society because of tobacco���s very negative
health effects. I was deeply shocked to hear
that a company so heavily associated with
tobacco could get such an award. Since this
happened, UNDP has been reviewing its
rules and regulations to ensure this cannot
happen again. UNDP will not participate in
such awards in future unless it is assured that
such companies are excluded
You have been quoted as saying
���empowering and educating women is one
of the most effective means of controlling
the world���s growing population���. Can you
elaborate on this?
There is plenty of evidence now that the
more education a women has, the better
her own life prospects will be ��� through, for
example, delaying the age of marriage, and
enabling better spacing of her children for
her own health. More education for girls is
also associated later with their children being
healthier. Investments in opportunities for
women have multiple positive effects, and
are regarded as among the most effective
development investments.
What does it mean to you to be able to
raise $4000 for a charitable trust simply by
attending and addressing an event?
I���m always happy to help raise money for
good causes. If my attending and speaking
can help, I���m pleased!
Your work is followed by a growing
digital audience. How have Facebook,
Twitter and Youtube improved your ability
to communicate?
I wish these social media had been better
established during my time in politics.
Facebook and Twitter were still in their
relative infancy when I left New Zealand,
and they have grown exponentially since. I
find social media a very effective way to reach
out to global audiences, and convey a sense
of the importance of development issues and
the work I���m doing. They also enable me to
keep up with family and friends at home.
What can we as New Zealanders do to
support you in your current role and the
objectives you have?
The best way to support the work I am
doing is to be an advocate for the United
Nations and for support for developing
countries. Too often both are misunderstood!
Small countries like New Zealand need
the UN and need a strong rules-based
international order. Developing countries
can benefit enormously from the catalytic
and practical support UNDP offers.
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