DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS EFFORTS AT LOCAL LEVEL CRITICAL TO ACHIEVING

DEVELOPMENT GOALS, TO PREVENTING CITIES, REGIONS FROM BACKWARDS SLIDE

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro’s statement to the side event on “Local Governments’ Contribution to the Millennium Development Goals” in New York, today, 24 September:

It is with great pleasure that I address this event today on the very relevant theme of the contribution of local governments to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

First, let me congratulate the Government of Italy, the City of Milan and Expo Milano 2015, as well as the United Nations Millennium Campaign and its partners on this initiative to raise awareness of the potential of local governments in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

The MDGs provide us with a time-bound framework for gauging our progress in achieving our collective vision.  They serve as a constant reference point for development organizations and Governments alike.

Yes, many countries have made significant progress.  But we must be warned that aggregate figures can conceal local disparities.  Without efforts that extend all the way to the local level –- villages, districts, cities and regions can slip backwards. 

Let us remind ourselves that the essence of our work is firmly rooted in local communities.  This is where we strive to improve the lives of men, women and children whose basic needs are not met. 

Local governments are critical because of their proximity to the very people who are the beneficiaries of the MDGs.  Indeed, local authorities have a major role to play in the determination of the specificities of means of livelihood, in the running of primary health and educational facilities, and the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation.

Yet many of these key actors, particularly in the developing world, are still grappling with a number of challenges.  We must help them overcome their limitations and enhance their capacity to perform their strategic role effectively.

The United Nations family supports local governments to develop inclusive decision-making processes, and empower individuals and communities -- especially those who are traditionally marginalized.

For a number of years now, the United Nations has helped Governments to “localize” the MDGs.  Initially, this meant adapting the global MDG targets to the national level, to better reflect existing national contexts and ownership.

In recent years, the emphasis has shifted to translating such “national” MDG targets into subnational or local targets and on supporting local efforts to achieve them. 

Most activities and projects carried out by various United Nations agencies address the needs of local authorities through capacity-building, urban policy reform, situation analysis and monitoring, as well as concrete housing and slum upgrading programmes.

We also need to address political and fiscal decentralization, as a means for empowering local authorities to be more efficient in implementing the MDGs. 

I pay tribute to partnerships among local governments that have proven invaluable in promoting reforms and capacity-building to beneficiary countries.

I also recognize the remarkable developments that are taking place within the local government movements.  These are helping to consolidate networking among themselves and to create umbrella institutions which allow them to speak with one voice.

I am pleased to note that an increasing number of United Nations agencies and programmes are strengthening their support to elected representatives and authorities at the local level.  And through their umbrella organizations -- including United Cities and Local Governments and its partners -- at the local, national and international levels.

Let me say that international commitment is essential to garner both the required financial and technical support.  But the role of local actors is critical.

Today provides an excellent opportunity to emphasize the relevance of local governance in achieving the MDGs.

Together -- with momentum created by the MDG High-Level Event convened by the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly -- we can deliver more effectively on our promises.

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For information media • not an official record