The 2011 UN Millennium Development Goals Report finds that, despite setbacks from recent economic, food and energy crises, major progress towards the MDGs has been achieved. However, it indicates that progress has been unequal and the most vulnerable are left behind, noting disparities based on sex, age, disability and ethnicity, and between urban and rural areas.

There would appear to be some progress relating to poverty reduction, expanded opportunities for women, increased access to clean water, and reduction of deaths by malaria and HIV/AIDS incidence. At the same time, the report states that there is a need for further progress in empowering women and girls, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the most vulnerable from the effects of multiple crises.