MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Across the globe there is an imbalance of wealth and many people in poorer countries are suffering because of poverty, a lack of equality, and injustice. Although we are part of individual nations, it is important that we all take responsibility for people living all around the world. What happens in one country affects the rest of the world and every person, no matter where their born, deserves a good quality of life.

In 2001 189 UN countries agreed that nations living in extreme poverty need more help.  They came up with eight goals that they want to achieve by 2015. Developing countries will have to achieve these goals but will be supported by richer, developed countries, in the form of aid, trade, debt relief and advice. These goals aim to help development by improving social and economic conditions in the world’s poorest countries.

 TARGETS FOR 2015

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

This MDG aims to half the number of people living on less than $1 a day.

2. Primary education in all counties

Currently around 125 million children do not attend school.

3. Promote gender equality and the empowerment of women

Many women are still not being treated equally, particularly in education.

4. Reduce the death of children

This MDG aims to reduce the number of children dying under the age of 5. In Iraq alone one child dies every five minutes.

5. Improve the health of mothers

This MDG aims to reduce the number of women who die during childbirth.

6. Fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases causing death in the world

The aim here is to stop the spread of these diseases. The number of people currently  living with HIV/AIDS is over 40million.

7. Ensure the Protection of the Earth and its resources

This MDG aims to ensure that everyone has safe water to drink and stop the loss of environmental resources.

8. Create cooperation among countries for development

This goal aims to develop trade and increase aid for developing countries.