Obama, Ban discuss efforts to attain MDGs on time

United Nations, Mar 11 :US President Barack Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held discussions to strengthen efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on time, which according to analysts might be difficult to attain given the global economic downturn.

The two leaders, who met in Washington yesterday for the first time since Obama became President, discuss the impact of the financial crisis on developing nations, where much of the efforts are needed.

The crisis would reduce the essential aid and hit the exports hard from the developing nations, Ban told Obama.

With the next meeting of the Group of 20 (G-20) nations scheduled to be held this weekend in London, the Secretary-General urged the the leaders of industrialised countries to keep their commitments on the Millennium Development Goals and official development assistance [ODA], and help developing countries overcome food security and also help them to adapt and mitigate climate change.

The United Nations and the United States, Ban told reporters after the meeting, share common visions and objectives for peace, stability, development and human rights.

Calling 2009 a "make-or-break" year, he said that collaboration is essential to address the crises on many fronts to turn this year into a "make-it-work" one, "full of optimism and resolution." PTI