"The last year held great promise for developing countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other development objectives. In early 2007, the world economy was still in its third year of exceptionally rapid growth, progress which has had a positive impact on poverty reduction in general, and on the performance of the least developed countries, in particular sub-Saharan African countries grew, on average, at more than six percent in 2007. Robust growth in a number of large developing countries, led by China, India and other members of the “emerging South,” gave further proof that rapid advancement towards reducing poverty and achieving the MDGs is possible."

Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator

"Globalization has fundamentally altered the world economy, creating winners and losers. Reducing inequalities both within and between countries, and building a more inclusive globalization is the most important development challenge of our time."

- Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator

This year’s edition outlines the new Administrator’s vision for UNDP. It focus on the importance of pro-poor policies for development, highlighting UNDP’s key role of working alongside countries to develop their capacities for healthier, better educated and prosperous communities. The report also reviews the outcome of the 2005 World Summit and detail UNDP’s support for UN reforms. The report showcases UNDP successes in the five practices as well as in the empowerment of women, South-South cooperation and building partnerships.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were drawn up during the Millennium Summit held in New York on 6-8 September 2000, and consolidated through the “Road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration: Secretary-General’s Report to the General Assembly” in 2001.
Human Development Index