10.2.4

The UN's MDGs & SDGs

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The Millennium Development Goals

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were set by the UN at the turn of the century to set targets to combat poverty.

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The MDGs

  • 1 - Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
  • 2 - Achieve universal primary education.
  • 3 - Promote gender equality and empower women.
  • 4 - Reduce child mortality.
  • 5 - Improve maternal health.
  • 6 - Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
  • 7 - Ensure environmental sustainability.
  • 8 - Global partnership for development.
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Aims of the MDGs

  • The MDGs were agreed in 2000 in a series of international conferences and summits.
  • Their aim was to fight poverty and combat a range of issues hampering human development.
  • A framework to coordinate development efforts was agreed.
  • It allowed assessment of the progress being made at a national level.
  • The overall goal was reducing the development gap between the poorest and richest countries.
  • 8 MDGs were agreed.

Progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Progress in the UN’s MDGs has been mixed in terms of individual countries, global regions and targets.

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Progress

  • In 2015, the UN stated that ‘considerable progress’ had taken place worldwide on all eight targets.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the region where most problems still occur.
  • Oceania is the second worst region for problems.
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UN Report quote

  • "Millions of people are being left behind, especially the poorest and those disadvantaged because of their sex, age, disability, ethnicity or geographic location. Targeted efforts will be needed to reach the most vulnerable people."
    • (UN Progress Report on the MDGs – 2015)

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, 17 SDGs were agreed by the UN to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change by 2030.

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The sustainability agenda

  • The SDGs and the broader sustainability agenda address the root causes of poverty and the universal need for a style of development that works for all people.
  • The focus is on the developing world and little is said about the contribution that might be made by the developed world, particularly in terms of aid.
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UNDP connections

  • The SDGs are also connected to the three strategic focus areas of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
  • These are:
    • Sustainable development.
    • Democratic governance and peacebuilding.
    • Climate and disaster resilience.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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