Press Release

The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) – (CIFAL Atlanta – MDG Americas Award) is launched today in Atlanta, USA by Major Shirley Franklin

ATLANTA, Georgia (May 15, 2007) — CIFAL Atlanta hosts the first annual “MDG Americas Award 2007” Ceremony to pay tribute to exemplary efforts of government officials from both national and local level in the Western Hemisphere.  Authorities will be recognized for implementing programs that successfully impact the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals, which were set forth by all 189 member countries of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2000 to help eradicate poverty and improve living standards by 2015.

Atlanta Mayor and Chair of CIFAL, Shirley Franklin, declared today: “It is an honor for Atlanta to host such a momentous event aimed not only at recognizing the exceptional efforts of fellow public officials, but also to encourage others to follow their example.”

The spirit of the “MDG Americas Award” is to honor national and local governments’ leadership efforts and outstanding impact in the following categories:

1. Poverty Reduction Leadership Award
2. Education Leadership Award
3. Gender Equality Leadership Award
4. Public Health Leadership Award: Child Mortality Reduction
5. Public Health Leadership Award: Maternal Health Improvement
6. Public Health Leadership Award: HIV-AIDS Reduction and Prevention Campaigns
7. Environmental Sustainability Leadership Award
8. Economic Development and Job Creation Leadership Award

Submissions from national and local governments in the Western Hemisphere are welcome. The achievements of the finalists will receive recognition at the “CIFAL Atlanta - MDG Americas Award 2007” Ceremony to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, later in the year.  Nominations will be accepted through August 31^st, 2007. For more information, please visit the Award Page.

Alex Mejia, CIFAL Atlanta Executive Director and UNITAR Senior Fellow, a driving force behind the inaugural MDG Americas Award, explains: “For the first time in our region’s history, the UN Millennium Development Goals will be used as a standard to acknowledge successful leaders from the public sector. Their dedication to improve the lives of the citizens in their communities will be duly recognized in the international arena.”

The MDG Americas Award Jury Committee includes:

1. Organization of American States (OAS)
2. United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
3. Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
4. Andean Development Corporation (CAF)
5. Federation of Latin American Cities, Municipalities and Associations (FLACMA)
6. International Center for the Training of Leaders and Authorities (CIFAL)
7. Metropolis

About CIFAL Atlanta:
CIFAL Atlanta, a North American center of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), provides government authorities and civil society leaders of urban areas in the Western Hemisphere with a forum to exchange strategies, tools and best practices in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG).