Indonesian lawmaker underscores collaboration in achieving MDGs

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Indonesian Parliament recently visited the country to help boost the initiatives of various civil society and grassroots organizations to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 while formulating the Post 2015 framework and agenda.

The visit of Dr. Sumarjati Arjoso, arranged by the Beyond 2015 National Civil Society Hub, consisted of several consultations with various groups that included legislators, high-level decision-makers, and opinion leaders.

Arjoso’s visit was aimed at understanding the depth and extent of the current issues and concerns of Filipinos in achieving the MDGs and what happens after the 2015 deadline.

Arjoso’s participation in the framework formulation process in the Philippines will help convey to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a member of the high-level panel of the UN Post 2015 processes, the efforts in the Philippines and the solidarity with Indonesia and other Asian countries in developing the Post MDG Agenda, said Beckie Malay, head of the Advocacy Team of the Beyond 2015 Hub.

“While the focus right now is how to attain the MDGs by 2015 and putting attention to what can be done to sectors that need attention, parallel efforts must be given to how our future should emerge as we create the Post 2015 framework,” Arjoso said.