At the beginning of the new millennium, world leaders
gathered at the United Nations to shape a broad vision to
fight poverty in its many dimensions. That vision, which
was translated into eight Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), has remained the overarching development
framework for the world for the past 15 years.
As we reach the end of the MDG period, the world
community has reason to celebrate. Thanks to concerted
global, regional, national and local efforts, the MDGs
have saved the lives of millions and improved conditions
for many more. The data and analysis presented in
this report prove that, with targeted interventions,
sound strategies, adequate resources and political will,
even the poorest countries can make dramatic and
unprecedented progress. The report also acknowledges
uneven achievements and shortfalls in many areas. The
work is not complete, and it must continue in the new
development era.