What are the MDGs?
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 189 nations-and signed by 147 heads of state and governments during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.
The Goals synthesise, in a single package, the most important commitments made by governments during the 1990's. They recognise explicitly the interdependence between growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development and acknowledge that development rests on the foundations of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and peace and security.
Unlike other commitments to fight extreme poverty, the Goals are based on measurable targets accompanied by indicators so progress can be monitored. The 8 Goals break down into 18 quantifiable targets that are measured by 48 indicators. (Click here for the full list of Goals, Targets and Indicators)
In 2001, in response to the world leaders' request, Kofi Annan presented the Road Map Towards the Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, an integrated and comprehensive overview of the situation. The road map has been followed up since then with annual progress reports.
The 2006 MDG report shows that some progress has been made. This should provide the incentive to keep moving forward. But as the the report also shows, there is still a long way to go to keep our promises to current and future generations.
Learn more
- The United Nations Development Program is on the ground in 166 countries, helping them develop national strategies for achieving the Goals and track progress.
- The MDG Youth Site educates and gives a voice to children around the world.
- The Millennium Campaign informs, inspires and encourages people's involvement and action for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.
