29 June 2010
ECOSOC High-level Segment Opens
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28 June 2010: The High-level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) opened at UN Headquarters in New York, US, on 28 June 2010.

In an opening speech, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined that “the financial, food and climate crises have set back efforts towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and threaten future […]

28 June 2010: The High-level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) opened at UN Headquarters in New York, US, on 28 June 2010.

In an opening speech, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined that “the financial, food and climate crises have set back efforts towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and threaten future progress.” He added, however, that “there is reason for optimism,” noting that the 2010 MDGs Report shows significant progress in some countries. Emphasizing that climate change remains a threat to sustainability, he warned that several Goals are likely to be missed, especially in least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked countries, and small island developing States (SIDS).

Ban stressed the need for the benefits of economic and social development to reach everyone and called on governments to “agree on a concrete action plan that provides a clear roadmap to meet our promise by 2015.” Addressing the issue of gender, he underscored the need to include women at all levels of political decision making, highlighting their essential role in improving food security, building resilience to climate change and eradicating poverty. The High-level Segment will conclude on 2 July. [ECOSOC High Level Segment Website] [Ban’s Speech]

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