These are admittedly huge tasks. That is why the decline in official development assistance, now at its lowest level in half a century, must be reversed. That is why developing countries must find relief from the debt that is stifling their development and, in some cases, consuming more than half of their annual budget. I should stress that the enactment of these policies is a matter not only of solidarity, but of enlightened self-interest. Third, we must do more to advance the prospects of women.
Women are among the poorest of the poor.
They work long days, walk long distances to fetch water and must find time and energy for informal sector activities which are their only source of income. Their jobs are truly never done. By right and by reason, women must have equal opportunities. To put it another way, you can no more be half equal than half free. It is increasingly open to the participation of the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders.