Reducing poverty, promoting prosperity and protecting the planet

                          Keeping crop diversity is a way to help farmers deal with climate change.

United Nations development efforts profoundly affect the lives and well-being of millions of people throughout the world. They are based on the conviction that lasting international peace and security are possible only if the economic prosperity and the well-being of people everywhere is assured.

What are those development efforts?

The main ones are:

• The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
  
  
  In September 2000, world leaders committed their nations to 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be achieved by 2015. These goals range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education. To attain them the Secretary General has launched different initiatives, including the Zero Hunger Challenge.
• The agenda beyond 2015
  
  
  While those Goals have made a huge impact in the lives of millions, much remains to be done. The development agenda beyond 2015 will address continuing inequalities and new challenges facing people and the planet.
• Sustainable Development 
  
  
  Sustainability calls for a decent standard of living for everyone without compromising the needs of future generations. The UN is working with governments and civil society to shape an ambitious sustainable development framework and create the Future We Want. To get the latest information on these matters, visit the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.
  • Climate Change

  Sustainability also entails counteracting climate change, which dangerously affects all aspects of human existence. In order to fight it on the ground, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, has launched a number of initiatives, including Sustainable Energy for All. To find out more about them, visit our Gateway to the United Nations System's Work on Climate Change.