The Millennium Development Goals were derived from the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted by 189 nations in 2000. Most of the goals and targets were set to be achieved by the year 2015 on the basis of the global situation during the 1990s. It was during that decade that a number of global conferences had taken place and the main objectives of the development agenda had been defined. The baseline for the assessment of progress is therefore 1990 for most of the MDG targets. For most of the indicators, 2004 is the last year for which comprehensive data are available.
Being well informed on the progress achieved since 1990 is crucial for the national governments and their development partners to implement targeted strategies to reach the 2015 goals.
At the global level, the Millennium Development Goals Reports contain the latest and most comprehensive figures available through improved data collection and monitoring worldwide. Similar data will be collected and presented each year until 2015, the target date for the Millennium Development Goals, in an effort to give further direction and focus to international cooperation and national action.
At the regional level, the progress reports produced by UNESCAP, together with UNDP and ADB, intend to provide government policy makers and other development stakeholders with the most comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the region's achievements towards the MDGs. They also offer a range of policy options for improving the region's prospects for meeting the goals.
At the national level, the National MDG Reports measure the progress towards the MDGs in a country. These reports highlight the policies and strategies implemented, the progress made, but also the difficulties encountered towards the achievements of the MDGs.
Latest Releases:
 | The Millennium Development Goals: Progress in Asia and the Pacific 2007 The Millennium Development Goals: Progress in Asia and the Pacific 2007 report is the latest in the Asia-Pacific MDG Study Series under the tripartite initiative between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This report is a midpoint review of the MDG progress in this region, with a special focus on countries and groups of people within countries that are "left behind" in achieving the goals. |
 | We are now at the midpoint between the adoption of the MDGs and the 2015 target date. So far, our collective record is mixed. The results presented in this report suggest that there have been some gains, and that success is still possible in most parts of the world. |
 | This report shows where we stand in 2006 in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The challenges the Goals represent are staggering. But there are clear signs of hope. |
 | The Millennium Development Goals: Progress in Asia and the Pacific 2006 This report is the latest update on the progress towards MDGs in Asia and the Pacific. By zooming in on specific indicators, the report highlights the region's achievements and exposes issues on which much work remains to be done. |
 | Millennium Development Goals Maldives Country Report 2005 This report is encouraging. It shows that the Maldives has already achieved the goal of halving extreme poverty and providing universal primary education. The country is also on course to reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. However, the remaining challenges of achieving environmental sustainability and gender equality can only be met with innovative and effective policies. |
 | Millennium Development Goals Progress Report 2005 Bhutan The MDG Report 2005 reveals that Bhutan continues to make significant and sustained progress in achieving the MDGs. However, there remain considerable challenging concerns for the country that could possibly impede sustained future progress towards the complete attainment of the MDGs by 2015. |
