Mr. Chairman,

 

 

I wish to open by congratulating you and the Bureau and thanking the Secretary-General for the numerous reports that form the basis of our deliberations today. 

 



At the 2000 Millennium Summit, poverty eradication was recognized as a central priority for the international community in its development efforts. The recent High-level MDG Summit provided an opportunity to assess progress that has been made in eradicating poverty –– and highlight the many areas where there is still much work to be done.



 

The Secretary-General’s report makes clear that extreme poverty is not only a lack of adequate income, but that individuals living in poverty experience multiple deprivations, restrictions in opportunities, and social exclusion. As such, Israel believes that ensuring access to health care and education are two crucial elements that must be part of our efforts to break the cycle of poverty.

 



Mr. Chairman,

 



Israel recognizes the importance of an inclusive social policy, and guarantees universal access to social services for its entire population, including free public health and education.  



 

On a global level, MASHAV –– Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation –– works in close collaboration with many partners to implement development methods that produce the most effective results in poverty reduction. Focusing on capacity building, MASHAV’s activities aim to train the trainers, so that participants from developing countries will gain the skills and tools necessary to effect a larger and broader growth in their respective communities. Israel tailors these programs and trainings to fit the needs of the host country in areas spanning agriculture, education, health and economic enterprises. These measures are just a few examples of the steps that Israel is taking as part of Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, focusing on the theme of full employment and decent work for all.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 



The feminization of poverty remains a global phenomenon, considering that women constitute 70 percent of all people around the world suffering from poverty. Israel regards the empowerment of women as a crucial element of poverty eradication, bearing in mind that women face continued discrimination in developed and developing countries alike. 



 

The Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center was one of the world’s first development training centers dedicated specifically to the empowerment of women. Located in Haifa, Israel, the Carmel Center will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

 



With the goal of enabling women to participate more fully in the development processes of their communities and countries, the Carmel Center focuses on a number of areas, including local government, community development, entrepreneurship as a tool for poverty alleviation, education, and gender equality. 



 

To mark its jubilee, the Carmel Center, in cooperation with UNESCO, will be hosting the 2011 Biennial International Women Leader’s Conference in May. This conference will focus on the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation: Education and Training for Women and Girls."

 



Mr. Chairman,



 

As the international community seeks to advance the critical goals of eradicating poverty, Israel will continue to play its part. We look forward to sharing our experience with other members of the international community and building strong partnerships to reduce poverty and promote development around the world. 



 

Thank you.