Grenada is one of two OECS countries receiving support from the UNDP in the Millennium Development Goal acceleration process.
This country was among more than 180 which signed on to the MDG thirteen years ago, and while significant strides have been made, there have been some setbacks because of the global financial crisis.
A national consultation was held recently on the Post 2015 Development Agenda and Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States.
The intention was to stimulate an inclusive debate on the post 2015 development agenda.
Ms. Lara Blanco, the Deputy Resident Representative for the UNDP in Barbados and the OECS, said, it is a crucial time in the development agenda, not just in Grenada and the region, but around the world.
She said, in order to fulfill the agreements taken during the 2010 millennium summit and the 2012 Rio+ 20 Conference, Secretary General of the United Nations has committed to facilitating a broad based consultative process at the global, regional and local level which will ultimately lead to a definition of a unique and comprehensive post 2015 agenda.
The Secretary General will continue to live the process of this development agenda, and will present a vision in a report to the General Assembly in September this year.
Prime Minister Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell who delivered the feature address, pointed to the fact that Grenada has made significant strides, but its efforts at MDG achievement were hampered by the global financial crisis.
However, he said, government has a responsibility to work towards realising a progressive future for all, especially the youth.
“We have to work towards ensuring that our country is competitive on the world stage,” Dr. Mitchell said.
“ The future we envision is one in which our poor and vulnerable citizens are protected, and our elderly are supported to live out their twilight years in dignity. Without jobs, our time-honoured values as a nation, are undermined. Our developmental progress is stifled. Our future is diminished”.
Prime Minister Mitchell said a world of peace and prosperity is only possible through shared commitment and collective action.
He added, that every country, large and small, rich and poor, has to accept shared responsibility.
Dr. Mitchell also pointed out, that the international community and the group of G-20 must be held accountable to ensure that the global economy is not held hostage at the brink of a financial crisis.
Dr Mitchell said, the international community, and especially the group of twenty (G-20), must be held accountable, to ensure that our global economy is never again taken to the brink of financial calamity.
The Grenadian leader said the Third International SIDS Conference must advance the small states’ quest for energy that is accessible, affordable and sustainable.
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