This Technical Background Paper, part of the Asia-Pacific MDG Study Series, elaborates on the need for good governance to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and eradicate extreme poverty. It argues that achieving the Goals is not simply about money. It is about removing physical, legal, financial, socio-cultural and political barriers to basic services for all, in particular for the poor and disadvantaged groups. This report presents a number of strategies for removing such barriers, including broadening the range of service providers to include the formal and informal private sector, civil society organizations and traditional institutions. Their involvement as service providers, however, requires a review and, where necessary, a revision of the framework that regulates the provision of basic services.

This paper embodies the collaborative efforts of the tripartite regional partnership of ESCAP, UNDP and ADB to ensure a common voice on the Millennium Development Goals in the Asia and the Pacific.

The Media Communications Association International, New York Chapter and the United Nations Department of Public Information are pleased to announce Stories from the Field, the Third Annual United Nations Documentary Film Festival.

Stories from the Field was founded in 2005 as the United Nations entered its 60th year. Its mission is to screen films that reflect the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

The producers and supporters of Stories from the Field embrace these goals and praise the historic vision that resulted in the founding of the United Nations.