The story is not all bleak

REMARKABLE advances have been made before the economic landscape changed so radically in 2008.

Those living in extreme poverty in the developing regions accounted for slightly more than a quarter of the developing world’s population in 2005, compared to almost half in 1990.

Major accomplishments were also made in education. In the developing world as a whole, enrolment in primary education reached 88 percent in 2007, up from 83 percent in 2000.

Deaths of children under five declined steadily worldwide—to around 9 million in 2007, down from 12.6 million in 1990, despite population growth.

At the global level, the world came together to achieve a 97-percent reduction in the consumption of substances that deplete the Earth’s protective ozone layer, setting a new precedent for international cooperation.

Advances are most evident where targeted interventions have had an immediate effect, and where increased funding has translated into an expansion of programs to deliver services and tools directly to those in need.

This can be seen in the fight against malaria, in the dramatic reduction in measles deaths, and in the coverage of antiretroviral treatment for HIV and AIDS, which increased tenfold over a five-year time span.

These accomplishments demonstrate that the goals are within reach at the global level, and even in very poor countries.

Much to be done

The vision of a world without poverty must not be lost, even in these difficult times.

Efforts to provide productive and decent employment for all, including women and young people, must be revitalized.

The war against hunger must be embraced with renewed vigor, especially in the interests of our youngest citizens. In the countries hardest hit by the recent rise in food prices, measures to increase the availability of food are needed.

Work must be intensified to get all children into school, especially those living in rural communities, and eliminate inequalities in education based on gender and ethnicity, and among linguistic and religious minorities.

The target of eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005 has already been missed.

Greater political will must be mustered to reduce maternal mortality, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, where negligible progress has been made so far.

Rapid acceleration of progress is needed to bring improved sanitation to the 1.4 billion people who were doing without in 2006. At the present rate, the 2015 sanitation target will be missed.

Efforts to improve the living conditions of the urban poor must pick up speed and extend even further. Slum improvements are barely keeping pace with the rapid growth of cities.

Last, but by no means least, greater priority must be given to preserving the natural resource base.

The world has not acted forcefully enough to combat climate change; fisheries are imperiled; forests, especially old-growth forests, are receding; and water scarcity has become a reality in a number of arid regions.

Sha Zukang is the undersecretary general for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations.