Mercy Global Concern - 2003
Global Civil Society Champion Dr. Kenneth Kaunda
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda led Zambia ti independence and served as he
First President of the Republic of Zambia from 1964-1991. He is
currently the Balfour fellow in Residence at Boston University's
African Presidential Archives and Research Centre. At the invitation
of the UN, Dr. Karunda launched a discussion about how the role
of Heads of State in implementing the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) at a meeting at the United Nations, New York, on March 27th,
2003.
He made the following observations:
People are the principle stakeholders of the United Nations, and
they generally hold the UN in very high esteem. It is seen as the
embodiment of their aspirations for a peaceful, fair, and prosperous
world. It is in that spirit that Heads of State adopted the eight
Millennium Development Goals.
The MDGs represent a reaffirmation of belief in the principles
and purposes of the United Nations. They recognize the oneness of
humanity and the need to confront that beset humankind collectively
in an integrated manner. We live in a global village and must strive
to eradicate poverty. This is a necessary condition for placing
our countries on path of sustainable growth and development, and
to stop the marginalization of our countries in the globalization
process. The MDGs are a way of managing globalization so that all
people, everywhere benefit.
The role of Heads of State in implementing the MDGs is crucial
if we are to succeed in this endeavor. They have a moral obligation
and duty to ensure that their own governments enact legislation
that is not at variance with the freedoms and liberties that are
enshrined in their Constitutions or the UN declaration of Human
Rights. They need to ensure that those charged with the responsibility
of implementation and coordination with society do so unimpeded.
He called upon Government leaders to stay focused on implementing
the MDGs, to support civil society in their public awareness campaigns
about people's rights and United Nations Programmes and stressed
that partnership between government and civil society was of vital
importance if we are to win the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For a full Summary of the meeting click mdgcampaign-subscribe@yahoogroops.com
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