Millennium Development Goals

International development was thrust into the spotlight today, with Nick Clegg representing Britain at a UN gathering on the progress of the Millennium Development Goals.

The goals, which include halving extreme poverty, improving maternal health and achieving universal primary education, were set out a decade ago with a deadline of 2015 for their completion.

However, progress has been slower than hoped for, with analysts citing a lack of political will to fulfil the commitments, particularly following the financial crisis.

World leaders, including Mr Clegg, are gathering in New York to review the progress so far and attempt to breathe new life into the process which many commentators view as stalled.