Remarks By H.E. Abdullah Gü, Co-Chair of Round Table 1 of the High Level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the Mdgs "Adressing The Challenge Of Poverty, Hunger And Gender Equality"

Distinguished Heads of States and Governments,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

A decade ago, we have agreed on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and committed to cut in half the number of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from hunger.

We also resolved to empower women in all aspects of life and eliminate gender disparities.

Today, we see notable steps forward. But, the progress on poverty eradication is uneven and threatened by the global economic and financial crisis. Some LDCs are moving further into poverty.

Hunger and malnutrition are the worst manifestations of poverty. More than a billion people are suffering from chronic hunger in the world while two billion live in nutrition deficiency.

A significant increase in the number of hungry people has been recorded last year, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is largely due to the global food crisis.

Another depressing issue before us is the problem of gender inequality. We still observe a significant gap between women and men in terms of participation in economic and social life. Job opportunities and quality of employment for women still remain insufficient.

At this round table session, I believe, we should try to address the following questions:

-First, how can we deal with the root causes of poverty?

-Second, how can we provide sufficient, healthy and affordable food for all?

-Third, which policy tools should be devised to integrate poor people, women in particular, back into society as functional members?

-Fourth, which policies do we need to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure gender equality?

-Fifth, how can we enhance the level of cooperation to deliver our commitments?

I believe, such a list can be extended with no difficulty.

Excellencies,

The root causes of poverty are complex and multidimensional. Rapid population growth, low income generation, high unemployment rates, social insecurity and lack of education are among the main sources of poverty.

I believe any credible poverty eradication policy should consist of the following:

First and foremost, poverty eradication needs sustained economic growth. Only this way, can we generate full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Second, poverty eradication must be integrated into national policies and actions. These domestic policies should also be interlinked with the MDGs.

Third, an integrated strategy necessitates implementing policies for more equitable distribution of wealth and income. In focusing on economic growth and investment in social sectors, we need to adopt strategies in favor of the poor and vulnerable.

Fourth, specific programs to improve access of the poor to land, capital and other productive resources are of fundamental importance.

Finally, education is a must for human development. Quality elementary and secondary education, as well as vocational training, are indispensable tools to eradicate poverty.

As for chronic hunger, the well-being and health of the people largely depend on the adequate production and distribution of food. Sufficient food must be available with affordable prices at all times.

We believe that supplying sufficient food to those suffering from chronic hunger must be our collective responsibility. In this regard, investment in agriculture is also essential to ensure food security.

Distinguished Heads of States and Governments,

Empowerment of women is not just a goal in itself, but central to all development goals. In a society where women are not allowed to take their rightful place, economic and social development cannot be achieved in a sustainable manner.

Today, we have to demonstrate our political will to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and achieve gender equality by 2015. But, our partnership and solidarity for development must continue beyond the target date.

Thank you.