Cambodia mark 1,000 days to target date for achieving MDGs

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and its partners in Cambodia are observing the milestone of 1,000 days to the end of 2015-- the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), according to the agency's statement on Friday.

Starting April 5 -- the actual milestone date -- through April 12, UN offices around the world are working with governments, civil society and international partners to mark "MDG Momentum: 1, 000 Days of Action" in a variety of ways, the statement said.

The eight time-bound MDGs address poverty and hunger, education, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, combating AIDS, malaria and other diseases, environmental sustainability and a global partnership for development.

Since the MDGs were adopted by all UN Member States in 2000, governments, international organizations and civil society groups around the world have helped make tremendous progress to improve people's lives.

In Cambodia, the government has added mine clearance and victim assistance as the 9th MDG to try to remove obstacle of contamination of mines and explosive remnants of war to its development.

UNDP Cambodia Country Director Setsuko Yamazaki said that there is no doubt that Cambodia has made significant achievements in many areas. She said that UNDP program has assisted the country in addressing off-track areas -- poverty reduction, inequality, gender equality, the environment and climate change, and de-mining.

"These areas require extra attention and efforts. We believe that we can bring about significant difference in those areas through working together with all partners and stakeholders during the next 1,000 days," she said.

The 1,000-day milestone is an opportunity to amplify awareness of MDG achievements and the commitment to continue global progress, including in Cambodia.