World Vision Canada president, Dave Toycen, and World Vision International President, Dean Hirsch, recently met with United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon to discuss important global issues.

Among the topics of their meeting, they discussed the current humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and the need to get more aid, especially food aid, to people in need. World Vision has resumed some relief operations in Zimbabwe following a partial lift of the non-govermental organizations (NGO) ban by the government.

In regards to recovery efforts following the cyclone in Myanmar, which severely affected some 2.5 million people, Toycen, Hirsch and Ban discussed the challenges aid workers are facing in accessing people in need of relief. 

“I’m especially encouraged by the Secretary General’s interest and engagement in the concerns that we raised,” said Toycen. “Mr. Ban expressed appreciation for World Vision’s contributions to these critical humanitarian issues and assured us that he would follow-up.”  

On another note, Toycen and Hirsch provided the Secretary General with an update on what World Vision is planning for the United Nations High Level Event on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), taking place this September. At this event heads of state, NGOs and business leaders will discuss progress and challenges in achieving the MDGs. In particular, World Vision is focusing its efforts at that event on MDGs 4 and 5, which aim to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.