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MDGs in Bulgaria


At the end of 2008 Bulgaria has grounds for optimism in push for MDGs. The country is on track to implement a number of MDGs targets – and possibly exceed some of them. For instance, Bulgaria’s 2015 target for average monthly income is EURO 280 from a 2001 baseline of EURO 91. In 2007, Bulgaria’s average monthly income was already approximately EURO 190. Similarly, long-term unemployment – targeted for 7 per cent by 2015 – fell down to 6 per cent in 2005 and was already 3.9 per cent in June 2007, compared to 9.59 per cent in 2001. While some indicators, such as education and unemployment, are close to EU averages, others are well below.

The second national MDG Report published in September 2008, reviews progress towards the achievement of the MDG targets set in 2003 and re-formulates some of the sub-targets and indicators. The Report is written from the standpoint of a country that is transforming from a beneficiary of foreign aid to a provider of Official Development Assistance.

In the past fifteen years Bulgaria advanced its political, economic and social development as a result of national efforts and support from the international donor community. Together with other developed countries, Bulgaria will as of now contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in poorer countries by helping these countries to address major development issues. Bulgaria’s policy for cooperation with developing countries will adhere to the general principles laid down in the UN Millennium Declaration and the European Consensus on Development adopted in December 2005 as well as the OECD/DAC requirements with regard to ODA quality and quantity. The main development policy objective of the Republic of Bulgaria is eradication of poverty and associated issues, which prevent improvements in the quality of life in developing countries.
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pdf Millennium Development Goals in Bulgaria (61 KB)


Bulgarian Millennium Development Goals:

goal 1
 Goal 1: Halve extreme poverty and malnutrition

· Reduce poverty
· Reduce the unemployment rate

goal 2
Goal 2: Improve primary and secondary education

· Improve the net enrolment rate of the initial stage of primary education
· Improve the net enrolment rate of the junior stage of primary education
· Improve secondary education

goal 3
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empowerment of women

· Eliminate the income disproportion between men and women
· Ensure the participation of women in governance

goal 4
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

· Reduce child mortality
· Immunize all children up to the age of one year

goal 5

· Reduce maternal mortality
· Improve healthcare services for pregnant women

goal 6

· Prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS
· Reduce twofold tuberculosis cases

goal 7

· Integrate the principles of sustainable development into national policies and programmes; reverse environmental resources loss
· Reduce the proportion of people without access to drinking water and proper sewerage infrastructure

goal 8

· Create an environment conducive to foreign direct investment
· Maintain sustainable levels of foreign debt service



UNDP took the lead role in preparing the first national MDG report for Bulgarian in 2003. UNDP developed the report together with a wide group of stakeholders from the legislative and executive powers, presidential administration, NGOs, media, and representatives from academic circles, specialized agencies and organizations from the UN system. Nationwide promotional youth campaign lead to the preparation of the first national Youth MDGs Report “Eight Goals: Eight Insights". Young people’s stories on the Millennium Development Goals”. The report presents the youths’ opinions, thoughts and views regarding the challenges of the millennium – poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation, human rights.

The second national MDG Report  was prepared with a special focus on what it means for Bulgaria to participate in the achievement of Goal N 8 through providing Official Development Assistance and through participating in the EU Development Policy. UNDP, together with all UN agencies working in Bulgaria offered expertise and assisted its national partners in preparing the second national report on the UN Millennium Goals.

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