This issue has a different structure from previous issues. Instead of looking at one particular topic, we have chosen to focus on the eight Millennium Development Goals. The eight Millennium Development Goals were agreed together by 189 nations in September 2000 with the Millennium Declaration of the United Nations. They were agreed as achievable and were seen as the best way of tackling issues of poverty around the world. They represent an enormously encouraging step for the world.
A huge amount of information about the Millennium Development Goals has been written for governments, donors and NGOs. However, there has been little effort to make these goals relevant to the lives of ordinary people. In 2005, with ten more years remaining to meet the goals, a major review of progress is being made.
This issue looks at the Millennium Development Goals in Footsteps style. The goals and their progress to date are explained. Each goal has targets. We share some very practical ideas that we could all use to help progress towards achieving these ambitious targets and goals. Though Footsteps rarely emphasises access to funding from donors (as we are know how difficult this is to get), there has probably never been a better time to look for support for your work if it ties in with one or more of the Millennium Development Goals. These goals represent a wonderful opportunity for Christians to work together towards a more equal world where everyone has a hope and a future.
Most countries will have their own MDG report published. Readers can ask for information about what their own government is doing to meet the MDGs. Are there any new activities that readers could begin in their communities to work towards achieving these goals?
Isabel Carter