Get Involved: Millennium Development Goals Campaign
              (by Wojciech Gryc)

2005 is a milestone year for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It has been five years since the Millennium Declaration was signed, and it is ten years from the deadline of achieving the goals. There are eight major goals, which work together to fight poverty and ensure everything from universal primary education, curbing the spread of AIDS, and even creating an international network for development. More information on these goals can be found in our November 2003 issue.

Opinions on the benefits and shortcomings of the goals abound. Critics say the goals are not ambitious enough and allow developed nations to work with relatively easy goals, letting them focus on other issues. Those in favour of the goals, however, argue that the MDGs are the first time that governments, non-governmental organizations, and other players within the development community have come together and created a concerted, coherent, and achievable plan to work for the eradication of poverty and to help developing nations.

Of course, this only touches the tip of the iceberg in a debate that has seen dozens of research papers and books written on it. 2005 is a significant year in this debate and the achievement of these goals for many reasons. Aside from it being the fifth year in a fifteen year plan, the G8 Summit is taking place in Scotland this July, where organizations hope to have their voices heard regarding MDGs. Furthermore, September will see the UN Millennium Development Summit, where progress on the MDGs will be discussed.

While the MDGs are receiving a great deal of attention within the development community, those outside of it are not as informed. Whether or not successful, the MDGs will have a major impact on the world. While governments are supposed to represent people's opinions and decisions, few people can attest to an in-depth knowledge of the MDGs. When taken from a youth-based focus, the number may be even smaller. These goals will not affect the present, but the many years to come; it is up to today's young people to involve themselves in learning about and influencing development policy.

This is the goal of the Five Minutes to Midnight Millennium Development Goal campaign. This campaign will focus on raising awareness about the goals and promoting youth involvement in international development. To achieve our own goals for 2005, we will be publishing articles related to the MDGs within every issue this year. These articles will focus on everything from a general outline of certain goals to analyzing the positive and negative effects the goals may have on different societies. Development is a touchy and controversial issue, and we will allow readers to make their own informed decisions about the MDGs.

We have also started working with other organizations who have an interest in the MDGs, and will providemore analysis and details from different viewpoints about the goals. Our partnerships will also allow our writers to contribute to a wide range of publications and ensure that youth perspectives on the MDGs are respected and given attention around the world.

For those interested in getting more involved with regards to the MDGs or Five Minutes to Midnight, 2005 is a perfect year to start. Our MDG campaign is in need of many volunteers interested in writing articles or doing research and promotional work within their schools, universities, or home settings.

If you are interested in getting involved in development on an international level, send us an e-mail to feedback@fiveminutestomidnight.org.

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