Millennium Development Goal Advocacy Group Meeting

Excellencies, Fellow Advocates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I’m honored to accept the challenge of being an MDG Advocate. We all know our challenge is significant. All indicators suggest that if we fail to act, we will not reach the critical targets for 2015.

Mr. Secretary General,

I agree that progress has been made but I hope you also agree with me maintaining progress is not enough.

For example, If current trends continue, the MDG of universal primary education will not be met until 2040. As an Advocate for MDG 2, in particular, this assessment concerns me greatly.

My passion is education for all, regardless of gender, location or circumstance.

I have been publicly involved in educational issues when I realized that without major reform in Qatar we would never be able to achieve political and social changes and ensure economic sustainability for our country.

Our reforms in Qatar opened my eyes to the global need to focus on the role that education plays in equitable development.

Through my work at UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations, I have focused on education as the key element of development strategies, particularly in countries affected by war.

When I visit sites of our educational projects in places as diverse as Iraq, Yemen and Mauritania, I am always impressed by how youth are grasping simple tools and investments to radically change their lives. All they need is a chance and all we need is to make a bold stance and ask ourselves hard questions.

Are we ready to protect educators in Iraq who are being kidnapped and assassinated?

Are we ready to ensure educational supplies are not blocked from students in Gaza?

Are we ready to ensure that every child in Afghanistan, girls and boys, going to school carrying their bags with them are not turned away?

Education is the key to unlock the potential to achieve all MDGs. An educated person is an independent, healthy and active citizen. Education provides hope and understanding It enhances tolerance it ensures that there are no disillusioned youth out in the street looking for answers through radical ideologies.

Or else, Victor Hugo’s statement “he who opens a school door, closes a prison” would be considered lost in translation.

Unfortunately in conflict-affected areas, All doors are closed.

Critically, one in three children in conflict affected or fragile states is out of school compared to one in 11 in other low income countries.

Those who attack education and impede access to it are enemies of civilization and they constitute an obstacle to the right of Education.

Yesterday, I was encouraged to hear from experts, UN agencies and International civil society organization representatives about their commitment to ensure that the protection of education from attack is considered a critical issue in achieving the millennium development goals.

Today, my fellow Advocates and I, will begin to detail measurable actions to achieve our goals. We should look into existing initiatives and build on them. For instance, many of you are aware of the work being done at the Alliance of civilizations also co-chaired by Prime Minister Zapatero.

I would like to ensure that the objectives of the Alliance which encompass peace, prosperity and cross-culture are also central to the MDGs.

Without equity, peace security and understanding will remain an illusion.

I therefore invite you to work with us on these two UN projects towards the common good.

Secretary General,

Co-chairs and my fellow advocates,

Let me reiterate, knowing the challenge ahead, if we are not ready to act then let us not expect to achieve our mission.