In 2000, world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which were aimed at raising the standard of living in the developing world. Among other things, the eight goals called for cutting by half the number of people worldwide who live on less than $1 a day, achieving universal primary school literacy, ending gender discrimination in primary and secondary education, reducing child mortality by two-thirds, improving maternal health and making significant inroads in the fight against infectious diseases.

In a midterm report released recently, the United Nations concluded that progress has been spotty. Much more needs to be done to realize MDG objectives: The last eight years are proof that business as usual will not do the trick.

Progress has been made. Between 1990 and 2005, the number of people living in extreme poverty has fallen from 1.8 to 1.4 billion; the goal of reducing it by 50 percent in 2015 can still be achieved. Ninety-percent primary school enrollment has been achieved in all but two of the world's 10 regions. Deaths from measles have been cut by one-third, and deaths from AIDS and tuberculosis are falling worldwide. More than 1.5 billion people now have access to clean drinking water, and essential medicines are spreading in the poorest countries. Developing countries have cut in half their spending to service national debt.