Are Poverty Reduction and Other 21st Century Social Goals Attainable?

Finds that the evidence is mixed. Some countries appear likely to achieve the poverty goal, while others do not. But the key message is that achieving these goals in the twenty-first century depends on the actions governments take today . Improvements in economic policy and in political practice are shown to bring poverty reduction within reach of most countries. Given the authors’ projections, however, a much greater effort will be required to achieve the target set for child mortality; action is needed now if these international goals are to be attained. [authors]