Caption: Prime Minister Bainimarama delivering statement at the MDG Special Event
MEDIA RELEASE
25 September 2013, New York: Fijian Prime Minister Josaia V. Bainimarama told world leaders that “Our efforts to tackle poverty as a priority must be infused with a spirit of genuine global partnership”.
The Prime Minister was again delivering a major statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on this occasion at the Special Event to follow up efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In a compelling statement, prepared for him by the 132 countries of the G77, the Prime Minister reiterated a strong call to Leaders to address the key implementation gaps of the MDGs in the lead-up to the post-2015 development agenda.
“Central to this renewed effort is the urgent need to leverage an enhanced and strong global partnership, building on MDG 8, to accelerate MDG implementation,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister emphasized it was important for leaders to reaffirm their resolve that the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda continue to be guided by the principles and values enshrined in the Millennium Declaration, the outcome document of Rio +20, and the outcomes of all major UN conferences and summits in the economic, social and environmental fields.
The Prime Minister’s statement highlighted the guiding principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and that the future development agenda must take into account the varying national circumstances and development priorities of developing countries.
The Prime Minister told world leaders that the Special Event presented a unique opportunity to call for real transformative changes to the way we address global development challenges, saying, “It is time to set the stage and usher in a new era in international development and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister stressed the need to continue to shape the world together through collective work to safeguard and accelerate the achievements of the MDGs. He concluded the statement with the words “Let us commit ourselves to build the better future we want”.