The Millenium Development Goals now
For we still, in 2011 have:
- Almost half the world live on less than $2.50 a day.
- Almost 1/6 people entered the 21st century unable to read or write.
- Over 2 billion people lack any clean or safe way of using a toilet.
- And countless other reflections of an unjust world.
For too many in this world the basic freedoms and rights that ought to be available to all, remain unattainable.
Eight goals for international development, 192 countries, 11 years: that’s some time and energy, but how much have the Millennium Development Goals really contributed to reducing global poverty?
“Will the same mistakes be made?”
The Millennium Development Goals were created in 2000 as a reflection of the need for a common framework to international development for governments, non-governmental organisations and civil society.
The ideals expressed were lofty and ambitious; the nature of a global framework for development at that time unprecedented. Yet it is clear to date that such idealised progress is yet to be made.
The Millennium Development Goals will come to an end in 2015, with no current framework yet ready to replace them.
Will the same mistakes be made? Or will the political leaders of the world create something effectual, to translate evidence of what works into action, and harness the energy created by the MDGs into bringing about human rights for all?
