World Bank President Announces New ‘Problem-Solving’ Initiative to Help Countries

 

Narrow Progress Gap, Achieve Tangible Results on Millennium Development Goals

 

NEW YORK, 8 November (United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination) — On 8 November, the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) warmly welcomed the proposal put forward by Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, to review the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the Board’s twice-yearly sessions.

Dr. Kim, attending his first session of CEB, said:  “It is essential that we narrow the gap on progress toward the Millennium Development Goals between now and 2015.  This problem-solving, results-oriented approach adopted by the CEB today sends a powerful message to the international community about our collective determination to end poverty and build shared prosperity.  We must use our unique platform to help countries achieve tangible results.”

With only three years remaining until 2015, many countries are still lagging behind in meeting the goals and targets set forward by Member States in the Millennium Declaration.  United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated:  “As the 2015 deadline is fast approaching, we must be united and steadfast in our resolve to accelerate progress and achieve the MDGs — we must use the CEB as a powerful, problem-solving platform.”

Through current initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals Acceleration Framework (MAF), the United Nations system is identifying bottlenecks that prevent progress on the Goals, and is articulating priority actions needed to achieve the Goals and targets.  The Acceleration Framework is being applied in more than 40 countries.

Helen Clark, Chair of the United Nations Development Group, welcomed the proposal.  She said:  “I look forward to working with the Secretary-General, and other CEB Principals, including President Kim, to accelerate progress towards achieving the MDGs.  Through initiatives like the MAF, the UN Development Group has much to contribute to identifying and supporting country-based solutions designed to achieve the MDGs.”

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For information media • not an official record