“The Danish Government has decided to take an international lead on MDG3. We want to make sure there is a stronger focus on gender and the empowerment of women all over the world because the world will not reach the Millennium Development Goals without putting a strong focus on women,” says Ulla Tørnæs, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation.

The basic premise is that increased investment in women provides support to economic growth and poverty reduction.

A global MDG3 Champion Torch is at the heart of the campaign. At least 100 Torches will travel the world, requesting Torch Bearers representing governments, the private sector, civil society, international organisations and the media to make an additional commitment to “Do Something Extra” in support of implementing MDG3.

This week, Minister Tørnæs met with UN Sectretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York to discuss the campaign. She also presented UNDP Administrator Kermal Dervis with a MDG3 Champion Torch”

The Torch can be requested and passed on. At the UN High Level Meeting on the MDGs in September in New York, all commitments will be presented to the UN Secretary General who will be invited to accept the last Torch. The Torch Bearers can use the Torch to create increased awareness and support for gender equality.

Ms. Ulla Tørnæs hopes that the Danish initiative will inspire governments all over the world to take the lead on a certain Millennium Development Goal.