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Reducing Poverty And Increasing Good Governance Vital For Global Peace And Stability

5 August 2004

Reducing poverty and improving governance are crucial for fostering global peace and stability. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon made this point in a message sent to the Global 2004 International Smart Partnership Dialogue in Langkawi, Malaysia, which took place on 29-31 July.

Poverty
"We need concerted efforts to address the causes, rather than focusing only on the symptoms"
The Secretary-General said that it was essential "for the world to move towards greater international equality and justice."  This, he said, could be achieved through "more immediate and more effective multilateral action."

Mr McKinnon noted that the theme of the conference, 'Towards a Smarter Globe -- Reconciling Development Challenges with Global Security through Dialogue', is important and timely. He said that security and development are under intensified threat globally.


"Terrorism; a proliferation of conflict situations, many based on ethnic strife; and increased criminality, including drug trafficking, have all undermined security and have exacted high costs, which have constrained development."

The Secretary-General pointed out that the conflicts and tensions of the world today and the serious divisions between countries, religions and ethnic groups can be addressed by examining the root of these problems. "We need concerted efforts to address the causes, rather than focusing only on the symptoms, of the problems that confront the world today."

Mr McKinnon stated that at their summit in Abuja, Nigeria, last December, Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed to strengthen pro-poor development and democracy to enhance global security. Commonwealth leaders also aimed to tackle corruption and increase good governance.

The Secretary-General said a big push is still needed to move the process along, mobilising governments, international institutions and civil society to eradicate poverty in new ways and with unprecedented commitment. Compounding the problem, he said, is the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is devastating whole communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is overstretching the capabilities and resources of governments.

"Partnerships, dialogue and consensus represent the need of the hour. Without responsibility and action at all these levels, development and achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals will remain elusive and global security is likely to become even more uncertain. At the same time, dialogues and declarations must not remain empty rhetoric, but must lead to tangible action on the ground to improve people's lives."  

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 195    4 August 2004

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