UN My World survey shows top priorities of global citizens

MANILA, Philippines - After a successful My World survey global rollout, around 560,000 citizen voters from 194 countries have collectively voiced out the top three trending issues that need to be prioritized: good education, better healthcare, and an honest and responsive government.

This was announced in the Philippines during the United Nations-hosted goodwill luncheon held recently. “Access to water and sanitation” and “nutritious and affordable food” were also perceived by people as being of key importance to improving their lives.

My World is the UN global survey launched earlier this year, which aims to gather what people think should be the priorities for the next development agenda after the Millennium Development Goals expire in 2015.

The event was attended mostly by social media influencers and bloggers, and included media personalities Reema Chanco and Charie Villa and Globe ambassador JP Alipio.

They were cited for their continuing contribution in generating awareness about My World and creating viral discussion threads on development issues and priorities among Filipino social media users.

In the Philippines, survey results showed that more than 36,000 people, mostly youths, participated in the survey, thus placing the Philippines fifth overall in country participation.

Filipinos put good education on top of the list, followed by healthcare, job opportunities, affordable and nutritious food, honest and responsive government, water and sanitation, and protection from crime and violence, out of 16 priority options.

“My World is still ongoing and we invite all Filipinos to participate and let their voices resound among world leaders, when a new global development agenda will be decided by the UN General Assembly in September 2013,” UN resident coordinator Luiza Carvalho said during the event.

“The role of bloggers and our social media advocates is especially invaluable now, when the survey builds momentum around the world, and when a strong complement to this campaign through online discussions of the issues can be spearheaded by our social media advocates,” she added.

The successful run of the My World Survey in the Philippines was also attributed to the government agency-partners that strongly supported the rollout: the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Philippine Postal Corp. and Boy Scouts of the Philippines, along with corporate and media partners.

My World may be accessed online at www.myworld2015.org.