Jun 15 2011

United Nations- Summer at the MDG Office

Published by at 2:59 pm under Global Health

I have been given the extraordinary opportunity to be extern at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Campaign to End Poverty 2015. The Millennium Campaign Development office is part of the UNDP and their global mission is to inspire people to take action and end poverty.
As the turn of 21st Century, nations around the world came together and decided it was time to end poverty. Poverty is the root of all evils in this world because it causes instability within the political realm and threatens security around the world. Nations around the world made a pact in 2000 that eradicating extreme poverty would be the end result. The three actors in this pact of promising to end poverty were: underdeveloped countries, developing countries, and the United Nations.
The commitment lies in those who make a promise. In 2000, 189 world leaders signed the Millennium Declaration and promised to meet the Millennium Development Goals in order to end extreme world poverty. For the first time, the millennial generation with the knowledge, technology, and resources paved the way to eradicate poverty across the globe.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) originated from the Millennium Declaration produced by the United Nations. The Declaration asserts that every individual has the right to dignity, freedom, equality, a basic standard of living that includes freedom from hunger and violence, and encourages tolerance and solidarity. The MDGs have tracked the progress of poverty reduction in these areas in order to achieve the goals by 2015.
There are eight MDGs targeted at improving the lives of the world’s poorest individuals. The MDG’s are the following: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women; reducing child mortality; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development. All of the goals are mutually dependant; therefore, if there is success in one goal it shadows success in all the goals. The MDGs were formulated to increase an individual’s human capabilities and “advance the means to a productive life”. The MDGs are written broadly because it allows for individual countries to tailor their policies to meet their specific goals

As an extern, I provide support in policy research and analysis focusing on Japan MDG review summit, the Integrated Implementation Framework (IIF), and the South Korea Aid Effectiveness meeting. In addition, I participate in other UN Meetings dealing with the MDGs and prepare synthesis reports on the commitments made, achievements realized and existing gaps.
Outside the externship realm, living in New York City for the summer has been amazing. The city is a cultural hub and has great parks/museums, restaurants, and nightlife. The externship experience is very positive and challenging. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continue working on my projects. Until next time- au revoir!

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