Educational Media Reviews Online

In 2000, the United Nations set forth eight Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs) or targets to improve the global standard of living by 2015:

1. Cut extreme poverty
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality
4. Reduce child mortality by two thirds
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat AIDS, malaria, and TB
7. Reach environmental sustainability
8. Form a global partnership for development.

This documentary, the first in the 27-part Life 4 series, briefly discusses the problems addressed by the eight goals and the obstacles that thwart their achievement. It emphasizes that there is an urgent need for personal commitment on the part of tax payers and political commitment from wealthy nations. Attainment of these goals would mean the realization of the “dream of multilateralism” whereby nations share a common vision and sense of responsibility. The film, however, concedes that without debt relief for developing countries, an increase in foreign aid, timely introduction of new technologies, and a reduction of the threat of terrorism, the goals are not likely to be met.

Perhaps the most striking feature of this documentary is its diverse representations of the eight goals and their corresponding crises throughout Asia and Africa. For example, the film shows children forming “street schools” in India, AIDS prevention measures in Bangladesh, and the need for maternal care in Kenya. These representations cement the fact that this condition is a global emergency.

Millennium Goals is highly recommended as an outstanding, well organized film outlining the noble pursuits to curtail global poverty. Because of its relative brevity, it may leave upper level audiences wanting more. It is perhaps best suited for high school audiences or for those who want a brief introduction to the Millennium Development Goals and the barriers to their fulfillments.