What are the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
The Millennium Development Goals, (MDG) were declared in the year 2000 at the Millennium Summit where world leaders congregated and adopted the United Nations Millennium declaration. These ideals were further consolidated into eight main goals to be achieved by the year 2015. These eight goals are listed below
MDG 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
MDG 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
MDG 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality
MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health
MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
MDG 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
MDG 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
193 United Nation Member states have committed to achieve these targets set; this includes the 8 main goals, 18 targets and 48 indicators within this framework.
I hold equal importance on each and every one of these goals. Being focused on reproductive and sexual health, I do find myself focusing on MDG 3, 4 & 5. However my work does not end there. I work very closely with an amazing UK based charity CAREducation Trust that works mainly on achieving MDG 2. They work in developing regions to ensure children everywhere can access education.
These MDGs are not for the benefit for a few, they are for the advancement of the entire world. They may focus on those most disadvantaged and vulnerable, however it is through the advancement of these populations that progress and humanity can be measured. They are aimed to reduce the inequalities faced by so many. They help to give those without a voice a chance at a brighter future.
We can all do our part; we can place more emphasis on these goals. It cannot only be left to the world leaders, the population have at assist. Many organisations are focussing on some of these goals, as mentioned CAREducation Trust is one of them. The responsibility must be on all of us. I am an individual, I am a voice, I have the capabilities to assist simply with the passion and determination to help. I cannot stand by and watch the world suffer and live a comfortable life myself. I will make a difference. Through this website, we are raising awareness. Through my work, I fill focus on those less privileged and give them a voice.
Everyone can help, just take notice of those out there wanting to help others and support them.
Although the MDGs were aimed to be achieved by the year 2015, the world is very much behind and everyone needs to get involved to help reach these targets. The story of progress is varied between countries, some countries have reduced their mortality rates, others have had an increase in numbers of those that are without health care. Progress stories of MDGs 3, 4 & 5 will be coming soon. For more information please see the United Nations website.
Let all communities, all populations, all professions work together to ensure the world can be a better place for all. Humanity at its best.
References:
United Nations: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/mdgoverview/
CAREducation Trust: http://www.careducation.org/