World Bank President Robert Zoellick pledged cooperation with the United Nations Friday after a review showed that many African countries may fail to meet targets set in 2000 to reduce poverty, child mortality, stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and bring education to all children by 2015, according to DPA. Zoellick attended a review session of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at UN headquarters in New York attended by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, African and European representatives. He said the World Bank will focus on the benefits of agricultural productivity through small scale operations as a way of contributing to poverty alleviation. He said the World Bank will also look into trade and aid issues. The UN has been reviewing progress to advance the MDGs worldwide and in Africa which, more than any other continents, appeared not on track to reach the targets by 2015. Zoellick said at least 17 African countries have had at least 5.5 per cent economic growth each year in the past decade while eight others have drawn big oil-derived revenues to bolster their economies. Many of the remaining African countries still suffer from the consequences or past military conflicts. A joint statement issued by the review session said, "We are deeply concerned that Africa as a whole is not on track to meet the MDGs by 2015." But it said some African countries have achieved enough progress mid-way to the 2015 date.
