UNDP chief pays tribute to outgoing head of campaign on anti-poverty goals

The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today hailed the efforts of the outgoing head of the world body’s campaign to promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as he announces he is leaving his position to assume the top post at the non-governmental organization (NGO) Amnesty International.

Salil Shetty has served as the Director of the UN Millennium Campaign – which seeks to bolster support for the MDGs, eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline – since shortly after it was established by then Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2002.

“Under his leadership the UN Millennium Campaign has grown into a powerful global campaigning force supporting citizens in their efforts to hold their governments accountable for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals,” said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.

Mr. Shetty’s successor is expected to be named in the coming months, as preparations get under way for next September’s meeting of world leaders on the MDGs. He is expected to take up his new position as Secretary General of Amnesty International, a 1978 recipient of the UN Human Rights Prize, in June.