Due to the combination of high food prices, climate change and the impact of the international financial and economic crises, disparities in MDG achievement can be seen within and between countries.  This report identifies a concrete action agenda which informed the outcome of the World leaders’ MDG Summit in New York that took place in September 2010.  Based on a study of what has worked in 50 countries, it provides an eight-point MDG action agenda to accelerate and sustain development progress over the next five years.   The assessment found that the know how necessary to achieve the MDGs exist,  but progress requires a focus on proven strategies, policies and interventions and making a radical break with those that do not work.  The eight points focus on supporting nationally-owned and participatory development; fostering pro-poor, job-rich inclusive growth including the private sector; promoting government investments in social services like health and education; expanding opportunities for women and girls; increasing access to low carbon energy; encouraging the mobilization of domestic resources; and ensuring delivery on Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments.

Highlights

• Robust social protection and employment programmes: a national rural employment initiative in India, which guarantees a minimum of 100 days of work for landless laborers and marginal farmers with almost half being women, has benefited some 46 million households.
• Country-led development and effective government: Albania was praised for adopting a ninth MDG, reforming public administration, legislation and policies to promote accountability and enhance development results.
• Linkage between many of the MDGS: improving opportunities for women and girls and expanding access to energy, both have a multiplier effect on MDG progress.
• Supporting the diversification of livelihoods away from climate-senstive activities is an essential MDG strategy.
• Reductions in poverty and hunger occur when economic growth is job-rich and boosts agricultural production.