Sustainable development goals
The Millennium Development Goals Report 2015
The Millennium Development Goals Report 2015 is now available. This report is based on a master set of data that has been compiled by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Indicators led by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, in response to the wishes of the General Assembly for periodic assessment of progress towards the MDGs.
The United Nations MDGs galvanized the world to produce the most successful anti-poverty movement in history, helped lift more than one billion people out of extreme poverty, made inroads against hunger and enabled more girls to attend school than ever before. The MDGs prove that goal setting can lift millions of people out of poverty, empower women and girls, improve health and well-being, and provide vast new opportunities for better lives. However, despite remarkable gains, there is still more work to do to ensure the poorest and most vulnerable people are not left behind.
"The report confirms that the global efforts to achieve the Goals have saved millions of lives and improved conditions for millions more around the world, at the same time, we are keenly aware of where we have come up short" Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The report draws attention to climate change and environmental degradation that undermine progress achieved, and notes that conflicts remain the biggest threat to human development and the greatest obstacle to progress in achieving the MDGs.
The emerging post-2015 development agenda, including the set of sustainable development goals that will be adopted at a summit at UN Headquarters in September, strives to reflect these lessons, build on the successes and put all countries, together, firmly on track towards a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable world.
"As we reflect on the MDGs and set our sights on the next 15 years, I am confident that we can deliver on our shared responsibility to end poverty, leave no one behind and create a world of dignity for all" Ban Ki-moon
Read the full report here