UNICEF UK, along with other development organisations, presented Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, with 1.3 million signed petitions in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at a special event hosted by Bond yesterday.
The event was Mr Clegg's first public address on the issues of development and the Millennium Development Goals since taking office in May.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who will be leading the UK delegation to the MDGs Review Meeting in New York next week (20-22 September), said at the event that it is "a moral commitment to keep the promises that were made in 2000."
Commenting on the global commitment to the MDGs in a time of financial strain he went on to say that "we cannot be fair-weather friends when it comes to international development." And on the UK government's reiteration that it will fulfill its commitment to fulfilling 0.7 per cent GNI spend on aid by 2013 Clegg said that the pledge would not have been achievable without the "passion and engagement" of the UK public.
UNICEF UK young campaigner Harry Phinda presented the 1.3 million messages from campaigners in a suitcase, to Mr Clegg and Mr Mitchell, saying: "When you travel to New York next week, the hopes of this nation will travel with you. To remind you of the wishes of the many people like me who have taken action on the Millennium Development Goals, we have packed a suitcase for you full of important messages."
Among the messages were over 5,000 signatures from UNICEF UK campaigners who took our campaign action (this petition has now finished) calling on Mr Clegg to prioritise water and sanitation for the most vulnerable children at the meeting.
