media's role in climate reporting — by manasi — last modified 17 September 2009: On the sidelines of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, a workshop held in western India yesterday called upon the media fraternity to report on climate change with greater seriousness and urgency. Participants felt the need to generate public consensus in tackling emerging disasters.
Survival at stake for farmers in central India — by manasi — last modified 09 September 2009: Bundlekhand reeling under severe drought has witnessed mass exodus of people in the last five years. While the relief plans of the central and state governments remain on paper, destitution has forced debt-ridden farmers to sell all their belongings and move to cities to make ends meet.
Bangladesh can halve poverty by 2015: Minar Pimple — by manasi — last modified 01 September 2009: Poverty reduction by half is still very much in the realm of possibility in Bangladesh despite natural calamities and soaring food prices in the domestic market, says Asia Deputy Director of UN Millennium Campaign, Minar Pimple. He believes that right policies and accountability are key to achieving this crucial MDG target.
'Localise MDGs to benefit the poor' — by manasi — last modified 28 August 2009: The global campaign director for MDGs Salil Shetty believes India's ambitious unique identification project can help track delivery of basic entitlements and services to the poor. Technology can fight corruption and its leakages if linked to the right to information, says Shetty.
Australia and New Zealand to cooperate on MDGs — by manasi — last modified 28 August 2009: Australia and New Zealand have entered into a new agreement to assist Pacific island countries more effectively in achieving broad-based economic growth. The partnership also seeks to build sustainable livelihoods, enhance governance and accelerate progress towards the achievement of the MDGs.
GCAP Pakistan to organize Week of Action on Education — by manasi — last modified 24 August 2009: Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) Coalition in Pakistan will organize a Week of Action on Education commencing on September 8. Marking the International Literacy Day, the event will mobilize elected representatives, civil society groups and media to raise key issues concerning education in Pakistan.
India's denotified tribes demand a life of dignity — by manasi — last modified 21 August 2009: Living in precarious conditions, India’s denotified and nomadic tribes are subject to maltreatment and abuse by all and sundry. Highlighting their inhuman existence, a convention held in the national capital brought together many of these floating communities to demand basic rights of food and shelter from the government.
'Battle to make education more inclusive will go on' — by manasi — last modified 17 August 2009: Indian Parliament recently passed the Right to Education Bill, which promises to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the country. OneWorld South Asia spoke to Dr Vinod Raina, a noted educationist and social activist, and sought his views on the various facets of this newly enacted law.
Monitoring gender equality in Philippines — by manasi — last modified 30 July 2009: Accountability in governance is the central concern of a recent UNIFEM report on the Philippines. It argues that to bring about gender equality the government ought to be answerable for all its actions and responsible enough to take corrective measures whenever it fails to fulfill its commitment.
Repackaging unmet promises — by manasi — last modified 24 July 2009: Boosting food security by increased investment in agriculture, more aid to Africa and setting emission targets were among many of the commitments made at the L'Aquila summit. But did the G8 merely repackage old promises? Salil Shetty makes a critical assessment from Italy.
'It's time to translate promises into action' — by manasi — last modified 10 July 2009: India’s tardy progress on MDGs in comparison to other Asian countries reveals that there has been no marked gain in terms of the quality of life for the average citizen. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament raises an alarm for the government to deliver on these inter-linked goal areas.
MDGs face 'triple crisis' — by manasi — last modified 08 July 2009: Financial crisis, climate change and rising food prices are three key challenges affecting the progress on the MDGs, says a new UN report. Drawing attention to worsening poverty in the developing world, experts strongly recommend developed nations not to compromise with their aid commitments.
What invisible India wants from the budget — by manasi — last modified 07 July 2009: Development of local infrastructure including access to a fully functional school and health centre tops the list of demands put forth by the All India People’s Manifesto. Lysa John from Wada Na Todo Abhiyan flags some of the key expectations of citizens from India’s budget this year.
Inexplicable bailouts; explicable poverty — by manasi — last modified 26 June 2009: Over the past year the world has spent 18 trillion dollars to bail out financial institutions, while only two trillion dollars account for overseas development assistance given in the last 50 years. Through this striking revelation, the UN Millennium Campaign questions the priorities of governments claiming to reduce poverty.
Budgeting the needs of the marginalized — by manasi — last modified 24 June 2009: The perspective and choice of the ruling class encroach upon the human rights of the marginalised. Analysing allocations and plans for critical sectors in Bangladesh’s current budget, A.K.M. Masud Ali, Executive Director, INCIDIN, notes that ensuring access to resources still remains a major challenge.
An opportunity for change — by manasi — last modified 05 June 2009: The clear verdict in Indian elections is a clarion call for good governance and stability. The UN Millennium Campaign and Wada Na Todo Abhiyan believe that after years of fractured mandate, it is now an opportunity for the government to move ahead on MDGs and deliver on its promises.
Tackling chronic malnutrition in Nepal — by manasi — last modified 04 June 2009: A UNDP project in Nepal’s Jumla district is being implemented to provide better health services and reduce malnutrition. As part of efforts to localise MDGs, mothers are taught about proper nutritious diet for their babies and other essential steps to ensure children’s growth.
GCAP launches 'Press the G8' Campaign — by manasi — last modified 19 June 2009: As part of its anti-poverty mobilisation efforts ahead of the G8 summit in July, Global Call to Action against Poverty has launched a new interactive game. It allows activists to literally ‘press’ the G8 leaders and sign an online petition to express their support for the cause.
The foolproof Indian voter — by manasi — last modified 25 May 2009: By voting for development, Indian electorate has made clear that effective governance and not rhetoric delivers political dividends. Lysa John, national campaign coordinator of Wada Na Todo Abhiyan says it is now time for policymakers to link national issues and local priorities to perform credibly.
Battling hunger in Philippines — by manasi — last modified 20 May 2009: A TV documentary aired in Philippines shows appalling state of hunger in the country, with people stuffing anything in their stomach. Featuring Minar Pimple, Deputy Director Asia, UN Millennium Campaign, it sends out the message that economic growth does not necessarily translate into less hungry people.
Financial crisis has challenged the neo-liberal agenda: Minar's TV interview — by manasi — last modified 20 May 2009: G20 decisions reflect that business cannot go as usual and the world needs an alternative, says Minar Pimple, Deputy Director Asia, United Nations Millennium Campaign. In an interview to ATN Bangla, he talks about the need for countries to reorient their growth and investment to make development more equitable.
No pot of gold at the end of IMF rainbow — by manasi — last modified 05 May 2009: Following the G20 announcement of allocating more aid for MDGs, anti-poverty advocates are urging IMF to sell its gold stash to raise money for the developing nations. Coping with financial meltdown, the low income countries also want removal of harmful economic policy conditions on IMF loans.
'Political parties must be pressurised on their promises' — by manasi — last modified 29 April 2009: Highlighting initiatives like All India People's Manifesto programme, Amitabh Behar, Convener, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan emphasises the role of increased citizen participation in agenda setting. In an interview to Zee News, he questions the electoral promises made by various political parties.
'We can’t live in institutions of post world war' — by manasi — last modified 21 April 2009: Acknowledging the impact of financial crisis on the world’s poor, the recently concluded G20 summit pledged to commit more resources for MDGs. Minar Pimple, Deputy Director Asia, UN Millennium Campaign speaks to journalist Shriya Mohan about the need to monitor the utilisation of funds through inclusive global governance.
London summit pledges to boost global economy — by swati — last modified 16 April 2009: G20 leaders in London have pledged an additional trillion-dollar stimulus package to boost global economy. They have also reiterated their commitment to assist less developed countries to achieve their MDGs and assured of pursuing sustainable development to tackle climate change.
Civil society for a proactive Indian role in G20 — by manasi — last modified 02 April 2009: Civil society groups have urged Indian Prime Minister to lead efforts in reforming global governance and making G20 more inclusive. In a statement presented to the world leaders at the ongoing summit in London, they have called upon rich nations to help developing countries cope with the crisis.
UNICEF TV series raises awareness on MDGs — by manasi — last modified 27 April 2009: A TV serial launched by the UNICEF is educating women about their rights and engaging them in improving India’s MDG status. Running for almost a year, this entertainment-education series informs viewers about various health and developmental issues and influences positive behavioural change.
Indonesia signs declaration on aid effectiveness — by manasi — last modified 30 March 2009: To ensure more effective utilisation of international aid, the Indonesian government recently signed the Jakarta Commitment with 22 countries and multilateral donor agencies. Seeking a more equal partnership between the donor and recipient, the agreement aims to realise foreign funds and loans for national development.
'G 20 must bailout women’s hardships' — by swati — last modified 27 March 2009: Rosa Lizarde of GCAP's Feminist Taskforce wants women to be included in the dialogue and funding decisions of economic and financial summits - and not just the G20. At the upcoming meeting on April 2, she will highlight key policy demands on issues of women's justice, jobs and climate change.
Maternal mortality: A silent genocide — by swati — last modified 27 March 2009: On International Women’s Day, Annie Raja, General Secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women and a senior women’s movement leader in India, reflects on the status of the fifth Millennium Development Goal.
Live online chat on maternal health — by swati — last modified 20 March 2009: UN Millennium Campaign and Women’s eNews will raise awareness of the number one killer of young women in developing countries, despite promises by world leaders to take urgent action to end this crisis. Join experts from Africa and Asia on March 25th at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time to be part of the discussion.
'The crisis is an opportunity to assess the development paradigm' — by swati — last modified 27 April 2009: The G 20 summit at London will be a test between rhetoric and reality, says Minar Pimple, Deputy Director Asia, UN Millennium Campaign. In an interview with OneWorld South Asia, he shares actions being planned to mobilize people and make governments accountable.
'Make trade work for the poor' — by manasi — last modified 13 March 2009: Coping with credit crunch, rich nations are busy bailing out their domestic constituencies and have belied promises to reduce protectionism and assist the developing world. Eveline Herfkens, Advisor on MDGs to the UNDP, lays out an agenda for G20 leaders to make way for fair global trade governance.
Millennium Campaign celebrates Women's Day — by manasi — last modified 12 March 2009: Commemorating the International Women’s Day, the UN Millennium Campaign, Asia, co-organised a half-day event in Bangkok on gender implications of the economic crisis in Asia-Pacific.
Millennium Campaign co-hosts National Policy Review on achieving MDGs in Bangladesh — by manasi — last modified 20 April 2009: At a recent policy review consultation in Bangladesh, the UN Millennium Campaign urged participants to demand for MDGs as a fundamental right. The meeting called on lawmakers to act united in ensuring the speedy implementation of the development targets in local policies.
Add your voice online to the People's Manifesto — by manasi — last modified 04 March 2009: As India goes to polls on April 16, hectic political activity has begun to woo the electorates. Wada Na Todo Abhiyan’s All India People's Manifesto campaign has provided a unique platform for people to make their own agenda for governance. This country-wide initiative now goes online, urging people to voice their demands.
A R Rahman's music echoes the spirit of MDGs — by manasi — last modified 10 March 2009: Oscar winner A R Rahman has consistently supported the cause of MDGs. Salil Shetty, Director, UN Millennium Campaign feels that the music maestro’s latest international success will contribute in extending the campaign’s outreach to a larger audience and call upon the governments to fulfill their commitments.
Local manifestos from 100 constituencies released in New Delhi — by manasi — last modified 25 February 2009: Echoing popular sentiments on hits and misses of governance across the country, local manifestos from 100 parliamentary constituencies were released yesterday in the Indian capital. In a run up to the upcoming polls, the All India People’s Manifesto campaign aims to highlight unheard voices in the national agenda.
Create vulnerability fund for the poor, Millennium Campaign tells G-7 finance ministers — by swati — last modified 16 February 2009: The UN Millennium Campaign called on G-7 Finance Ministers that met last weekend in Rome to create a vulnerability fund for the poor, keep aid pledges and increase trade with poor countries. These actions are key to addressing global economic crisis, the Campaign warns.
'The economic crisis is a blessing in disguise' — by manasi — last modified 28 May 2009: The Millennium Development Goals are achievable irrespective of the ongoing economic crisis if countries are persistent in their pro poor policies, says Erna Witoelar, former UN Special Ambassador for MDGs in Asia Pacific. In an interview with OneWorld South Asia, she shares her views on ways to get the goals on track.
Portal to track progress on MDGs in Brazil — by manasi — last modified 05 February 2009: A new portal has been launched in Brazil that will help citizens monitor the MDGs status in over 5,000 municipalities of the country. Unveiled on the sidelines of the World Social Forum, the tool will enable people access relevant information about the anti-poverty goals and influence public policies.
'For achieving MDGs, the onus lies on national governments' — by manasi — last modified 16 January 2009: The world has resources to wipe out poverty and deprivation and there is no excuse for inaction. In a recent interview to BBC’s HARDtalk, Salil Shetty, Director, UN Millennium Campaign talks about some of the pressing challenges that impede the realisation of development targets by 2015.
GCAP calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza — by manasi — last modified 06 January 2009: Global Call to Action against Poverty, the world's largest anti-poverty alliance, has condemned the Israeli military offensive in Gaza and called for lifting all restrictions on the passage of people and goods. It also called for meaningful dialogue and negotiation to reach a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
'Rich and poor countries must stay engaged’ — by manasi — last modified 28 November 2008: Transparency, accountability and a pro-poor, gender-sensitive policy is key to end poverty asserts Salil Shetty, Director, United Nations Millennium Campaign. With Doha talks on development round the corner, he calls for defining clear timelines to eliminate trade restrictions and fulfilling aid promises.
Radio show on government accountability — by manasi — last modified 26 November 2008: Delhi based anti-poverty network Wada Na Todo Abhiyan has launched a radio series Haq Hamara Wada Tumhara, focusing on the policy promises of the Indian government. Co-produced by OneWorld South Asia, its rousing and energetic theme song reflects the true spirit of the campaign.
Millennium Campaign calls for $300 billion bailout of world's poor at global economic summit — by manasi — last modified 14 November 2008: Ahead of tomorrow's G-20 economic summit in Washington, the UN Millennium Campaign has called on the world leaders to commit a bailout package of $300 billion to the world's poorer nations. The demand seeks to help them cope with shocks of the global financial crisis and achieve the MDGs.
Indian parliamentarians speak out for MDGs — by manasi — last modified 10 November 2008: Members of the Parliamentarians’ Group on the MDGs recently released a handbook in the Indian capital which aims to sensitise and educate their co-members about the importance of millennium development goals.
'Dialogue and peaceful movement can ensure success' — by manasi — last modified 11 November 2008: After the process of liberalisation started in India in early 1990s, newer ways are being found everyday to take away resources from people’s hands, says Ekta Parishad leader Ramesh Sharma in an interview to OneWorld South Asia. It has become difficult to identify the enemy or weigh his prowess, he adds.
'Not to tolerate landlessness beyond 2012' — by manasi — last modified 10 November 2008: A country that lacks leaders who can engage with people to listen to their grievances and address them within a democratic framework is civilisationally bankrupt, says Ekta Parishad leader P.V. Rajagopal in an interview to OneWorld South Asia. Leading the landless to fight for their rights, he foresees a grand struggle ahead to keep the government on its toes.
Anti-poverty campaigners tell governments to 'bail out' poor — by swati — last modified 18 October 2008: Marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the anti-poverty network Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) urges governments in Asia to step up efforts to protect the poorest. Over 67 million people are expected to rally worldwide in mobilisations that begin today up to October 19.
Biggest global mobilisation to hold governments accountable — by manasi — last modified 14 October 2008: Citizens from both poor and rich countries will stand in solidarity from October 17-19. Over 1% of the world's population is expected to directly address their governments to fulfill promises to reduce poverty, disease and illiteracy by 2015. Last year over 43 million people were mobilised on October 17, 2007 to stand up for the MDGs.
The world debates on MDGs — by manasi — last modified 10 October 2008: On the sidelines of the recent UN High Level Event on MDGs in New York, leaders from global politics, business and civil society debated current critical challenges on major broadcaster BBC. More than money, participants felt the need of the hour is strong policy commitment and results that show.
'Public accountability on MDGs is growing' — by manasi — last modified 08 October 2008: Poor around the world remain powerless in wake of privatisation of basic services, corruption and inefficiency says Salil Shetty, Director, UN Millennium Campaign. He though asserts that the global movement in support of the MDGs is growing with people calling their governments to account for unfulfilled promises.
Financial crisis shouldn’t affect MDG commitment — by manasi — last modified 08 October 2008: Rich nations have been urged not to cut aid for MDGs in the midst of global financial meltdown. Minar Pimple, Deputy Director, UN Millennium Campaign, Asia and Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Deputy Director, UN Millennium Campaign, Africa feel that that despite such diffculties it is a question of political will to deliver on commitment towards poverty reduction targets.
UN High-Level Event commits $16 billion to MDGs — by manasi — last modified 08 January 2009: The international community has pledged $16 billion to combat poverty. New commitments were made at the recently held High-Level Event at UN headquarters in New York to fight hunger, diseases and other social discrepancies. UN Chief Ban Ki-moon described the call to action as remarkable while urging all to create global partnerships to accomplish more.
UN High-Level Event set to make MDGs a reality — by manasi — last modified 18 September 2008: Prime Ministers of India, Nepal, Pakistan President, and the Bangladesh Chief Advisor will be among the world leaders attending the UN High-Level Event on September 25 at New York. The event will engage world leaders in reaffirming government commitments on MDGs and civil society mobilisation is expected to take new actions to bridge the existing gaps.
MDGs need aggressive push, says UN Chief — by manasi — last modified 16 September 2008: The UN's Millennium Development Goals Report 2008 reveals that efforts to reduce extreme poverty are marred by rise in global food and fuel prices. It warns that the world would miss the 2015 deadline unless development assistance is stepped up.
Accra: Putting Paris into practice — by manasi — last modified 30 September 2008: To accelerate progress on MDGs, there is a need to improve both quality and quantity of aid. The Third High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness held from September 2-4 2008 at Accra, Ghana has called for building more accountable partnerships for development.
The developing world is poorer than we thought — by swati — last modified 08 September 2008: Income poverty is only one aspect of poverty, and other poverty estimates, based on under-nutrition, infant mortality, access to health services, and other indicators, can continue to inform us even in the absence of usable figures concerning global income poverty.
Global Trade Talks deadlocked: Missed opportunity or blessing in disguise? — by admin — last modified 03 September 2008: The failure of the latest round of talks illustrated a clear lack of political will on the part of rich countries to prioritise development. Yet despite the impasse, there is a recognition that the success of the Doha round based strictly on what was on the table, would have taken poor countries even further away from the sustainable achievement of MDGs.
Not enough investment in MDGs — by manasi — last modified 08 September 2008: Expressing anguish over the tardy progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals, Salil Shetty, Director of the Millennium Campaign, feels that governments all over the world have not been judicious enough in allocating resources for development. Speaking to IPS, he says climate change and food crisis result from lack of investment in MDGs.
Stand Up’s numbers Speak Out loud — by manasi — last modified 08 September 2008: The Stand Up, Speak Out campaign by the Millennium Campaign and the Global Call to Action against Poverty, along with its partners have led to an incredible number of 43.7 million people – both physically and intentionally – standing up against poverty and in support of the Millennium Development Goals. The campaign’s success reveals a growing movement of people who want more urgent political responses to the growing crisis of global poverty.
MDGs: Mid-point alert for India — by manasi — last modified 09 September 2008: The mid-point to the 2015 deadline, 07.07.07, for meeting the Millennium Development Goals is just around the corner. NGOs worldwide are gearing up to press governments for faster action. In India, the UN Millennium Campaign and other civil society organizations are pushing the ruling UPA government to meet the MDG targets, reports OneWorld South Asia.