Promoting Millennium Development Ideals: The Risks of Defining Development Down

Lant Pritchett and Charles Kenny

No 265, CID Working Papers from Center for International Development at Harvard University

Abstract: The approach of 2015, the target date of the Millennium Development Goals, sets the stage for a global reengagement on the question of "what is development?" We argue that the post-2015 development framework for development should include Millennium Development Ideals which put into measurable form the high aspirations countries have for the well-being of their citizens. Standing alone, low bar targets like the existing Millennium Development Goals "define development down" and put at risk both domestic and global coalitions to support to an inclusive development agenda. Measuring development progress exclusively by low bar targets creates the illusion that specific targeted programs can be an adequate substitute for a broad national and global development agenda.

Keywords: Millennium; Development; Targets (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-08
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Working Paper: Promoting Millennium Development Ideals: The Risks of Defining Development Down (2013)
Working Paper: Promoting Millennium Development Ideals: The Risks of Defining Development Down (2013)
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