As the world leaders wound up the MDG’s summit, there was a collective agreement that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) should become a priority for the governments concerned.  Initially, there was doubt that the MDGs could be achieved on time. However, after sharing success stories from some countries, Rwanda inclusive, that have registered remarkable progress, the element of doubt is fading away.

Achieving the MDGs requires political will and the determination of leaders. It is the citizenry that will benefit if the goals are achieved since they are designed to improve the people’s standard of living. Leaders should, therefore, be held accountable if they do not fulfill their responsibilities, many of which rotate around ensuring that their citizens have a better life.

While it is imperative that governments own the MDGs, there is need to formulate partnerships with the civil society, private sector and development partners.  The responsibility that ranges from mobilizing resources and raising awareness, right up to implementation should not be left to governments alone. Through collective effort, priorities can be jointly outlined, and all the partners would have a guiding framework to go by. With a common objective, hard work and determination among the partners, there would be no reason for the MDGs not to be achieved on time.

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