Supporting the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

In September, 2000, the member nations of the U.N. made a commitment to work toward a world in which eliminating poverty and sustaining development would have the highest priority. They agreed to 8 U.N. Millennium Development Goals, each with specific targets until 2020. This September, in the 60th anniversary year of the U.N., 191 member nations met at the 2005 World Summit to assess the progress made over the past 5 years, and look ahead to the next 15 years.

The Millennium Development Goals are:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Develop a global partnership for development.

"The Achievement of Goals 1-7 depends to a great extent on Goal 8," explains Sister Philo Morris, who has worked at the U.N. since 2001. Sister Philo has a Master's Degree in Law, and Bachelor's Degrees in Law and Commerce. This June, she was an active participant at hearings concerning Goal 8 and Financing for Development.

The U.N. received 1,000 participant applications for the hearings, and Sister Philo was one of 230 chosen. "It was indeed a great honor and recognition for Medical Mission Sisters to be selected, and an acknowledgement of our participation at the U.N.," she says. "There was a positive feeling among participants, as many areas that will make our world a better place were addressed."

As we celebrate United Nations Day on October 24th, we hope and pray for the day when the Millennium Development Goals are achieved, bringing health and healing for all. To learn more, please visit: www.un.org/millenniumgoals and www.un.org/summit2005

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