"Working together" only way forward for UNDP at 50


After 50 years on the front-lines of international development, global goals can only be achieved by "working together".


That's the message being delivered by the head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on the eve of a major meeting to mark the organization's 50th anniversary.

UNDP chief, Helen Clark, said that meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, agreed by more than 190 countries last September, would only be possible by assembling a "broad coalition" across the public and private sectors in every walk of life.

That was especially true she added, when it came to fulfilling the boldest pledges to "eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and spread peace and justice."

Ms Clark said UNDP was well-suited to playing a critical role in realizing the SDGs, having supported countries and built institutions over the past half-century.

To mark the anniversary, more than 80 ministers from across the world are meeting in the UN General Assembly hall in New York on Wednesday, to chart the future course of global development.


SOURCE: Matthew Wells, United Nations.