MDGs Monday: Millennium Development Goal 1

Every Monday over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – eight goals established in 2000 by world leaders gathered at the United Nations.

These goals form the world’s “to-do list” to give millions of vulnerable people the opportunity to stay healthy, get an education, and build a better life for their families.

This week we’re kicking off by highlighting MDG 1. Here is what you need to know:

What is it?

Millennium Development Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger

Target 1.A: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than $1.25 a day.

Target 1.B: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and young people.

Target 1.C: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

How are we doing?

Important progress has been made: Extreme poverty has been cut in half, and the proportion of undernourished people decreased from 23.6% in the period of 1990–1992 to 14.3% in 2011–2013.

But we have more work to do: 1.2 billion people still live on less than $1.25 per day and 1 in 8 people today remain hungry.

This is unacceptable. Join us in supporting the UN in building #MDGmomentum.