Transitioning from the MDGs to the SDGs

In 2000, 189 countries agreed on eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to end extreme poverty within 15 years. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) championed these goals, funded projects, helped countries accelerate progress, and tracked achievements.

Significant progress was made under the MDGs: the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day dropped by more than half, primary school enrollment increased significantly, life-saving HIV treatment expanded by over 15 times, and child mortality nearly halved.

Despite progress, over 800 million people still live on less than $1.25 a day, one in nine goes to bed hungry, deforestation remains high, oceans are acidifying, and many adults, especially women, are illiterate. These tough challenges necessitated new global commitments.

In September 2015, world leaders agreed on a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to continue and expand upon the work started with the MDGs. The world is more connected now, with a better understanding of balancing social progress, economic growth, and environmental protection.

Despite climate change and a growing global population, UNDP believes everyone can have their needs met within planetary boundaries. With 50 years of experience, UNDP is working towards the 2030 goals of eradicating extreme poverty, protecting the environment, and building a more prosperous, healthy, inclusive, and sustainable world.