22 September 2010 - Iran, ahead of 2015 Targets in Certain MDGs
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Along with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Summit in New York, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in the Islamic Republic of Iran held a media conference to brief the local media about the global achievement of the MDGs against the targets set by 2015. The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Consuelo Vidal delivered the opening remarks.
The UN Resident Coordinator emphasized that the UNCT is in Iran to work with the Government
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| Recalling that the MDGs were adopted by the world leaders in the year 2000 and set to be achieved by 2015, she underlined that the MDGs are the most broadly supported, comprehensive and specific development goals the world has ever agreed upon. The UN Resident Coordinator added, 'The MDGs provide a framework for the entire international community to work together towards a common end – making sure that human development reaches everyone, everywhere.She emphasized that the MDGs are both global and local, tailored by each country to suit specific development needs. Ms. Vidal also signified that the UNCT is in here to work with the Government and the people of Iran in order to achieve the MDGs. She mentioned the overall achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran to be on track with the MDGs time-frame and added, 'In certain areas, Iran is even ahead the targets set for 2015.' Ms. Vidal noted that overall Iran is on track to achieve most of the targets set by the MDGs: the country has significantly reduced poverty (MDG1), achieved near universal primary education (MDG2), reduced child mortality (MDG4), improved maternal health (MDG5), successfully halted the incidence of malaria and TB, and made progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment (MDG3). These achievements are in large part due to the strong commitment and support by the Government. At the same time, if Iran is to achieve all the MDGs with equity, it is important that progress is sustained. “While many of the MDGs have been achieved at the national level, we need to make sure that the goals are achieved in every province and in every community in the country, and that the remaining gaps are addressed.” She stated that in order to meet the target on HIV by 2015 more attention needs to be given to vulnerable groups such as high risk populations. In the area of environmental sustainability, Iran is facing natural resource degradation and deterioration which requires attention. Also, while Iran has made important achievements in terms of equal access to education for both girls and boys, women still constitute only 14.7% of the economically active population, and have a long way to go to access high managerial positions (MDG 3). Ms. Vidal noted that over the past ten years, many countries like Iran have made enormous progress. The MDGs have led to a real transformation on the ground. However, she underlined that accomplishments are fragile and more remains to be done globally. Ms. Vidal reiterated, 'as the world reviews the MDG progress in New York, the UN Country Team here in Iran continues to work closely with the Government and the people of Iran, to support the country in achieving the pending national MDG targets. With the continued strong commitment of the Government, our UN Country Team is confident that Iran will achieve all the MDGs by 2015.' Following these statements, the journalists present in the Conference raised questions addressed to the UN Representatives in Iran about MDGs in Iran. Photos |
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