Based on a review of 50 country studies, this Assessment [1,311 KB]
finds that the resources and know-how necessary to achieve the MDGs exist. Acceleration of progress over the next five years will need to focus on continuing proven strategies, policies and interventions and making a radical break with those that do not work.
There have been noticeable reductions in poverty globally. Significant improvements have been made in enrolment and gender parity in schools. Progress is evident in reducing child and maternal mortality; increasing HIV treatments and ensuring environmental sustainability. While there are welcome developments in the global partnership, where some countries have met their commitments, others can do more.
At the same time that the share of poor people is declining, the absolute number of the poor in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa is increasing. Countries that achieved rapid reductions in income poverty are not necessarily making the same progress in gender equality and environmental sustainability. Lack of progress in reducing HIV is curtailing improvements in both maternal and child mortality. Moreover, attention to the quality of education and health services may have suffered in the rush to extend coverage.
MDG progress is also threatened by the combination of high food prices and the impact of the international financial and economic crisis. Economic growth declined in many countries, along with a reduction in foreign direct investment, remittances, as well as a fall in exports and tourist numbers, which led to significant job losses. Sustained poverty and hunger reduction is at risk because of vulnerability to climate change, particularly in the area of agricultural production. Weak institutional capacity in conflict and postconflict environments slows MDG progress. Rapid urbanization and growth in slum dwellings are putting pressure on social services.
Key messages
• This Assessment notes that there are important synergies among the MDGs - acceleration in one goal often speeds up progress in others.
• Policy commitments determine the success of the MDGs.
• Rapid poverty and hunger reduction is a result of high per capita growth driven by agricultural productivity, employment creation and equitable distribution of income, assets and opportunities.
• Rapid improvements can be made when supply-side investments in education, health, water and sanitation are supported by demand-side policies, mainly the elimination of user charges.
• Ensuring girls have unfettered access to health, education and productive assets helps progress across the MDGs.
• Targeted interventions, including social protection and employment programmes are key to MDGacceleration.
• Supporting the diversification of livelihoods away from climate-sensitive activities is an essential MDG strategy.
• Domestic resource mobilization is the primary source of sustainable MDG financing.
• The global partnership needs to make a greater effort at constituting a coherent international enabling environment.
The MDG Action Agenda 2010–2015
This Assessment presents the following complementary strategies and policies for MDG acceleration:
1. supporting country-led development and effective governance;
2. fostering inclusive and pro-poor economic growth;
3. increasing public investments in education, health, water, sanitation and infrastructure;
4. scaling up targeted interventions, including social protection and employment programmes;
5. investing in expanded opportunities for women and girls and advancing their economic, legal and political empowerment;
6. enhancing access to energy and promoting low-carbon development;
7. accelerating domestic resource mobilization to finance the MDGs;
8. ensuring the global partnership creates an enabling environment for the MDGs, particularly delivering on ODA commitments.
The MDGs continue to provide the road map for reducing poverty and hunger, saving children and mothers from premature death, providing sustainable and decent livelihoods, and preserving the environment for future generations. Meeting that commitment is not only a moral imperative, but reflects a mutual interest to live in a stable and prosperous world.
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