The launch show positive advances made towards achievement of the MDGs, through a comprehensive review of successes, obstacles and gaps, challenges and opportunities.

Co-launched by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Danny Philip and the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Knut Ostby the report show good Progress on MDG 2: Achievement of universal primary education, MDG 4 : Reduction of child mortality and MDG 5: Reduction of maternal mortality.

The report suggests, however, that full achievement of MDG 3: Promotion of gender equality and empower women and MDG 7: Ensure environmental sustainability still require overcoming significant challenges.

Mr Ostby said, on MDG 3, the UN Joint Programme on prevention of Violence against Women is in the formulation stage. He acknowledged the close relationship United Nations and UNDP share with the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children's Affairs in realizing this important goal.

He also adds that Solomon Islands has recently been one of the largest recipients, and one of only three countries globally, to receive support from the Adaptation Fund for informed decision making on climate-related pressures on food production to advance MDG 7.

He said, with the recent launching of the Development Assistance Database, Solomon Islands will for the first time be able to more effectively track what funds are coming in, where and how they are being deployed.

Mr Ostby encourages all development partners to make full use of the Development Assistance Database, to effectively plan towards advancing MDGs.