Youth called to unite for MDGs

(Manila, Philippines) – To celebrate the power of the youth in helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, the United Nations System in the Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and National Nutrition Council are spearheading “UNITE for MDGs”, a solidarity night and free concert at Cine Adarna, University of the Philippines Diliman.

“UNITE for MDGs” is a night of inspiring ideas and celebrating partnerships to strengthen the country’s commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. MDG advocates Iya Villania, Bam Aquino, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and Iza Abeja will share messages of support on youth employment and migration, water governance, climate change adaptation, and food security and nutrition for children, respectively.

The two-hour concert features performances from Itchyworms, The Bloomfields, Brownman Revival, and Color It Red.

“The lack of anything that can and should be available for citizens, particularly for the youth, should be addressed especially when it leads to the option of leaving their own land and family. That shouldn’t have to be the case,” said Villania, who is helping raise awareness on youth employment and migration. “Many things are affected – family life, culture, values, and safety. The issue can be properly addressed if different sectors work hand-in-hand so that the Filipino youth will have hope in their own country no matter what career path they wish to take,” the popular TV personality said.

Aquino, co-founder and president of social business enterprise Microventures, Inc., is advocating for effective water governance. “Water is life. Access to clean and potable water should be available for all Filipino families. It helps address multiple issues, from health to allowing women and children to reach their potential,” Aquino said.

“UNITE for MDGs” brings together youth, student and various sectors as well as 18 national government agencies implementing joint programmes under MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F), an international cooperation mechanism whose aim is to accelerate progress on the MDGs worldwide. Other participants include the members of the League of Municipalities, members of the UN Civil Society Assembly, national government agencies, legislators, local MDG champions and donor agencies.

About the MDG Achievement Fund
The MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F) is an international cooperation mechanism whose aim is to accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) worldwide. Established in December 2006 with a generous contribution of €528 million Euros ($US710M) from the Spanish Government to the United Nations system, the MDG-F supports national governments, local authorities and citizen organizations in their efforts to tackle poverty and inequality.

With 128 active programmes in 49 countries spread across 5 regions of the world, MDG-F is helping over 3.5 million people, with another 20 million people impacted indirectly. For more information on the MDG-F, log on to http://www.mdgfund.org/.

To learn more about the work of MDG-F in the Philippines, visit http://ph.one.un.org/mdgfphilippines/index.html