Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 189 nations-and signed by 147 heads of state and governments during the UN Millennium Summit in Sept. 2000.

The 8 MDGs break down into 21 targets ---- measured by 60 indicators. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Achieve universal primary education. Promote gender equality and empower women. Reduce child mortality. Improve maternal health. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Ensure environmental sustainability. Develop a Global Partnership for Development

Implementation of the MDGs In 2001, UN Secretary General presented the Road Map Towards the Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, It had an integrated and comprehensive overview of the situation, outlining potential strategies for action designed to meet the goals and commitments of the Millennium Declaration.

The road map has been followed up since then with annual reports The road map has been followed up since then with annual reports. In 2002, the annual report focused on progress made in the prevention of armed conflict and the treatment and prevention of diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Malaria. In 2003, emphasis was placed on strategies for sustainable development. In 2004, it was on bridging the digital divide and curbing transnational crime.

In 2005, the Secretary-General prepared the first comprehensive five-yearly report on progress toward achieving the MDGs. The report reviews the implementation of decisions taken at the international conferences and special sessions on the least developed countries, Progress on HIV/AIDS, financing for sustainable development.

Millennium Project The Millennium Project was commissioned by the UN Secretary-General in 2002, aims at proposing the best strategies for meeting the MDGs and at developing a concrete action plan for the world to reverse the poverty, hunger and disease affecting billions of people. Headed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the Millennium Project is an independent advisory body.

The bulk of the Project’s work has been carried out by 10 thematic Task Forces comprising a total of more than 250 experts from around the world. This included: researchers and scientists,-policymakers;representatives of NGOs, UN agencies, the World Bank, IMF and the private sector.

The Task Forces have conducted extensive research within their fields of expertise to produce recommendations for meeting the Millennium Development Goals. The office of MDG Project is at UNDP headquarters in New York.

UNDP supports MDG-based national development strategies **The UN System is helping countries improve their capacity to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). **To support this effort, UNDP and the Millennium Project have designed a comprehensive set of services to support MDG-based national development strategies. **These services focus on three pillars:

MDG-based diagnostics-- investment planning (technical, financial assistance needed to achieve the MDGs over the long term); Widening policy options and choices (different sectoral policy reforms and frameworks needed to accelerate growth with equity and promote long-term human development) Strengthening national capacity (enable effective service delivery at the national and local levels).

Partnerships Partnerships are particularly important for UNDP's work and for achieving the MDGs. The eighth MDG emphasizes on developing a global partnership network for development. This is essential at all levels-local, national, global-for the attainment of the other seven goals and the values and actions set out in the Millennium Declaration.

UNDP's partners include governments, other UN agencies, international financial institutions, bilateral agencies, the private sector and civil society. Across countries and regions, UNDP as the UN's global development network, uses its global presence to bring together partners from many different backgrounds to share expertise, launch joint ventures and develop long-term solutions.

Coordinating global and national efforts The MDGs provide a framework for the entire UN system to work coherently together towards a common aim. UNDP’s global development network on the ground in 166 countries is uniquely positioned to help advocate for change, connect countries to knowledge and resources, and coordinate broader efforts at the country level.

Campaigning & mobilization: Supporting, advocacy for the MDGs and working with partners to mobilize the commitments of society to build awareness on the MDGs; Analysis: Researching and sharing best strategies for meeting the MDGs in terms of innovative practices, policy and institutional reforms, means of policy implementation, and evaluation of financing options;

Monitoring: Helping countries report advancement towards the MDGs and track progress; Operational activities: Goal-driven assistance to support governments to tailor MDGs to local circumstances and challenges; address key constraints to progress on the MDGs.

Conclusion *No doubt MDG is one of the important indicator for development. *Since it’s a long term planning and we achieve a sure shot positive result. *As the follow-up and on-going policies keeps adjusting according to the requirements. *MDG are the foundation of sustainable development. thus, country will rise manifold.