[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 129 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS MILLENNIUM GOALS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the 
United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and to strongly urge the 
United States to do everything in its power to combat global 
inequalities. This week, as the UN gathers to discuss these important 
priorities, we must demonstrate our shared commitment to meeting the 
challenges we face as a global community.
  The Millennium Development Goals aim to significantly reduce global 
injustices including extreme poverty and hunger, inferior education and 
healthcare systems, and unequal opportunity between the sexes by 2015. 
Of particular importance is the effort to cut in half the number of 
people worldwide--nearly one billion--who suffer from undernourishment 
or malnourishment.
  Before the recent global economic and agriculture crises, many 
developing regions of the world were on track to meet the Millennium 
Development Goals for hunger. Now, the tremendous progress seen in 
Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean has been stymied. It is 
imperative that we address this issue now. Increased food security 
leads to advances in health, education, and equality in developing 
nations, all of which are vital to fostering international goodwill and 
national security.
  Rashieda Weaver, president of the African Youth Coalition Against 
Hunger, Malnutrition, HIV and AIDS, and a constituent of mine, believes 
the key to solving this crisis lies in a strong local response, 
particularly through supporting women farmers. Women produce the 
majority of food in many developing regions, including up to 80 percent 
in Africa and 60 percent in Asia. However, in many developing nations, 
inferior education and economic injustice leaves women, and as a result 
their families and communities, unable to maximize their output. The 
U.S. should support programs that emphasize empowering women to produce 
at their full capacity, which studies show can increase yields by up to 
20 percent, reducing hunger in the process.
  As we approach the deadline, I urge my colleagues to embrace and 
support the Millennium Development Goals, and take steps to eradicate 
food insecurity worldwide.

                          ____________________