Saturday, April 4, 2009

Jamaica seeks MDG extension

From the April 3rd edition of the Jamaica Observer: Jamaica says it wants an extension of the 2015 deadline for achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In short, because of the current economic crisis, they don't think they're going to reach the goals.

The reports of the July meeting should prove interesting. Something tells me there's not going to be much in the way of good news.

3 comments:

  1. Is there some type of incentive for reaching the MDGs? Or is it just so Jamaica has measurable improvements?

    The UN should probably revise its plan for the MDGs considering the state of the economy and the progress that has (or rather hasn't) been made. A later deadline is painfully obvious as we discussed in class.

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  2. I had the same question about there being incentives for reaching the MDGs. I did a quick search and didn't see any direct incentives, but I think Jamaica still has good reason to want to officially reach the MDGs. Since so many countries are behind on their goals, being known as one who made it would look good on Jamaica's resume. Since Jamaica is a tourist destination, a positive public image will help their economy. Plus it just feels good to reach your goals.

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  3. I think that one incentive to reaching the MDGs would be the fact that countries who do reach them are seen as more developed and it shows that they have the ability to meet international requirements. Although, this may not always be a U.S. ambition, it may be for other less developed countries. The United States does not have to prove their development to the world, it is apparent. However, other countries may see just the title of "completing the MGDs" as incentive enough to do just that. It may give them more credibility and legitimacy in the developed world. It could potentially be very good for their economy, the recognition alone may spark tourist interest. The added "security" of knowing a country is developed enough to complete the goals may attract business as well. The risk of investment, wether low or high, may seem low for those countries that have proven themselves and completed the goals.

    I think that it would be interesting if the MGDs could be reevaluated and then the completion dates set accordingly. Perhaps goals that are absolutely unattainable by 2015 could have an extended due dates.

    -Kaitlin Beck

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