The Millennium Development Goals Report 2012

"These results represent a tremendous reduction in human suffering and are a clear validation of the approach embodied in the MDGs. But, they are not a reason to relax." - Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations

This report presents the yearly assessment of global progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), highlighting several milestones. For example, the target of reducing extreme poverty by half has been reached five years ahead of the 2015 deadline, as has the target of halving the proportion of people who lack dependable access to improved sources of drinking water. Conditions for more than 200 million people living in slums have been ameliorated - double the 2020 target. Primary school enrolment of girls equalled that of boys, and there has been accelerating progress in reducing child and maternal mortality. The report is based on a master set of data compiled by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on MDG indicators led by the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The report concludes that meeting the remaining targets, while challenging, remains possible - but only if governments do not waiver from their commitments made over a decade ago. The second of the two separate excerpts from the report that follow - both of which have communication-related elements/implications - emphasises the importance of collaboration.

"Several recent media campaigns have demonstrated the potential of reaching large numbers of adolescents with HIV prevention messages to increase knowledge and to change behaviour. Such campaigns are especially effective if the messages are complemented with sexuality education and other communication content used with adolescents.

In Kenya and Zambia, a television drama told the stories of several friends as they navigated the turbulent waters of life, love and HIV in a Nairobi university setting. An evaluation found that 60 per cent of young people in Nairobi watched the drama, and 90 per cent of viewers reported changes in their thinking on HIV testing, concurrent relationships and stigma. The airing of a TV drama in Trinidad and Tobago also produced positive effects. In Ukraine, 1 million people tuned in to the December 2009 television debut of a film focusing on young people and their futures in a context of risky behaviour and drug use. An evaluation showed that 42 per cent of viewers intended to discuss the drama with friends, and that messages around unsafe sex were transmitted clearly."

"The MDGs have been a fundamental framework for global development. A clear agenda, with measurable goals and targets, and a common vision have been crucial for this success. There is now an expectation around the world that sooner, rather than later, all these goals can and must be achieved. Leaders will be held to this high standard. Sectors such as government, business, academia and civil society, often known for working at cross-purposes, are learning how to collaborate on shared aspirations."