There are eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in total, set for the world to meet by 2015. They are aimed at reducing poverty and disease, and promoting international co-operation.

The goals are not just targeted at poverty. They also stress equality between men and women, sustaining the environment and tackling major killers like Aids and malaria.

Africa Live!, the BBC world Service's interactive radio programme for and about Africa, joined the debate on the MDGs.

It hosted two phone-in debate programmes, providing listeners with a forum to share the day-to-day experiences and issues that affect their lives.


Africa Live! debated the prospects and challenges of achieving the MDGs in Africa, specifically focusing on girls’ education. The special guest was Mark Malloch Brown, administrator of UNDP.


On this broadcast, Africa Live! debated: “Where will Africa be by 2015? - The big debate”.

The special guest was Salil Shetty, in charge of implementing the UN’s MDGs.

The October broadcast was part of the launch of “2015: Where will we be?”, a joint project by the BBC World Service Trust and the United Nations.

Africa Live! is on air Wednesdays, at 1630 and 1830 GMT. The potential audience is 19.7 million.