On the occasion of the 34th Lions Day with the UN, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message focused on progress achieved on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), saluting the dedication of the Lions Clubs International in meeting pressing development needs.
16 March 2012: On the occasion of the 34th Lions Day with the UN, Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning Robert Orr delivered a message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, focusing on progress achieved on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In the message, Ban stressed that progress has been achieved on several fronts, highlighting that the international community has met the targets of halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and people without access to safe drinking water. He said this progress shows that the MDGs can be reached. He noted however that massive disparities between and within regions and countries remain. Saluting the generosity and dedication of the Lions Clubs International in meeting pressing development needs, he urged them to strengthen their partnership with the UN, noting that the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future. [UN Secretary-General’s Message]