In 2000, 189 nations signed the UN Millennium Declaration, which led to the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to eradicate poverty, fight hunger and disease, promote gender equality and access to education, stimulate investments in basic infrastructure, and combat environmental degradation. These eight MDGs are to be achieved by 2015.
The European Union plays a significant role in efforts towards reaching these MDGs. If one had to include the bilateral aid given by its member states, the European Union would account for just over half the world’s Official Development Aid.
The 12 countries (including Malta), which joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 and which were previously recipients of development aid, have since committed to reducing global poverty and supporting poorer nations in pursuing the Millennium Development Goals. As new and emerging donors forming part of the European Union, they are committed to expanding their development cooperation and increasing the volume and the quality of the aid that they provide to developing countries.
The United Nationals Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission are seeking to build increased support for the achievement of the MDGs in the new Member States. This is being done through the organisation of a Parliamentary Debate on the MDGs and development cooperation in each of the twelve new Member States, including Malta.
SOS Malta, with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is organising the Malta Parliamentary Debate this Friday. The event is being financed by the European Commission and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event shall gather decision-makers, Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission and of UNDP, foreign ambassadors, non-governmental organisations, academia, as well as journalists and youth organisations, to discuss national, European and global development policies.
Participants will primarily discuss Malta’s contribution and role in building global partnership for development. The event will also provide a forum for discussion about the Malta’s Development Priorities as well as about citizen ownership of the Millennium Development Goals.