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DFA PLEDGES TO STAND UP TO THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
22 October 2007 - Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. opened the UN Millennium Development Goals Exhibit at the DFA Lobby following the flag raising ceremony held at the DFA grounds in celebration of the 62nd Anniversary of the United Nations. Assistant Secretary for the Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations (UNIO) Evan P. Garcia led the DFA officers and staff and members of the diplomatic corps in reciting the Pledge to the Millennium Development Goals. Following is the text of the pledge: “We stand now together with millions around the world on this symbolic day, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, to show our commitment to the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and inequality.
We stand because we refuse to accept more excuses in a world where 50,000 people die every day as a result of extreme poverty and the tap between rich and poor is getting wider.
We stand because we want our leaders to honour their promises to meet the Millennium Development Goals – and we ask them to exceed these goals.
We join in solidarity with people from over 100 countries to say:
To our leaders – make it your first responsibility to save the lives of your poorest citizens. We ask you to tackle inequality, to be accountable to your people, to govern fairly and justly, to fight corruption and to fulfill human rights.
We speak with many voices, but dream the same dream. Our common vision and burning desire: To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
We shall stand up, speak out and fight poverty now, so that our beloved country will attain the peace and prosperity she truly deserves.
We must be responsible. Everyone must be held accountable.
There shall be no more excuses. The promise of 2015 must be kept.” END |
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