UN partners with the State Trading
Organization to promote
the Millennium Development Goals
In a simple yet significant ceremony, the State Trading Organization (STO) donated funds to the UN system in the Maldives to develop advocacy materials for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The MDGs are eight (8) goals that all UN member-states have committed to achieve by 2015. The goals include poverty alleviation, universal primary education, gender equality and empowerment, reduction of child and maternal mortality, halting HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, environment sustainability, and developing global partnerships for development.
Dr. Jorge Luna, WHO Representative and UN Resident Coordinator a.i., said that although the Maldives is generally on track in achieving the MDGs, efforts from all sectors of society are needed to sustain the gains and achieve the goals that have not yet been met. He welcomed the initiative of STO to contribute in advocating for the MDGs.
Ms. Sana Mansoor, STO Chief Financial Officer and Officer-in-Charge, stated that STO is happy to contribute to endeavours that will redound to the betterment of the Maldivian society, such as the UN advocacy on the MDGs.
Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, General Manager of STO, stated that the donation was part of their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Referring to a recent UN Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility, Dr. Luna reiterated the UN system’s support to promote private sector partnerships to accelerate the achievement of the MDGs. He expressed optimism that the private sector, following the example of a state-owned business organization such as STO, will be active partners in the country’s sustainable development.