|
Help UN agencies serve world better
2008-07-23 10:11:33
By Bilal Abdul-Aziz, Dodoma
United Nations Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro has rallied for support for the UN`s `Delivery as One` strategy, an initiative aimed at bringing the world body`s agencies closer together for improved efficiency.
She has also called for joint efforts by governments around the world in dealing with global challenges, particularly soaring oil and food prices, and working for faster attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
``The `Delivery as One` strategy is intended to help strengthen efforts aimed at fighting poverty and other problems facing the world today. Co-operation from partners around the world will help us achieve the goal,`` the UN`s second highest ranking official told the National Assembly here yesterday.
The immediate former Tanzanian Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation minister, who was addressing the House as a special guest, said the thrust of the strategy was to consolidate cooperation and forestall conflicts among UN agencies.
Meanwhile, she commended the government for the achievements registered in uplifting the people`s lives and generally boosting the country`s development mainly through national strategies for economic growth and poverty reduction.
The achievements had made a difference in the lives of both mainlanders and Zanzibar residents, noted Dr Migiro, who is on a working holiday.
However, she cautioned that making the strategies work as expected was a highly demanding task calling for massive investment in terms of financial, human and various other resources.
Accordingly, she also revealed that the Zanzibar government had provided the UN two flats in the Isles, a move that would make it possible for all the world body`s agencies with offices there to be under one roof.
She said it would be a wonderful idea if a similar move was made with respect to the mainland, where UN agencies have their offices scattered all over Dar es Salaam.
The UN deputy secretary general outlined the challenges facing the world, warning: ``Unless deliberate efforts are made to ensure the MDGs are attained by 2015, the target will remain elusive for most countries in the sub-Saharan region.``
She also cited poverty, saying the world’s salvation lay in nations around the world to wage a joint war on the problem.
She called on Tanzanian legislators to join the war by advising the government on better ways of addressing poverty and the other ``challenges of development lying ahead``.
Dr Migiro advised Tanzanians, especially farmers, to treat soaring oil prices as a blessing in disguise by increasing the production of food crops for sale in the country, in the East African region and beyond.
She hailed Tanzania for its active participation in various UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and elsewhere, saying it was proof of the country`s commitment to supporting global peace, security and human rights.
Moving a vote of thanks on behalf of the government, Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development minister John Chilligati assured Dr Migiro that the government would help in providing UN agencies appropriate office accommodation as requested.
``I promise you that we shall work on that request and make sure that you are provided with that building or land where you could put up offices,`` he said but without hinting on a timeframe or specifying a location for the purpose.
The UN deputy secretary general also held brief talks with Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, House Speaker Samwel Sitta and Deputy House Speaker Anne Makinda.
She also exchanged ideas with MPs for about an hour at a forum whose agenda revolved around a wide range of national and international issues.
|
