Millennium Development Goals: information should not be overlooked

Improving the world of press as well as the role of journalists in Madagascar in order to reach the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), these were the main topics that were being discussed during the conference with the United Nations’ Regional Director of the Information Center in Africa, Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, yesterday at the headquarters of UNIC Madagascar (United Nations’ Information Center) at Ankorahotra. The conference was a part of the mission of this United Nations high official in the Great Island, a mission which started on Monday, March 21 and ended on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The conference was then an opportunity for Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry to take stock of her one-week visit in Madagascar, particularly in places such as the capital and the rural commune of Sambaina-Manjakandriana.

“I’m very fascinated by the actions undertaken by the United Nations System in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. When the efforts are well organized, we can achieve miracles … With very few resources, we can move toward development … But we cannot ignore the information and education in which journalists play an important role,” said Mary Evelyn Petrus-Barry. As far as Madagascar is concerned, the MDG would not be compromised even if the crisis will be prolonged. She concluded, however, that the 4 coming years will be an opportunity to catch up, and we must look at the positive side of things.