Taoiseach to attend High Level Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals at the United Nations, New York Thursday 25 September 2008

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. will travel to New York later today (Wednesday) where he will join other Government leaders from around the world at the United Nations on Thursday 25 September to reaffirm commitments to reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

The United Nations High-Level meeting marks the half way point of the pledge given in 2000 to halving world poverty by 2015.  At the invitation of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, world leaders will take stock of achievements made, acknowledge what remains to be done and re-energise their commitments to meeting the MDG’s.

During his visit to the United Nations the Taoiseach will be joined by the UN Secretary General at the launch of the report of the Hunger Task Force.  Established by the Irish Government in September 2006, the Task Force has examined how best Ireland can provide leadership and added value to efforts to address global hunger and food insecurity.  The Hunger Task Force is chaired by former Minister for Agriculture and Food, Joe Walsh and includes Irish and international experts including Jeffrey Sachs and Bono.

During his visit to New York the Taoiseach also expects to meet with Bob Geldof and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

ENDS.