Americas Award for Excellence in Public Service 2008 will be presented to government officials from all over the region

Caracas, August 27, 2008. In order to recognize government officials from national and local governments which have implemented successful projects/best practices in one of the eight areas of the United Nations Millenium Development Golas, the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Atlanta announced in different countries the Americas Award for Excellence in Public Service. 2008.

Based on the areas of action of the United Nations MDGs, the Americas Award 2008 categories are described below:

Nominations for the Americas Award 2008 are open until September 8, 2008 and you can apply dy downloading the application form at www.cifalatlanta.org. The Jury Committee will evaluate the applications and will select those government officials who have successfully implemented projects towards the achievement of the MDGs. The Jury Committe will announce the winners on September 15. The winners will receive an air ticket to Atlanta to participate at the Americas Award Ceremony to be held on September 29th.

The selected projects and best practices will be disseminated throughout the Americas providing with valuable examples to other countries in the region on how to move towards the achievement of the MDGs.

CAF is a multilateral financial institution which supports the sustainable development of its shareholder countries and regional integration. CAF has 17 member countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization through appropriate training and research. UNITAR has its headquarters in Geneve, Switzerland and has offices around the world.

CIFAL Atlanta es a not-for-profit organization created by UNITAR as an International Training Center for the Americas. Its mission is to provide training to government officials, the private sector and civil society in support of the United Nations Millenium Development Goals. The CIFAL network has 12 offices around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.caf.com www.cifalatlanta.org www.sedi.oas.org

For more information: CIFAL Atlanta-Estrella Merlos Tel: 404-446-4174 Email:emerlos@cifalatlanta.org or awards@cifalatlanta.org