The Millennium Development Goals Report for 2014 is out. www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/MDG/english/UNDP_MDGReport_EN_2014Final1.pdf
The Report is in response to the wishes of the General Assembly for periodic assessment of progress toward the MDG's.
Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, brings to our attention that at this time, "Member States are now fully engaged in discussions to define Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will serve as the core of a universal post-2015 development agenda. Our efforts to achieve the MDGs are a critical building block towards establishing a stable foundation for our development efforts beyond 2015."
The United Nations Development Progam reviewed the Report, summarizing:
"This report examines the latest progress towards achieving the MDGs. It reaffirms that the MDGs have made a profound difference in people’s lives. Global poverty has been halved five years ahead of the 2015 timeframe. Ninety per cent of children in developing regions now enjoy primary education, and disparities between boys and girls in enrollment have narrowed. Remarkable gains have also been made in the fight against malaria and tuberculosis, along with improvements in all health indicators. The likelihood of a child dying before age five has been nearly cut in half over the last two decades. That means that about 17,000 children are saved every day. The target of halving the proportion of people who lack access to improved sources of water was also met."
"The concerted efforts of national governments, the international community, civil society and the private sector have helped expand hope and opportunity for people around the world. But more needs to be done to accelerate progress. We need bolder and focused action where significant gaps and disparities exist."
It is reported that 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. 11% of the population still do not have access to an improved source of drinking water. 14% of the people living in developing regions are undernourished. 162 million children are still suffering from chronic undernutrition. 58 million children are out of school (50% of them live in conflict-affected areas). A billion people still need to resort to open defecation. Every day, in 2013, 32,000 people had to abandon their home to seek protection from conflict.
Regional and country progress reports can be found at: MDG Reports | UNDP
Although analysis of the report point to the importance of intensifying efforts to meet all MDG targets (in times of conflict and slow world economic growth), much hope is gained from the MDGs showing that progress is possible, providing the platform for further action.
Let us hold a good thought close to heart, strengthening all that is being done to help prepare the way for a world of unity, justice and peace; a world in which the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (equality & resources for all of humanity) will be achieved with a Love to all and for all.