The last two decades have shown that it is possible to defeat the scourge of poverty. Progress has not been uniform across countries, and there have been setbacks and disappointments. But overall, the rate of progress in reducing poverty and in increasing access to basic health, education, water, and other essential services is unparalleled in many countries’ histories.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have provided an important motivational force and measuring rod for this progress. They were deliberately ambitious, and their achievement would require an unprecedented pace of progress in most countries. The fact that many countries are on track to achieve a significant number of the goals will transform the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people, and should be a sign of hope and a spur to action in others.