Hon Chairperson, the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, are a declaration of intent and a veritable commitment to action by the 193 United Nations, member countries, seeking to address the reduction and eradication of many of the socioeconomic ills that plague humanity today. Goals have been set and agreed to and the deadline of 2015 accepted.
We are already 11 years into the 15-year term set for the achievement of these goals, and there is still a great deal of work to be done. Our role as Parliament must therefore be one of diligent and proactive oversight of the executive in order to ensure that everything that can be done is being done by both the executive and ourselves in the realisation of these goals for the benefit of our people.
It is vital that the status quo regarding the MDGs is assessed and corrective action taken, to ensure that the goals are met by the deadline of 2015. In this regard, the consultative seminar hosted recently by Parliament, as well as our periodic reports to the UN, are vital in ensuring that our cause is maintained and the goals are timeously accomplished.
The consultative seminar focused on methods that would facilitate oversight, standardise monitoring formats and enhance communication by all relevant stakeholders. Emphasis was laid on the use of information and communication technology as a form of communication between all stakeholders, not only because of its speed and ease of use, but also for its minimal impact upon resources and the environment. Minimum prescribed meetings by a monitoring committee were agreed upon and a yearly seminar scheduled in order to ascertain progress herein.
In conclusion, reports and input by legislatures will now be included in country reports and used as a basis for interaction between provincial and national spheres. [Applause.]