The Panel came together with a sense of optimism and a deep respect for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The 13 years since the millennium have seen the fastestreduction in poverty in human history: there are half a billion fewer people living belowan international poverty line of $1.25 a day. Child death rates have fallen by more than30%, with about three million children’s lives saved each year compared to 2000. Deathsfrom malaria have fallen by one quarter. This unprecedented progress has been drivenby a combination of economic growth, better policies, and the global commitment tothe MDGs, which set out an inspirational rallying cry for the whole world.