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Articles and Papers on
the Millennium Summit and its Follow-Up
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The Millennium Summit and Its Follow-Up
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | Archived Articles
The Development Agenda after the 2005 Millennium+5 Summit (November 2005)
This briefing paper analyzes the outcome document of the Millenniun+5 Summit and the role of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The proposal to make ECOSOC a sort of “MDG Council” could contribute to strengthen the institution. However, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank still exert more power over global economic issues. (Global Policy Forum and Friedrich Ebert Foundation)
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) published the 2005 Human Development Report just a week before the Millenium+5 Summit. The release was intended to influence governments to promote a more incisive approach to development, aid and security policies. This briefing paper analyzes the report and agrees with the UNDP’s concern that in the current path towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the lack of distribution and social justice policies is leading to a “blind spot.” (Global Policy Forum and Friedrich Ebert Foundation)
This statement, made at the NGO Hearings of the General Assembly, addresses the state of Official Development Assistance (ODA) on the eve of the Millennium +5 Summit. While rich nations claim that increasing ODA is impossible due to budgetary constraints, Martens points out that global arms spending topped $1 trillion last year. Martens also criticizes the proposed International Finance Facility (IFF) because it does not incorporate the voices of poor countries, and he concludes that the only feasible way of implementing the IFF is in combination with global taxes as a means for refinancing.
In preparation for the Millennium+5 Summit at the United Nations in September 2005, this report details the progress, or rather the lack of progress, toward the eight Millennium Development Goals, and how large an effort is needed to achieve them. The report represents the most comprehensive accounting to date on how far the world has come toward achieving these goals. While some countries are on track to achieving the goals, Sub-Saharan Africa lags far behind and will require unprecedented effort and action. (United Nations)
This Global Policy Forum and Friedrich Ebert Foundation Briefing Paper examines Secretary General Kofi Annan’s UN reform agenda and notes that “for some, the initiatives are not sufficiently far-reaching, [yet] others view them as too radical and unsuitable to implement politically.” The paper criticizes Annan for his weak stance on alternative development financing, including global taxes on currency transactions. It also draws attention to the need for greater civil society participation in the preparations for the Millennium+5 Summit in September 2005.
After more than two years of work, the United Nations Millennium Project published its final report, “Investing in Development,” in January 2005. This Global Policy Forum and Friedrich Ebert Foundation briefing paper provides a more accessible analytical summary on the massive report and places it in a political context.2007
The Millennium Development Goals Report (2007)
This report marks the halfway point between the introduction of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their 2015 target date. The United Nations report shows that a few countries have made significant progress in some key areas. However, the world’s governments have a long way to go and the UN urges governments to exercise strong leadership and to scale up public investment to reach the goals. The UN also emphasizes that rich countries must make resources available to poor countries in a predictable way, allowing them to plan ahead to make the MDGs achievable.A Fork in the Road or a Roundabout? (June 15, 2007)
This Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) report reviews the UN Reform process from October 2003 until the High Level Summit in September 2005. It highlights the process’ shortcomings claiming that then UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, set the bar too high and that the member states achieved unsatisfactory results. Further disappointments include the lack of discussion on Security Council reform, exclusion of disarmament and non-proliferation, and inadequate representation of the global south in the discussions.International Aid and Economy Still Failing Sub-Saharan Africa (June 11, 2007)
This Share the World’s Resources article analyzes a UN report on Africa and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which revealed that sub-Saharan Africa will probably not achieve any of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The author argues that some African regions have improved their education, healthcare and agricultural productivity but that poverty in not decreasing at the same rate as before. Moreover, evidence shows that neoliberal policies adopted by the IMF, World Bank and WTO have failed in tackling poverty.2006
Quick Impact Initiatives For Gender Equality: A Menu of Options (July 2006)
This Levy Economics Institute working paper suggests that Quick Impact Initiatives (QIIs) can effectively and efficiently jump-start the third Millennium Development Goal of achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in low and middle income countries. Through immediate and low-cost initiatives such as free school meals, nutrition programs and campaigns to reduce violence against women, the author suggests that governments and donors can effect tangible results. Although QIIs do not solve long-term problems, they may build confidence in government and donor efforts, both from the aid recipients and those who donate.Promises and Actions: How Can Civil Society Monitor International and National Commitments (February 27, 2006)
CIVICUS explores the trend of NGOs in monitoring the accountability of national governments in realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). NGO coalitions have produced “shadow reports” in response to national MDG reports, which did not consult with civil society and overstated governments’ achievements. NGOs highlighted that monitoring informs mobilization, actively involves otherwise excluded groups, and keeps national governments actions transparent. Other monitoring initiatives have also emerged in areas including European aid watching.2005
Millennium Development Goals Are Failing (December 4, 2005)
Looking at figures from the ActionAid International report “Whose Freedom?,” this article argues that “the Millennium Development Goals are failing.” In 19 countries people did not experience any progress in terms of food access, health services and education and in some cases their conditions even worsened. According to the author, multilateral institutions and governments should stop promoting “free-market-obsessed” policies which prevent the achievement of such goals. (Asian Age)Summit Asymmetry: The United States and UN Reform (December 1, 2005)
The US approached the World Summit with diffidence because the Summit sought to strengthen the UN's future capacity. Washington was not concerned with the UN’s “structural deficiencies” but rather with allegations of corruption in the oil-for-food programme. The author suggests that the US does not want the UN strengthened and it wants any reform to be only on their terms. The US would rather “de-fang the beast, not give it more bite.” (International Spectator)MDGs Mask Injustice and Inequality in Latin America (November 2005)
By focusing on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), countries risk distracting from problems of injustice and inequality. This is particularly relevant for Latin America, the most socially unequal region in the world. Rather than endorsing neoliberal economic policies, governments must seek to achieve the MDGs “in a way that tackles injustice and inequality.” (id21)Foreign Aid Hike Too Little, Too Late for MDGs (October 14, 2005)
According to the UN report “World Economic and Social Survey 2005," if rich countries keep their promises, Official Development Assistance will increase to $130 billion by 2010. Many NGOs say that these additional funds will come too late, and poor countries will not reach the Millennium Development Goals. However, this article stresses that focusing the debate only on dollar amounts, distracts from the "systemic" problems in the global economy. (Inter Press Service)The Perils of UN Reform (October 10, 2005)
Contrary to many observers' criticisms, the Millennium+5 Summit was actually modestly successful, argues Stephen Schlesinger, of the New School University. Since its inception, the United Nations has "reformed itself" only when member states have shown sufficient political will. The outcomes of the +5 Summit simply follow this now-60 year-old pattern. (The Nation)Will UN Deliver? (October 9, 2005)
UN member states did not come to full agreement on all of the issues at the Millennium+5 Summit, concedes A.G. Doulian, the Russian Ambassador in Rwanda. Nonetheless, this "failure" was neither "tragic" nor "dramatic," Doulian maintains. Diplomats and world citizens should expect disagreements between countries, at a World Summit and otherwise. On a positive note, observers and stakeholders should welcome the Summit's committment to using the United Nations as the vehicle for overcoming these disagreements. (New Times – Kigali)Post-Summit Dilemma of Promises and Delivery (October 3, 2005)
In the aftermath of the Millennium+5 Summit, UN member states attempted to put the meager resolutions of the Summit outcome document into action. The G77 advocated for action on debt cancellation, agricultural subsidies and general implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. Meanwhile, conflicts between the US and EU led to a stalemate on many issues. (Inter Press Service)UN Millennium+5 Summit: Neither a Review Nor an Expression of Political Commitment (September 29, 2005)
This statement from African Civil Society questions the commitments of the world’s governments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in Africa. Analyzing three main sectors - aid, trade and debt - the group stresses that Africa was excluded from the negotiating process. If things continue this way, "the cost to Africa will be catastrophic."The Gangs of New York (September 26, 2005)
The disappointing outcome of the Millennium+5 Summit is not an indication of a “failure” on the part of Kofi Annan, or on the part of the United Nations as an entity. Instead, the shortcomings draw attention to the problem of disunity among the member states. The UN will have a difficult time rising above these divisions unless nations begin to focus more on the substantive content of world issues - rather than rhetoric - in international policy-making. (Der Spiegel)How 'Scientific' Are the Millennium Development Goals? (September 19, 2005)
Some economic analysts criticize the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) approach to development for their “significant uncertainty” in measuring progress. Meanwhile, supporters of the MDGs stress that the political value of such a campaign is more important than measuring figures. This article calls for a development strategy that would measure progress in both statistics figures and political commitments. (One World)It’s the Nations, Stupid! (September 15, 2005)
Despite US conservatives’ statements to the contrary, and the fact that many nations and NGOs expressed disappointment in the Millennium+5 outcome document, the 2005 World Summit was not a “make or break” moment for the United Nations. It was, however, an illustration of the brazenness and danger of US unilateralism. Nonetheless, “the United Nations will survive – because most of its members, and indeed most of the world’s people, want it to.” (openDemocracy)In Order to Redeem, the United Nations Must Be Redeemed (September 15, 2005)
UN Under Secretary General Shashi Tharoor, writing on the eve of the Millennium+5 Summit, acknowledges that “today’s [UN] reform imperatives can be traced to international divisions over the Iraq war.” Regardless, Tharoor maintains, reform efforts are wholly necessary. However, “the UN often falls short of its noble aspirations, since it…is a mirror of our world: it reflects our differences and our convergences, our hopes and aspirations, and our limitations and failures.” (Daily Star - Lebanon)Meet the Fakers (September 13, 2005)
The author warns that the UN Millennium+5 Summit could be “the greatest assembly in history – of hypocrites.” Not only is the US working to undermine social and economic clauses, but China and India, who should be leaders of the developing world, are also off track. The current summit framework risks breaking the promise made to the world’s poor at the Millennium Summit in 2000. (New York Times)A Limited UN is Best for America (September 11, 2005)
US conservative and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich weighs in on the UN reform debate. Gingrich makes no bones about the US strategy of pursuing “a fundamentally limited institution,” saying “failure…can be an option for the UN.” (Boston Globe)The Bolton Backfire: Weaken UN, Imperil Americans (September 8, 2005)
“Why is the Bush administration seemingly hurtling toward confrontation with the rest of the world in the lead-up to the World Summit in New York (…)?,” asks the Christian Science Monitor. As the UN “has very little independent existence of its own, and can only ever be as strong as the commitment it gets from its members,” many states fear that Washington’s obstinacy will undermine rather than strengthen the world body and result in “increased insecurity of everyone in the world.”The International Criminal Court and UN Reform (September 2005)
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court highlights how the Millennium+5 outcome document can affect the role of the ICC in international justice. The outcome document, widely supported by Secretary General Kofi Annan and the majority of the EU states, urges the ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC as a means to fulfill the "responsibility to protect," a principle at stake at the Millennium+5 Summit.UNdiplomatic (September 2, 2005)
This Washington Post editorial defends some of US Ambassador John Bolton’s revisions to the Millennium+5 draft outcome document. However, the Post calls Bolton’s diplomatic tactics in presenting the revisions “anything but statesmanlike.” The pettiness of many of Bolton’s revisions also means that he now risks “alienating US negotiating partners to score points over wordsmithing.”Nuclear Hypocrisy (September 2, 2005)
US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton intends to remove nuclear disarmament from the outcome draft document for the UN Summit in September 2005. This move to change the international framework on non-proliferation, is “part of the US’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy,” the Guardian article argues. Bolton's action is also a “hypocritical” attempt, which “legitimizes the possession of nuclear weapons by existing nuclear states,” while preventing others from acquiring them.No UN Reform Likely, Say Directors of Africa Policy Think-Tanks (August 28, 2005)
African experts agree that the African Union’s (AU) unwavering stance on Security Council reform is “tragic,” in that it will keep the AU from being a powerful lobbying force for issues of development and poverty eradication at the Millennium+5 Summit. The AU has firmly stood by the demand for permanent veto-power seats on the Security Council. Moreover, the AU’s lack of an “opt-out clause” makes it impossible “for individual African countries to act alone without being seen to be breaking ranks or dissenting.” (BuaNews)Britain Heads for Clash with US (August 27, 2005)
A spokesman for the British Foreign Office confirmed that the United Kingdom and the European Union stand behind the original draft of the Millennium+5 Summit Declaration. The statement pits the EU and UK directly against the United States, which, under the leadership of US Ambassador John Bolton, submitted hundreds of proposed amendments to the outcome document. Many NGOs and government officials have expressed concern that UN officials’ focus has turned to the controversy surrounding the editing process, rather than the important global issues at stake in the upcoming summit. (Guardian)The US vs The UN (August 26, 2005)
US ambassador to the UN John Bolton demanded 750 amendments to the draft outcome document for the UN Summit in September 2005. The US seeks to remove all references to the Kyoto Protocol, the International Criminal Court, and any suggestion that the nuclear powers should dismantle their arsenals. These radical changes show that Bolton “throws preparations for the summit into turmoil,” and is “far from being coy or cautious” in his relations with the UN. (Independent)Bolton Pushes UN on Change as US Objects to Draft Plan (August 25, 2005)
One week after disrupting the editing process by suggesting the UN draft outcome document should be edited line-by-line, US Ambassador John Bolton circulated a letter stating that “time is short,” and urging that the declaration be completed in time for the Millennium+5 Summit. These actions, and his recommendation to scrap more than 400 passages in the draft declaration, have led many countries and NGOs to speculate that the US is attempting to sabotage the reform process. (New York Times)Analysis of the Draft Declaration of the UN Millennium Development Goals Summit (August 2005)
In June 2005, China and the Group of 77 submitted a proposal for changes to the draft declaration for the UN Millennium+5 Summit. This World Development Movement report documents how the draft, issued by the General Assembly on August 5, 2005, largely ignores the recommendations of the G77 and China – who represent 76% of the world’s population.How the G8 Lied to the World on Aid (August 23, 2005)
The UN has described the forthcoming Millennium+5 Summit as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to take bold decisions.” But, this Guardian article says the draft outcome document of the meeting lacks a new development strategy, and does not differ from the old failed privatization and economic liberalization approach. The author also considers the G8 promises of debt relief and increased aid as false claims.UN Summit May Produce Weak Action Plan (August 22, 2005)
Both governments and NGOs doubt the strength of the stance taken on several major issues by the outcome document for UN reform. The concern arises over the United States’ recent decision to begin line-by-line revisions of the draft document, and the document’s stances on human rights and poverty eradication, which have increasingly weakened in each stage of the editing process. (Inter Press Service)US Sets Last-Minute Drive to Scrap UN Reform Plan (August 17, 2005)
A number of diplomats speaking on the condition of anonymity expressed unhappiness with the United States’ decision to scrap much of a draft plan for UN reform. The US move to “seek major revisions and line-by-line negotiations” on the document is particularly untimely, given that delegations planned to approve the draft at September's General Assembly summit. Many diplomats also expressed dismay at the US agenda which, in contrast to the the plan presented in the reform draft, focuses on antiterrorism initiatives at the expense of development policy. (Reuters)Changes in Revised Draft Outcome Document (August 5, 2005)
ReformtheUN.org has published the complete list of changes to the July 22 Draft Outcome Document that have appeared in the August 5 version.Showdown Looms on UN Summit Declaration (August 4, 2005)
According to Thalif Deen of Inter Press Service, the UN “is heading for a political showdown” as member states express antipodal criticisms of the General Assembly’s Draft Outcome Document. The Group of 77 (G-77), encompassing 132 developing states, would like to see greater focus on economic and trade issues, while the US has made clear that it wishes to curtail the development agenda. Also, the G-77 complains that there are no provisions for restructuring the International Monetary Fund or of the World Bank, while UN reforms threaten to “undermine the authority of the General Assembly” where “developing countries have a voice.”US Criticizes Draft of UN Reforms (August 3, 2005)
The US expressed sharp opposition to the General Assembly’s Draft Outcome Document for the September 2005 Summit, complaining that the blueprint “doesn’t focus on President Bush’s main concerns.” Among the faults listed, US officials disapprove of the excessively “long” section on development – which ironically is the intended focus of the Summit – and wish to shift discussion on “proliferation and terrorists getting their hands on weapons of mass destruction.” (Associated Press)UN Millennium Summit in Danger of Being Hijacked (August 2, 2005)
This Inter Press Service article predicts that debates on UN reform, peacekeeping, terrorism and human rights will eclipse the projected development theme of the upcoming Millennium+5 Summit in September 2005. With the Millennium Development Goals already far from meeting their 2015 target, further sidelining of the development agenda would damage the UN’s credibility, writes the author.Civil Society in Chile Sceptical about Reforms (July 26, 2005)
NGOs in Chile are dissatisfied with the slow progress made towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, and disapprove of the apparent shift in focus of the September 2005 UN Summit from development to UN reform and terrorism. Exponents of civil society also express resentment about the limited role the UN concedes to NGOs, explaining that “it is not possible to have an orderly world” without civil society’s cooperation. (Inter Press Service)Sub-Saharan Africa: The Human Costs of the 2015 "Business-as-Usual" Scenario (June 9, 2005)
If current trends continue, most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will fall short of their targets for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), according to this United Nations Development Programme report. This is the only region where the number of child deaths is rising. If the signatory countries can meet the MDGs, 28 million fewer children will die in Sub-Saharan Africa in the next 10 years, and there will be 219 million fewer people in poverty in the region.Unkept Promises: What the Numbers Say about Poverty and Gender (June 2005)
This report examines an extensive array of statistics to measure the current and projected status of world poverty, and how gender inequality should fit into development strategies. Focusing on various aspects of gender equity—women’s empowerment, gender and education, gender gap in economic activity and earned income—this document reports a grave global situation. The world has made only half the progress needed to meet the Millennium Development Goals and the gap between rich and poor is growing larger each year. The world must take action now in order to alleviate gender inequity and poverty in the next ten years. (Social Watch)Millennium Goals Not That Distant (May 2, 2005)
Despite the fact that few African countries are likely to meet all UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on time, the setting of targets has accelerated development in many areas. Uganda has reversed the spread of HIV/AIDS, Mozambique has succeeded in curbing child mortality and Tanzania is on track to provide safe water for all. Poor countries bear prime responsibility for achieving most MDGs, but they cannot make it if rich states fail to provide more and better aid, debt relief and fair trade terms. (Inter Press Service)New Resources for Development (March 2005)
Five years after the Millennium Declaration, it is clear that most countries will not be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals without an aggressive approach. This report from the International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CIDSE) recommends that developed countries promote a more equal distribution of global wealth through the cancellation of unsustainable debt, the dedication of a minimum of 0.7% GDP in aid, and the implementation of global taxes such as a currency transactions tax and an aviation fuel tax.UN Reform and the Millennium Goals 2005 (March 2005)
Noting that discussion on UN reform is frequently limited to Security Council expansion, Jens Martens summarizes the broad array of issues under debate ahead of the General Assembly’s plenary session in September. He evaluates governments’ commitments to realizing the Millennium Development Goals and examines the reactions and demands of non-governmental organizations. (Heinrich Böll Foundation)Oxfam Challenges Governments: Back Annan’s Vision, Save Lives (March 21, 2005)
Oxfam welcomes Kofi Annan’s report on UN reform and urges governments to support the Secretary General’s agenda at the “UN Millennium Plus Five Summit” in September 2005. The international aid organization sets out a list of actions it wants governments to take at the summit, which includes meeting the Millennium Development Goals, committing to an arms trade treaty and reaffirming state responsibility to protect civilians caught up in warfare.Benchmark for the 5-year Review of the Millennium Summit (March 10, 2005)
In this policy statement, Social Watch urges leaders of the international community “to take bold and decisive action” ensuring implementation of the Millennium declaration. The paper includes a comprehensive set of concrete actions to reduce poverty and inequality, decrease military spending, improve corporate accountability, make trade fair, and democratize international governance.Mission Possible: Can the Millennium Development Goals be Saved? (February 6, 2005)
Despite some alarming statistics that suggest it could take up to a hundred years to implement the “ludicrously optimistic” Millennium Development Goals, this Boston Globe commentator believes Jeffrey Sachs’ Millennium Project recommendations greatly improve their achievability.UN Aims to Cut Poverty in Half as Experts Wonder How to Measure It (February 3, 2005)
Halving extreme poverty by 2015 is a central objective of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. However, defining and measuring poverty is not only complicated, but it is also susceptible to political influence. Unless the World Bank takes measures to ensure the impartiality of its staff, meeting the poverty reduction target could involve more statistical manipulation than actual progress. (New York Times)Helsinki Process Proposes a G-20 Summit to Bridge North-South Gap (January 27, 2005)
Three reports from Helsinki Process Track Groups underline the need for global political leadership to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. The reports argue that the current G 7/8 is too narrow in its membership and propose a more inclusive regular summit of 20 heads of state. The Track Groups also recommend full cancellation of poor country debt, doubling aid and reforming global agricultural trade. (Helsinki Process on Globalisation and Democracy)UN Proposes Doubling of Aid to Cut Poverty (January 18, 2005)
Millennium Project head Jeffrey Sachs revealed an ambitious set of proposals designed to help the world meet the Millennium Development Goals. The report advocates for the doubling of aid to poor countries from a quarter of one percent of national incomes to a half of one percent. Human rights advocates have expressed concern that the recommendations do not adequately emphasize “the need […] to make deep political and social changes to reduce poverty.” (New York Times)
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