Following reports that the Philippines, including other Asian countries, is in danger of not halving extreme poverty rates by 2015, the United Nations (UN) Millennium Campaign, together with various civil society organizations, urged the administration of President Aquino to immediately come up with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Breakthrough Plan for the country in time for the UN General Assembly next month in New York.

July 16, 2010 -- A group of eminent personalities established by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to promote worldwide action against poverty met in Madrid today, to put forward ideas and initiatives to boost progress towards the Goals. It was the first meeting of the MDG Advocacy Group, made up of high-profile individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in promoting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Nairobi, Kenya – Kibera, one of East Africa’s biggest informal settlements, played host to the launch of the East African Caravan on Maternal Health in Nairobi, Kenya on July 3. In attendance were women, men, boys and girls, UN representatives, Ambassadors, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, medical doctors and other dignitaries.

The caravan makes its journey through Kenya into Tanzania and Rwanda before arriving in Kampala, Uganda on July 14, ahead of the 15th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union.

MANILA, Philippines, July 6, 2010—The President is in place. Now the real work begins. This is what the United Nations Millennium Campaign and partner organizations reminded the Philippines government, following the inaugural address of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on June 30.

The Millennium Campaign in Africa has been utilizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a key opportunity to build support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) across the continent.