The Committee received a presentation on the outcome of the United Nations MDG Summit (September 2010) which focussed on the main lines of action and political messages for the next five years. The special guests were Mr Thomas Stelzer, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr Nthoitha M'Mithiaru, a member of parliament from Kenya and Ms Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, a member of parliament for Indonesia. In his presentation the Assistant Secretary-General highlighted the steps still to be taken in order to achieve the MDG targets. Gender equality in particular was considered as the largest multiplier effect and an area where the IPU could make a significant difference.