3 men from Niger. © CARE.In 2000, global leaders made a promise to reduce poverty throughout the developing world by committing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Of all the MDGs, goals 4 and 5, to improve the health of women and children, are most off track.
As the final push to the MDG deadline begins, donor and developing country governments must take decisive action.
We call on governments across the world to show leadership by undertaking the bold commitments and new approaches needed to accelerate progress on maternal and child health. Each year, millions of women and children continue to die from preventable causes.
But it is up to donor and developing country governments alike to support the necessary interventions to make global promises a reality in a mutually accountable and transparent fashion.
CARE International UK has shined the spotlight on some key MDGs to see where we are at, what can be done and what our experts have to say on the issue.
Tim Bishop, Head of Private Sector Engagement.Tim Bishop, is head of Private Sector Engagement at CARE International UK.
Here Tim explains the vital importance in including the private sector when it comes to meeting the MDGs.
“At CARE, we recognise that global poverty reduction can not, and should not, be achieved by the state and donor community alone. Our vast experience of corporate engagement has proven the private sector’s huge potential to lift those engaged in markets out of poverty.
We believe the key to unlocking that potential, is the adoption of business models that ensure all those who participate in markets - as workers, producers, entrepreneurs and consumers - reap the benefits of economic growth.
“CARE assists communities to benefit from markets, enabling them to grow their incomes and reduce their vulnerability. By working in partnership with companies on the core-business issues that impact on communities, CARE has seen the resulting benefits including improved working conditions and livelihoods for people in the developing world, particularly women.
Last year alone, CARE provided access to credit and business skills training to over 9 million people and by 2015 we aim to reach over 30 million women and girls primarily engaged in agriculture, through our microfinance and market engagement activities.”
“We urge those attending the MDG summit to recognise the importance of both enabling and challenging business to address their social and environmental responsibilities.
It is imperative that world leaders in partnership with others, find new and innovative ways to ensure that low income communities actively benefit from the private sector.”
Read more:
Spotlight on MDG 1 and 7 - Hunger and Climate Change.
Spotlight on MDG 3 - Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women.
