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One Planet: Kofi Annan on broken promises and social unrest

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Kofi Annan on broken promises and social unrest

23/09/2010

BBC World Service - One Planet, Kofi Annan on broken promises and social unrest

Former UN chief Kofi Annan slams broken government promises and fears rising social unrest

Ten years in progress, five years to go - time is running out for the world to achieve its Millennium Development Goals. 

This week leaders gathered in New York to discuss the final push, but One Planet headed to another global city - Geneva - to meet one of the original architects of the MDGs, Kofi Annan.

In a wide ranging interview, the former UN chief tells Mike about the success of the MDGs, but also his frustrations at governments who fail to deliver on their promises. "Governments go public with amounts that they are giving, they get lots of publicity in the press, but the money never really comes through," he says.

Mr Annan also touches on population, the need for the UN to reform, and his fears of further social unrest if the gulf between the rich and the poor is not narrowed. "We cannot expect to live in a world where some people have immense wealth and you have extreme poverty living side by side and not expect some sort of a reaction."

Also in the show, we hear from Italy, a country with one of the poorest records on overseas aid, plus we have a reason to be cheerful from Ghana. 

As ever, tune in, have a listen and let us know what you think. Email the team on oneplanet@bbc.com, or join us on Facebook, the link's below.

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