United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched on 7 July the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) report 2014, which presents the most comprehensive global assessment of progress under the eight goals to date.
Based on data provided by a large number of international organizations within and outside the United Nations system, the report states that many MDG targets have been already met, including those related to reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary school.
The MDG report also notes that many more targets are within reach by their 2015 target date. If trends continue, the world will surpass the MDG targets for malaria, tuberculosis and access to HIV treatment, and the hunger target looks within reach. Other targets, such as access to technologies, reduction of average tariffs, debt relief and growing political participation by women, show great progress.
