Access to electricity remains far from adequate, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, where as much as 74% of the population remains without electricity. This is one area that needs urgent attention by means of a global partnership between the public and private sectors.

Clearly, there are many gaps that still need to be addressed between the Millennium Goals and reaching the established targets. With the current global economic recession, it is however very unlikely that the 2010 targets will be met, and at least unlikely that the goals for 2015 will be met. However, it is encouraging that an effort is made to improve the situation, despite the financial difficulties experienced across the world.

Despite the gloomy projections in terms of meeting the overall goals, the UN report also cites considerable success in terms of countries using their debt relief for the benefit of their citizens. Tanzania for example used debt relief for its 2002 abolishment of primary school fees, building new classrooms, and new schools. Nigeria and Mozambique respectively used their debt relief towards local poverty reduction, vaccinations, and access to electricity. Kenya increased a more effective malaria drug via public health facilities.

The MDG Monitor (2007) also published a favorable report concerning Yemen's efforts towards achieving the Millennium Goals. Specifically, the country has been working closely with the UNDP in order to establish a partnership for the reduction of local poverty and building infrastructure. Yemen has also established a national development strategy, begun in 2006, which takes much of its inspiration...

The Monitor cites the example of Kenya, where the global Growing Sustainable Business initiative has been established by means of ten partnership projects. In Kenya, this means that business projects are created, with job opportunities increasing; hence reducing poverty.
The project mentioned above have doubtlessly contributed much towards reaching the millennium goals. However, the projected target dates for reaching these goals are far from being realized. In the light of the recession specifically, I do not believe that it is possible to reach the 2010 goals. Even the 2015 targets are likely to be a challenge.

In the current political and economic climate, it should be recognized that the UN goals and targets may need to be revised in order to create a more realistic schedule for poverty reduction and global partnership. Such a partnership is vital in order to ensure that global poverty is reduced and opportunities created. In general, the UN program has resulted in great benefits, and will continue to do so, with the necessary attention to scheduling problems.

Sources

UN Department of Public Information. (2008, Sept). End Poverty 2015: Millennium Development Goals.

http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/2008highlevel/pdf/newsroom/Goal%208%20FINAL.pdf

MDG Monitor (2007). Develop a Global Partnership for Development: Success Stories. http://www.mdgmonitor.org/story.cfm?goal=8