I am pleased to convey my greetings to this celebration of the experience of the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F).

The MDG-F was launched almost six years ago to help accelerate progress in meeting the Goals and enhance the development effectiveness of the multilateral system.  It emphasized national ownership and mutual accountability, aligned funding towards the MDGs and strengthened UN coordination on the ground.  

Significant results have been achieved.  UN Country Teams and National Governments have successfully implemented 130 joint programmes improving the lives of more than 9 million people across 50 countries.  

The Fund has shown the importance of joint work and partnerships and has proven an effective instrument for translating global policies and development instruments into real actions and concrete results for people. 

I know that we will draw from the many lessons of this valuable initiative in the years ahead, particularly as we shape the post-2015 framework.

I join with you in conveying our deepest appreciation to Spain for this historic initiative and for its firm commitment to our collective efforts to reach the MDGs and help build a life of dignity for all.