Introduction
The United Nations Millennium Report (2002), titled “We the Peoples: The Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century,” laid out a global vision for achieving human security in the new century. Prepared under the leadership of then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the report emphasized that security should not only be defined in terms of military strength, but also in terms of human development, freedom from fear, and freedom from want.
Understanding Human Security
Human security is a people-centered approach that focuses on protecting individuals from both violent threats and chronic deprivation. The UN Millennium Report promotes the idea that lasting peace and stability are only possible when basic human needs and rights are guaranteed for all.
Key Goals and Objectives of the Millennium Report (2002)
1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
- Reduce by half the proportion of people living on less than one dollar a day.
- Reduce hunger and undernutrition, especially among children.
2. Achieve Universal Primary Education
- Ensure that all children, especially girls, complete primary schooling.
3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
- Eliminate gender disparities in education and public life.
- Empower women to participate equally in governance and economic activities.
4. Reduce Child Mortality
- Reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds.
5. Improve Maternal Health
- Reduce maternal deaths by improving healthcare systems and access.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases
- Reverse the spread of major diseases that disproportionately affect the poor.
7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability
- Promote access to safe drinking water and reduce environmental degradation.
- Integrate environmental concerns into national policies.
8. Develop a Global Partnership for Development
- Provide aid, reduce debt, and create fair trade opportunities for developing countries.
- Improve access to technology and essential medicines.
Emphasis on Human Security
The report introduced the idea that security is multi-dimensional and should include protection from hunger, disease, and natural disasters—not just war. It pushed for a shift in policy from state-centered security to human-centered development.
Impact and Relevance
- Led to the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, which guided global development efforts until 2015.
- Laid the foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.
Conclusion
The United Nations Millennium Report of 2002 was a historic document that reshaped global priorities by placing human security at the center of international development. Its goals aimed to create a world where every individual lives in dignity, free from fear and want. The report remains a milestone in the journey toward peace, justice, and global cooperation.