Ban expects photojournalism to help U.N.'s anti-poverty campaign

By Lee Chi-dong NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that "powerful and haunting" images displayed at a press photo exhibition on the Millennium Development Goals demonstrate the importance of U.N. efforts to reduce poverty, hunger and disease around the world. He said the event, co-hosted by the U.N. and South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, is expected to provide a boost to the U.N. campaign despite widespread pessimism about its success. "Time is running out on our 2015 deadline. Now is the moment to sprint to the finish. Now is the time for all partners to come together, including the private sector, civil society and governments," Ban said at the tape-cutting ceremony for the exhibition at U.N. headquarters. "That is why I am so grateful that Yonhap is using the power of photojournalism to push for progress," he added. In 2000, the U.N. member states adopted eight anti-poverty goals, called the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), to improve women's and children's health and reduce poverty, hunger and disease by 2015. Ban said the poverty rate is declining, education improving and progress evident in the battle against disease. "But we have a long way to go. Too many mothers still die in childbirth. Too many children still die before their fifth birthday. Too many people -- nearly a billion -- still go to bed hungry every night," he said. "Some people say that we can never achieve the MDGs by 2015. I strongly reject this passivity and pessimism. With political will ??? with financial resources ??? and with action by all partners, we will achieve the MDGs," he insisted. He added he will continue to carry this message through next June's Rio+20 Summit. Yonhap recently hosted an international press photo contest with the theme of the MDGs for the purpose of enhancing public understanding of the initiative. A total of 34 photographs selected from 5,536 entries will be on display in the visitors lobby of U.N. headquarters until Sept. 8. It marks the first time that a South Korean news outlet has organized such an international press photo event abroad under the auspices of the U.N. The exhibition started on Aug. 10 in Seoul. The U.N. leader attended the opening ceremony while in Seoul. "I was deeply moved by these powerful and haunting images. I am pleased that this exhibit will travel the world. Wherever it goes, people will see why the MDGs are so important," said Ban, former South Korean foreign minister. "To end poverty, hunger and illness -- to expand opportunity, equality and hope." He added, "These winning images have universal value. They communicate immediately and equally to all people."