Global Agenda to End Poverty, A

"Debate and awareness about the MDGs has not trickled down to public opinion...without the pressure which comes from public accountability, these commitments are less likely to be achieved..." - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2004.

The World Bank's Data Group and National Geographic have undertaken a partnership to raise awareness of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by producing and disseminating a large-format, full-colour wall map highlighting progress toward the goals. The map was produced to respond to a lack of knowledge among the general public about the MDGs; a survey conducted for the European Commission found that 88% of respondents in 25 European countries had never heard of the MDGs.

Designed to serve as an informative tool to increase understanding of the MDGs among all audiences, it is particularly focused on educating secondary school students about the substance of the MDGs and what is needed to meet them. (The map is large format, designed for use in classrooms). Side One shows gross national income (GNI) per capita on a map of the world, as well as child mortality graphs, and a simple explanation of the goals. Side Two shows population density across the world, with vignettes of success from various regions, and various regional perspectives. Data is based on World Development Indicators, published by the World Bank's Data Group. References to World Bank and UN-sponsored websites on the MDGs are also indicated on the map.

The map is available in sets of ten; it will also be distributed to the World Bank's Public Information Centers in several countries. The World Bank is seeking partners to develop dissemination efforts (e.g., printing, distribution and translation) in different countries and regions, primarily to schools.