More of the Same: Millennium Development Review Summit Focuses on Increasing Aid and “Empowering” Women

Grace Melton / September 27, 2010

Heads of state and global leaders gathered at the U.N. this week to bemoan a lack of progress on meeting many of the targets for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) originally outlined in 2000. With the notable exception of President Obama, those speaking at the summit generally ignored the evidence about what consistently works to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of individuals and families across the world: greater economic freedom and rule of law.

Instead, the discussions have focused on increasing foreign aid to countries and regions furthest from reaching the development targets. Donor nations and development entities have used this forum to announce new contributions aimed at reaching their pet goals: French president Sarkozy promised an additional $1.4 billion to the Global Fund to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, while the U.S. teamed up with Australia and the U.K. to announce a partnership with the Gates Foundation to increase funding for family planning programs. (more…)