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The Power of Numbers: A critical review of MDG targets for human development and human rights

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Abstract

Fukuda-Parr and Yamin explore the effects of global goal setting on international development agendas and thinking. They present a condensed synthesis of the “Power of Numbers” project, an independent research initiative, led by them, and involving 17 scholars. The project analyzed the influence of MDGs and associated indicators on policy priorities and development narratives, their diverse incentives, and both intended and unintended consequences. The authors recommend that both positive and negative lessons from experience be kept in mind in the design of the post-2015 agendas.

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Notes

  1. Income poverty declined rapidly and the target has already been met as a global aggregate. However, this ‘progress’ must be seen in the light of the fact that much of the gains are accounted for by China. World Total without China would not be on track to achieving the 2015 target.

  2. Initially the only target until the second target of universal access to reproductive health services was added in 2005, and the respective indicators were added in 2007.

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Authors
  1. Sakiko Fukuda-Parr
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  2. Alicia Ely Yamin
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Additional information

Argues that while quantitative targets (e.g., the MDGs) are powerful as communication tools and benchmarks, they are not a substitute for policymaking or prioritizing

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Fukuda-Parr, S., Yamin, A. The Power of Numbers: A critical review of MDG targets for human development and human rights. Development 56, 58–65 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1057/dev.2013.8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/dev.2013.8

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