Millennium Development Goals
In September 2000, 147 heads of State and Government, and 189 nations in total, came together and adopted the Millennium Declaration. This declaration is a call for “freedom from want,” “freedom from fear” and “sustaining our future.”
The objective of the Millennium Declaration is to promote “a comprehensive approach and a coordinated strategy, tackling many of our world’s most pressing problems simultaneously across a broad front”.
Declaration Values
The declaration is founded on the following values:
- Equality
- Respect for nature
- Shared responsibility
- Solidarity
- Tolerance
To achieve this, the declaration offers a set of measurable goals and targets to combat the world’s most pressing challenges. These targets are the Millennium Development Goals. World leaders have promised to reach these goals by 2015, but we all have to work together to make sure they are met. Learn more about how you can take action to help.
“The stakes are high: If the Millennium Development Goals are met, an estimated 500 million people will escape poverty by 2015, 250 million will be spared from hunger; and 30 million children, who would not have lived past their fifth birthday, will survive.” –UNICEF
The Goals
The Millennium Development Goals are a promise to the world that a better future is possible for everyone. These goals empower millions of people with the opportunity to learn and grow. There are eight specific goals and four important themes: poverty, education, health and sustainable development.
Global Development Issues
Four core themes encompass the eight Millennium Development Goals. Each theme addresses two of the goals, as displayed in this diagram.
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Millennium Development Goals Chart
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