Millennium Development Goals Summit
7th July 2010
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown raises concerns highlighted in the recent UN report on the lack of progress on some MDGs and asks the Secretary of State for International Development what further lead he can give to make better progress?
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I know that my right hon. Friend is aware of the recent UN report on the lack of progress on some MDGs that cites unmet commitments, inadequate resources and a lack of focus and accountability. As he is so interested in this subject, what further lead can he give at the New York summit later this year so that we make better progress?
Mr Mitchell: I had the opportunity to speak at the UN last week, specifically on the importance of injecting real vigour and energy into trying to ensure that we have a proper road map for progress in the last five years of the MDGs. [ Interruption. ] They have produced a real opportunity to reduce poverty and hunger around the world, and I am certain that the extensive work that will be done in the run-up to September will be effective in achieving that. [ Interruption. ]