United Nations

SG/SM/9313
                                                                                                                        DEV/2471
                                                                                                                        18 May 2004

Millennium Goals Different from Past Pledges, as They Are Measurable, Achievable, Secretary-General Says in Video Message to Rome Concert

NEW YORK, 17 May (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of the video message by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the “We are the Future” concert, organized by Quincy Jones’ Listen Up Foundation and the Glocal Forum, in partnership with the World Bank in Rome on 16 May:

Dear Friends,

You are indeed the future.

It is you, with your energies and ideals, who must build a better world.

It is you, with your voices and your votes, who must hold your leaders to their promises.

And it is you, and your commitment to each and every member of our global family, who must help the world achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

It may sound a dream to say that we can eradicate poverty, eliminate hunger, stop the spread of disease, protect the environment and provide education to all.

What makes the millennium goals different from other bold pledges that became broken promises over the past 50 years?

First, they are measurable.  We can see where we are making progress, and where we are falling behind.

Second, they have unprecedented political support.  All the world’s leaders have signed on to them.

And third, they are achievable.  But we must work harder, much harder, if we are to succeed by the target date of 2015.

So for now, enjoy the performances.  And then, tomorrow, let’s get to work!  From Rome to Rio, from Kigali to Kabul and everywhere in between, the children of the world will thank you.  And the United Nations thanks you, too.

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