MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS ... - UNDP in Ukraine

The overall objectives of this Report are to: (1)raise the public’s awareness of the importanceof the MDGs and their linkages to their livelihoodsand those of future generations; (2) informGovernment institutions, civil society and the publicon how the MDGs can inform their activities; (3)link the MDGs and strategic planning processesby ensuring that indicators and national targetsare integrated into strategic planning documents;(4) facilitate debates between national and internationalcommunities on future development; (5)emphasize to the Government, civil society andthe business community the necessity of specificactions aimed at achieving the MDGs (first of allon poverty alleviation); and (6) strengthen coordinationand collaboration between Governmentinstitutions, civil society organisations and thebusiness community to achieve sustainable humandevelopment.To achieve the MDGs, it is important to consolidatethe efforts of the three components of society– Government, business and the public.Establishing partnerships between Governmentand business and increasing dialogue betweenthe state and society are key to this. These relationshipsare based on the following principles:the state assumes responsibility for achieving theMDGs, improving the population’s living standardsand ensuring social protection and, as a result,obtains legitimacy and public support; thestate guarantees property rights, a favourablebusiness climate and the promotion of business,in compliance with state-established rules andregulations; and a balance between society andcapital is created, on the principle of ‘honest business– supporting its interests and actions bysociety.’Effective cooperation between social partners –the state, employers, trade unions and the public– and an optimal balance and division of responsibilitiesbetween the state, business andcommunities should accelerate human development.Efforts should take into account challengesrelated to the MDGs, global development, engagementof domestic businesses in Europeanmarkets, cooperation with foreign investors andgrowing competition in the global market. Corporatesocial responsibility – as the active engagementof entrepreneurs, using their experienceand knowledge, in socio‐economic policydevelopment – is a key to this. This requires compliancewith generally accepted world standardson social responsibility, transparency and willingnessto be accountable to the community.Creating mechanisms for achieving consensusbetween the Government, business and civil societyshould help ensure implementation of theMDGs and necessary reforms in Ukraine. INTRODUCTION: MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS 15