“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.

After the recent inauguration of two regional centres in Africa and Asia, the U.N. Millennium Campaign arrives in Europe. The new European office — headquartered in Rome — will be headed by Marina Ponti, deputy director of the global campaign and director for Europe.