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New York: United Arab Emirates has voiced concern over the likelihood of a delay in achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
In a statement made by Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Head of UAE Delegation at the General Assembly, she called upon developed countries to meet their financial liabilities towards developing nations during the discussion titled 'Thematic Debate on the Millennium Development Goals.'
Debating on the topic 'Recognising the Achievements, Addressing the Challenges and Getting on Track to achieve Millenium Development Goals by 2015,' the minister said that the UAE contributes 3.6 per cent of its GNP for development assistance to developing countries.
"This is in addition to a number of special initiatives taken by the country to provide the necessary financing for specific development programmes, the latest of which is the 'Dubai Cares' campaign launched in 2007 to provide basic education for one million children in developing countries, especially in Africa," Dr Maitha noted.
In her statement Dr Maitha also spoke of the country's firm commitment to the eradication of poverty, in order to ensure stability.
Partnership
"The UAE is of the firm conviction that eradication of poverty and hunger is a major step towards the reinforcement of peace and the maintenance of security in the world.
"We recognise without any doubt that succeeding in overcoming these challenges requires a strong global partnership in which the developed and developing countries assume their responsibilities which were agreed on in the Millennium Declaration and other conferences and forums on development, in particular the Monterey Consensus," she said.
The minister encouraged developed countries to help less privileged nations by cancelling or alleviating their debt to give them the opportunity to participate in the global market.
"In this regard, we urge the developed countries to fulfil their commitments to achieve the 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income for Official Development Assistance to developing countries, and alleviate or cancel their debts.
"We stress the importance of allowing the developing countries opportunities of participating in the global market in a just and equitable manner," she said.
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