New Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, affirmed the importance of the Millennium Development Goals in his first press conference since the Federal election.

When describing his post-election conversations with world leaders, Mr Rudd declared that climate change and the challenge of achieving the Millennium Development Goals were two key areas he wished to work on.

“I look forward, generally, to working with the British Government in the future on a range of foreign policy measures across the world. I note in particular Prime Minister Brown’s emphasis on both climate change and on the importance of achieving progress on the Millennium Development Goals, across the developing world.”

The UN Millennium Campaign welcomes Mr. Rudd’s commitment to the MDGs. Erna Witoelar, Special Ambassador for the MDGs in Asia and the Pacific, told reporters:

“PM-elect Kevin Rudd is good news for MDGs achievements and climate change solutions in the region. Australia has shown goodwill in improving their Goal 8 commitments by untying their aid, to Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and some Pacific countries and opening up more trade and job opportunities. I’m hopeful that Rudd’s leadership will continue to improve Australia’s aid and support for the MDGs.”

Mr. Rudd showed the sincerity of his commitment by recently announcing that Australia will join the Kyoto Protocol and encouraging other governments to follow Australia’s lead.