Editorial: Poverty, Vulnerability and Resilience in a Post-2015 World

Abstract

Current statistical data suggest that there is mixed progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Some MDGs such as access to safe drinking water have already been reached at the global level (WHO/UNICEF 2012). However, such global success is largely due to overachievements by a few large developing countries such as China (UN 2012). In other countries progress is limited and this is especially so in Sub-Saharan Africa (Easterly 2009) and fragile and conflict affected states (UN 2012). Looking ahead, the global economic crisis (2007) may mark the end of a relatively benign era of strong growth, buoyant aid budgets and reasonable stability. Poverty reduction will then need to be pursued in a context of economic recovery, climate change, urbanization and demographic change. The MDGs can be considered successful in stimulating action at the international level and in many nations. Discussions about what should replace the MDGs post-2015 are in full swing. Should there be a new framework? If so, what should it include? What global process would produce it? How would local ownership of development processes fit with universal goals set by the United Nations? This special issue tackles key questions within international development policy and practice around the achievements, strengths and weaknesses of the MDGs. It also explores the kinds of policies, targets, and institutions that can support resilience and innovation in an increasingly uncertain world, and how alternative thinking and understandings of poverty can be incorporated in the MDGs post-2015. Finally, the issue looks at the global processes of deliberation needed to build political momentum, and the relationships between climate change and other shocks, poverty, and