Millennium Development Goals

In our world there are 1.2 billion people living on less than US$1.25 a day. This is known as 'extreme' poverty.

In 2000, world leaders agreed that this could be reduced by 50% within 15 years, if eight goals were met. These are known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In fact, all 189 UN member state governments adopted the Millennium Declaration, including the MDGs. This is known as a unique window of opportunity to change our world!

The eight Goals are:

• End Hunger – halve the proportion of people whose income is less than US$1 a day
• Achieve Universal Education – ensure boys and girls everywhere will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling
• Promote Gender Equality – eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education
• Reduce Child Mortality – reduce by two-thirds the under-five mortality rate
• Improve Maternal Health – reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio
• Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases – halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases
• Ensure Environmental Sustainability – integrate principles of sustainable development
• Develop a Global Partnership – develop an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminating trading and financial system

Each Goal includes specific measurable, time-bound targets. They are not perfect, and do not cover every aspect of poverty. But with some serious effort they are realistic and achievable.

We regard the MDGs as promises, or moral commitments to the poor, which our leaders have agreed. We believe every Christian should be engaged in these issues, as each affects those we regard as our neighbour, and our brothers and sisters around the globe. This is one of the reasons we encourage all our campaigns to get involved in the annual Stand Up campaign.

For more information on the Millennium Development Goals, and to track their progress around the world, visit the MDG Monitor.