Symposium on poverty reduction, social development and the millennium development goals (MDGS) in Afirca organized by the ECA and the ADB: opening statement By H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi prime minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia

Abstract

This opening statement delivered by H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at the Symposium on Poverty Reduction, Social Development, and the Millennium . H. E. Ato Meles, on his remarks highlighted that, most African countries face similar challenges, We need to improve governance so that people in the rural areas participate actively and effectively in their administration and in the implementation of development programs. We have to quickly overcome our institutional inadequacies and create an institutional environment that is supporting of productive investment and which minimal to rent-seeking activity. There is plenty of blame to go around. The task, however is not to apportion blame but to get on with the task of achieving the MDGs. designing an effective development program is not as complex as rocket science.