The two-day meet, which will kick off on October 11, "will discuss ways that can put an end to development problems and work towards meeting the United Nations MDGs," a release by Bangkok-based UN Information Service said.

"High-ranking government ministers, policy makers, representatives of civil society, business leaders, academics and the media will come together during the MDGs' South Asia Forum slated for October 11-12," it said.

A Media Award will also be launched to recognise the important role that the media can play in creating public awareness of the MDGs.

Broadcast producers and journalists in print, radio and television media in the Asia-Pacific region can compete for the USD 7,000 winning prize and USD 2,000 runners-up prize.

Distinguished dignitaries including Kim Hak-Su, UN Under Secretary-General, Matthew Kahane, UN Resident Coordinator and Hafeez Rahman, ADR Deputy Director General, South Asia, will attend the meeting organised under the auspices of the tripartite initiative between the UNESCAP, UNDP and Asian Development Bank.