Robert Evans won the Nobel prize today for his work in developing in-vitro fertilization. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and it doesn’t always work. On the other end of the technology spectrum, in both Afghanistan and Niger, a pregnant woman stands a 1 in 55 chance of dying as a result.
In The New Republic, David Rieff rails against the Millennium Development Goals but he does not seem to understand what, exactly, they are.
As usual, the sideshows like Mahmoud Ahmadenijad's 9-11 Trutherism sucked up much of the mainstream media attention around UN week. But beyond the sideshows, last week brought some very real, substantive accomplishments that could potentially transform the lives of millions of people around the world. Here are three of them:
I saw the premier of this video earlier this week at the Digital Media Lounge in New York and found it remarkably powerful. I also noticed that Nicholas Kristof gave it a plug in his column today.
The Obama administration took the opportunity of the President's speech to the MDG Summit to roll out elements of its new Global Development Strategy. This includes one seemingly minor bit of bureaucratic reshuffling that could have a major impact on US foreign policy.
It probably won’t draw the same amount of media attention as predicable rants by various global despots, but one gathering today holds more potential to change the lives of millions of the most vulnerable people around the world than any UN meeting in a long time.
I sat down with Dr. Esther Brimmer Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations Affairs. I met Dr. Brimmer at the Waldorf Astoria-- Foggy Bottom's Manhattan headquarters for the week.
Dr. Gayle explains the significance of the commitment and explains why "scaling up" is an important buzz word this week; we also discuss the role of international NGOs like Care in Pakistan flood relief efforts. Have a listen.
Watch heads of state, foreign ministers and other dignitaries address the Millennium Development Goals summit from the floor of the General Assembly. The first session began at 9 am EST. Afternoon session begins at 3pm.