Poverty Myth #17

Home > Know the Issues > Poverty Myths > Poverty Myth #17

FACT: The Millennium Development Goals focus on eradicating poverty, as well as other human development targets, by 2015.

In September 2000, at the United Nations (UN) Millennium Summit, 148 heads of State and Government adopted the Millennium Declaration, agreeing to ensure that the basic principles of human dignity are realized by all people. The Declaration reflects the importance of six fundamental values: freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility. Born out of the declaration and subsequent resolutions is a set of eight concrete, measurable Goals—aptly named the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These Goals aim to accelerate human development and end poverty by the year 2015.

As turmoil and conflict continue to afflict much of the developing world, achieving the MDGs has never been more important—or necessary—to attaining a peaceful, stable world. Right now, large-scale efforts for mobilizing support for the MDGs is a major priority of the international community, including the UN and other organizations, both private and public.

It is important to note that each goal is interrelated—the success of one depends on the success of the others. Critical to achieving each of the first seven MDGs, however, is Goal #8: strong partnerships at all levels–globally, nationally and locally–that can bring about change vital for ending poverty and discrimination.

Change will occur only when everyone – not just policymakers in government, but also individuals, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and the whole of civil society in both rich and poor countries – recognizes and accepts the significance of achieving the MDGs for the future well-being of society.

Poverty Myths

Poverty Myth #1: Are illiterate parents interested in sending their children to school?

Poverty Myth #10: Child labor, not education, helps families end the cycle of poverty.

Poverty Myth #11: By increasing per capita income, poor countries can become developed by 2015.

Poverty Myth #12: Modern medicine and technology have eliminated pregnancy- and birth-related deaths around the world.

Poverty Myth #13: Poor women do not benefit from microcredit programs.

Poverty Myth #14: Basic education does not help people living in poverty.

Poverty Myth #15: Increased food availability will reduce hunger caused by famines.

Poverty Myth #16: Raising incomes is the best way to reduce poverty.

Poverty Myth #2: If school is free, why don’t more children in poor countries attend?

Poverty Myth #3: Children do not attend school because it is too far away.

Poverty Myth #4: Societies and countries are poor because their populations are large.

Poverty Myth #5: Reducing birth rates in developing countries will end poverty.

Poverty Myth #6: Girls drop out of school because it is too hard for them.

Poverty Myth #7: Strict population control measures are the most effective way to slow down population growth in developing countries.

Poverty Myth #8: Indian children are malnourished because they do not have enough food.

Poverty Myth #9: Limited or no access to drugs is the single greatest impediment to stopping the AIDS pandemic.