21 October 2008: Speaking at the ninth Regional Consultation
Mechanism (RCM) meeting of UN agencies and organizations working in Africa,
which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, UN Deputy Secretary-General
Asha-Rose Migiro warned that the global financial crisis, compounded by food
shortages and the effects of climate change, could “derail Africa’s prospects”
of attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

She underlined that all
the global challenges faced by Africa are intertwined and that efforts to
address climate change and food security are integral parts of achieving the
MDGs. Migiro called on all UN agencies and organizations working in Africa in
support of the African Union to work together and coherently at all levels to
seek common solutions to these challenges. [UN
Economic Commission for Africa Press Release] [UN Press Release]