Nepal More Likely to Achieve Only Four Development Goals

A joint press statement by the UN Development Program and the government of Nepal revealed that Nepal is likely to achieve only four out of eight development goals. "Nepal is likely to achieve MDGs targets such as reducing the proportion of people below national poverty line, achieving 100 percent enrollment in primary education, reducing child and maternal mortality, and access to improved drinking water facilities," the press release stated.

However, targets related to achieving full and productive employment, reducing hunger (stunting and under-weight children) and improving the environment will be difficult to achieve, the release further stated.

The press statement also pointed out that extra efforts are required to ensure that progress is equitably distributed to reduce disparity between geographical locations and social groups.

"We have 1,000 days to close the gaps that remain for the Millennium Development Goals in Nepal -- 1,000 days to accelerate action," Terence D. Jones, UN Resident Coordinator said.