January 17, 2005 Ottawa -- Minister Carroll today welcomed the release of the report, " Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) " , which is the first event in a series of global initiatives and events focusing on progress towards the MDGs. "The human suffering caused by the tsunamis in Asia and parts of Africa generated an unprecedented global outpouring of support. While Canadians continue to respond to the immediate needs of survivors, it's vital that we remain focused on longer-term objectives - both in the affected countries and in other developing countries whose challenges may not make international headlines. For all these reasons, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) welcomes the United Nations Millennium Project's new report, " Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals. " This timely report, produced under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, provides us with a positive roadmap to help generate new momentum for achieving long-term goals by 2015. Since their launch in December 2000, the Millennium Development Goals have become a global yardstick to measure progress in addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions. In response, Canada committed to doubling its aid budget by 2010. No single country can address the multi-faceted challenges of sustainable development on its own. For that reason, Canada continues to work globally through such institutions as the G8, the World Trade Organization, the OECD, and the World Bank to address such issues as market access for least developed countries, the untying of aid, and further debt relief. In all that we do, promoting gender equality and protecting the environment are overarching themes - identified by the Sachs Report as key to fostering sustainable development. I am also promoting increased harmonization among donors to enhance the overall impact of our work. The Sachs Report rightly identifies sub-Saharan Africa as " the epicenter of crisis. " At least half of Canada's announced aid increases are earmarked for Africa, focusing on sectors where Canadian aid can truly make a difference such as health and education, as well as the fight against HIV/AIDS. Canada also remains a staunch supporter of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) - a made-in-Africa plan that outlines how the continent can move from marginalization to the mainstream of development in the 21st century. The complexities of international development require us to constantly fine tune our approach so we can meet evolving needs and demands. The Sachs Report focuses our attention on what we need to do to reach the goals in 2015. In 2005, the Government of Canada's International Policy Statement will give new impetus and focus to CIDA's work. It will challenge us to do better, and we will rise to the challenge." - 30 - Information: Andrew Graham Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Cooperation Telephone: (819) 953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: (819) 953-6534 E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca Web site: www.cida.gc.ca
