The world was dramatically different when the MDGs were adopted in 2000. The geographic distribution of poverty and global growth has shifted, the private and public sectors are engaged in development debates as never before, and policy-makers are linking development more closely to other global challenges, such as climate change and human security. Whatever framework for global action follows the MDGs, it must reflect the fast-changing world in which we now live. The UN commitment to the development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), following on from the Rio + 20 Conference on Sustainable Development , creates a further challenge: how to bring these two global norm-setting projects (MDGs and SDGs) together to form a coherent whole.

Our work

ODI’s Development progress stories have showcased the achievements of specific countries as they push towards the MDGs, helping to change the global debate around development goals and targets. We are now supporting the development of new goals by reviewing evidence, providing analysis and ideas, and spearheading public debate.

ODI is closely involved in the UN’s emerging post-2015 process, with a regular seat at the table for key consultative meetings. In addition, ODI is the only think tank invited regularly to the Japanese government’s informal Post-MDGs Contact Group. 

We work with Beyond 2015, an international campaign by more than 100 NGOs and academic institutions to influence the post-2015 planning process. And we have created Post2015.org and the @post2015 Twitter account: two new resources for ideas and debate on what follows the MDGs.

ODI is kick-starting a discussion on how the private sector could be involved in the dialogue on a post-2015 global development framework; private-sector behaviour that could be encouraged through such a framework; and incentives to embed this behaviour long-term.