This report examines the progress made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2013 and outlines how to meet the goals by the agreed deadline of 2015. It is based on a master set of data compiled by an Inter-Agency and Expert Group on MDG Indicators led by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN Secretariat. The Group comprises representatives of the international organisations whose activities include the preparation of one or more of the series of statistical indicators that were identified as appropriate for monitoring progress towards the MDGs. A number of national statisticians and outside expert advisers also contributed.
Key Findings:
Several MDG targets have already been met or are within close reach.
- The proportion of people living in extreme poverty has been halved at the global level.
- Over 2 billion people gained access to improved sources of drinking water.
- Remarkable gains have been made in the fight against malaria and tuberculosis.
- The proportion of slum dwellers in the cities and metropolises of the developing world is declining.
- A low debt burden and an improved climate for trade are levelling the playing field for developing countries.
- The hunger reduction target is within reach.
Recommendations:
Accelerated progress and bolder action are needed in many areas.
- Environmental sustainability is under severe threat, demanding a new level of global cooperation.
- Big gains have been made in child survival, but more must be done to meet our obligations to the youngest generation.
- Most maternal deaths are preventable, but progress in this area is falling short.
- Access to antiretroviral therapy and knowledge about HIV prevention must expand.
- Too many children are still denied their right to primary education.
- Gains in sanitation are impressive—but not good enough.
- There is less aid money overall, with the poorest countries most adversely affected.
Attention should focus on disparities, which often stand in the way of further improvements.
- Rural-urban gaps persist—access to reproductive health services and to clean drinking water are two examples.
- The poorest children are most likely to be out of school.
- Gender-based inequalities in decision-making power persist.
Successful completion of the MDGs by 2015 must remain a global priority, creating a stable foundation for future development action.
