Kigali — President Kagame has called on increased action towards achieving the MDGs and building on the gains made to date. While speaking during during a high level United Nations Millennium Development Goals advocates meeting in New York, an event aimed at showcasing the progress in achieving MDGs across the globe, President Kagame pointed out that everyone can be an advocate for the Millennium Development Goals because there is always more to do, and every voice counts:
President Kagame said: "The MDGs are a floor, not a ceiling. Being "on-track" does not mean that a problem is solved, far from it. Even in the face of setbacks, which will always be there, it is useful to see them as opportunities to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery."
Rwanda has achieved several MDGs including the fastest rate of decline of child mortality and gender parity in education. With only 462 days to go until the deadline set for MDGs, President Kagame reminded those present that the MDGs are only the beginning, as more needs to be done.
The event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly launched the MDG Advocates Leaders Report titled "Accelerating Action: Global Leaders on Challenges and Opportunities for MDG Achievement." The report features a range of contributions from 37 leaders, including President Kagame, the UN Secretary-General, MDG Advocacy Group members, Heads of State and Government, UN officials, experts and champions of the MDG
In their joint foreword to the report, President Kagame and Norway Prime Minister Solberg emphasize the need and importance of continuing the momentum beyond the MDGs:
"All of us, whether in government, business, or civil society, have to keep pushing, not just to December 2015, but beyond. The MDG deadline, after all, is not the finish line of a race, and there will be neither medals nor rest."
According to ONE 2013 continental Data report, Rwanda was ranked 1st out of 48 African countries that have registered substantial progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Rwanda is one of the two African countries that will be piloting thematic areas in the post-Millennium Development Goals because of their remarkable performance under the UN development agenda.