10/6/2005
September's Summit Could Be Tougher Than That Of 2000

The September Summit of world leaders at the United Nations in New York will have a much tougher time than in 2000, said UN General-Secretary, Kofi Annan, this week. The Summit will review progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs) set five years ago and planned for achievement by 2015, as well as considering reform of the UN itself. Instead of just setting targets, this time leaders must decide on concrete steps to achieve them. They must decide on a plan to reach the Millennium Development Goals, said Mr Annan. Even more world leaders are expected to attend than in 2000, according to the UN.

Mr Annan said he welcomed the European Union's decision to reach the recommended Development Aid target of 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income by 2015. He also welcomed the decision to spend 50 per cent of such aid on Africa, boosting efforts to reach the MDGs by the deadline year. He also said he was was strongly encouraged by the commitment of the EU and other donors to agree on debt relief, improving the effectiveness of aid and the Doha trade negotiations.

"I look to all donors to follow their example and I look to developing countries to do their part - to adopt and implement with the support of
donors, national MDG strategies as a key step to accelerating progress,"
Mr. Annan said.