In September 2000, the largest ever gathering of world leaders met in New York for the United Nations Millennium Summit. World leaders adopted the Millennium Declaration and committed themselves to achieving eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The rights of children lie at the heart of each of the MDGs, which outline a comprehensive and ambitious plan to deal with some of the world’s most pressing development issues.
As 2015 approaches – the date set for achieving the MDGs – there is a real possibility that the world will fall short of these targets and child rights will continue to be denied. Great progress has been achieved in many areas but for the Goals to be fully met requires adequate commitment, policies, resources, and effort.
The eight Millennium Development Goals are:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality
- Improve maternal health
- Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental sustainability
- Develop a Global Partnership for Development
