The Millennium Development Goals
– a turning point in the fight against disparities, poverty and insecurity
The United Nations Millennium Summit in September 2000 marked a turning point in the fight against development disparities, poverty and insecurity.
Basing itself on the outcome of numerous UN conferences held throughout the 1990's it saw world leaders agree on eight goals for: reducing poverty, malnutrition and major diseases, for ensuring education health and equal participation and for protecting the environment.
They were called the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Why we need the MDGs?
Laid down in the Millennium Declaration and signed by 189 member states, it is anticipated that the setting of clear goals and targets will help individuals, groups, nations and international organizations to work together in a more focused and coordinated way and truly make a difference worldwide.
Why are the MDGs important for FYR Macedonia?
Since gained independence in 1991 and began the process of political and economic transition, many Macedonians have experienced a significant decline in their living standards.
Macedonia on its path towards long term sustainable development and EU integration has to define and find innovative ways of making it possible for all Macedonians to equally take part in economic, social and civil life.
The Millennium Development Goals, which the Macedonian government has pledged to achieve by signing the Millennium Declaration in 2000, offer FYR Macedonia an opportunity to find a path towards long-term development.
The MDGs – are for everyone
The MDGs offer the opportunity to every citizen and individual to voice their concerns and opinions. They can provide a platform for debate, consultation and discussion.
Achieving the MDGs on country level by 2015 is a challenging task and requires the concerted efforts of a broad range of actors including government representatives, policy makers, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, local communities and citizens.
In this effort the United Nations will continue to stand side by side with FYR Macedonia. The United Nations assisted in sharpening the discussion on the MDGs and helped to compile the country's first MDG baseline Report, which will map out a path to 2015.
MDG First Baseline Report
The first MDG baseline report aimed at assessing the current situation and the progress made towards achieving the eight MDGs by 2015. The report also made an attempt to provide linkages between the MDGs and EU integration which are both priorities for the country. The report demonstrated that while a series of achievements were made in different fields, problems still persist and require urgent addressing.
Report on the Progress towards the Millenium Development Goals 2009
