The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) refer to a set of eight global targets established by the United Nations (UN) in the year 2000, with the aim of addressing major societal challenges and improving the overall well-being of people worldwide. Serving as a framework for international development efforts, the MDGs encompass various dimensions such as poverty eradication, education, gender equality, health, environmental sustainability, and global partnership. These goals were intended to be achieved by the year 2015.
The eight goals set by the MDGs include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development.
The Millennium Development Goals aimed to create a more equitable and prosperous world by addressing disparities and inequalities prevalent in different regions and countries. They provided a unified vision and common objectives for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize and work towards, fostering collaboration and cooperation among nations.
While significant progress was made in several areas during the 15-year timeframe, the achievement of some goals varied across countries. After the expiration of the MDGs in 2015, successor goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were established to build upon the progress made and expand the scope of development efforts.
