The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of eight international development goals established by the United Nations (UN) in the year 2000. These goals aimed to address various global challenges and improve the living conditions of people around the world. The MDGs were to be achieved by 2015. Here is a list and description of each goal:
1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger: The goal was to reduce the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from hunger by half. This involved implementing social protection systems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving access to basic services.
2. Achieve Universal Primary Education: The objective was to ensure that all children, regardless of gender, have access to quality primary education. This goal aimed to increase enrollment rates, improve educational facilities, and promote gender equality in education.
3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women: This goal focused on eliminating gender disparities in education, employment, and political representation. It aimed to empower women and girls, promote their rights, and reduce violence and discrimination against them.
4. Reduce Child Mortality: The target was to reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds. This involved improving healthcare services, increasing immunization coverage, and addressing malnutrition and preventable diseases.
5. Improve Maternal Health: The goal aimed to reduce maternal mortality by three-quarters and ensure access to reproductive healthcare services. It focused on improving prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and access to family planning.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases: This goal aimed to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other major diseases. It involved providing access to treatment, prevention, and education, as well as promoting research and development for new treatments.
7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability: The objective was to promote sustainable development and protect the environment. This goal focused on addressing climate change, preserving biodiversity, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and promoting sustainable energy sources.
8. Develop a Global Partnership for Development: This goal aimed to enhance international cooperation and support for developing countries. It involved providing debt relief, increasing aid flows, promoting fair trade, and improving access to affordable essential medicines.
These goals were succeeded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which built upon the progress made under the MDGs and expanded the scope of global development efforts.