Assessing the Odds of Achieving the MDGs
How many countries are on target to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015? How many countries are off target, and how far are they from the goals? And what factors are essential for improving the odds that off-target countries can reach...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Policy Research Working Paper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2012
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/main?menuPK=64187510&pagePK=64193027&piPK=64187937&theSitePK=523679&menuPK=64187510&searchMenuPK=64187283&siteName=WDS&entityID=000158349_20111004142534 http://hdl.handle.net/10986/3589 |
Summary: | How many countries are on target to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015? How many
countries are off target, and how far are they from the
goals? And what factors are essential for improving the odds
that off-target countries can reach the goals? This paper
examines these questions and takes a closer look at the
diversity of country progress. The authors argue that the
answers from the available data are surprisingly hopeful. In
particular, two-thirds of developing countries are on target
or close to being on target for all the Millennium
Development Goals. Among developing countries that are
falling short, the average gap of the top half is about 10
percent. For those countries that are on target, or close to
it, solid economic growth and good policies and institutions
have been the key factors in their success. With improved
policies and faster growth, many countries that are close to
becoming on target could still achieve the targets in 2015
or soon after. |
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