MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, has released its 2012 annual report with a commitment to take an active part in the efforts of developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The agency also wants to explore elements for future international development cooperation to make a significant contribution toward achieving the common, interdependent goals of poverty eradication and environmental sustainability.

The report highlights activities the agency embarked on in 2012 across the world. According to the report, a total of 2,437 professionals from 103 countries participated in 117 study activities offered in Israel, while 3,309 took part in 73 on-the-spot courses (in host countries) offered in a total of 33 countries, including Ghana.

MASHAV experts were dispatched throughout the world on 98 short-term consultancies and humanitarian medical missions to 38 countries, and eight long-term experts served in MASHAV’s demonstration projects around the world in six countries.

In addition, MASHAV hosted 13 professional delegations and organised and participated in many international conventions around the world.

Head of MASHAV, Ambassador Daniel Carmon who in 2012 visited Ghana and held high- level meetings as well as visiting joint projects in the field of neonatal health and early childhood education, remarked that “since our inception in 1958, we have been sharing Israel’s development experience, approaches and know-how with developing countries around the world; striving to continuously update our programmes to ensure that results are obtained and the desired impact is felt by those who need assistance the most.

“We have consistently emphasised the importance of creating effective partnerships for development to share our know-how and first-hand experience with developing countries, and to deliver sustainable results.

“I can assure you that we at MASHAV will continue to explore elements for future international development cooperation to make our most significant and effective contribution toward achieving the common, interdependent goals of poverty eradication and environmental sustainability.”