Secretary-General's Message to MDG Awards Ceremony

This event is a wonderful gathering on the eve of tomorrow's MDG summit. It is a reminder that we have seen some great progress in our campaign to end extreme poverty and disease, get children into school, empower women and protect the environment. At the same time, at the opening of tomorrow's summit, I will be calling on everyone –Governments, civil society, international institutions, the private sector –to do more. But tonight, we recognize those whose efforts have already made such a difference to millions of lives.

The MDGs are our promise to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. We have the capacity, the resources and the knowledge to achieve the goals. But rich and poor countries alike must mobilize the political will. They must act, not someday soon, but now.

Ten years into the fifteen-year timeframe, the picture is mixed. The global economic crisis and the impact of climate change could further threaten our efforts. It is more urgent than ever that citizens and civil society intensify their efforts to keep the goals high on the public agenda, and hold governments accountable for delivering on their political and financial commitments.

I congratulate all the winners of the MDG awards for their contributions to building a better world. And I look forward to working with you, as part of a broader and deeper coalition, in our five-year push to make the goals a reality for all.