ABSTRACT
This chapter critically examines the unfinished MDG agenda in South Asia in terms of several indicators of social development. While South Asia has achieved and even surpassed MDG targets for a few goals, significant challenges remain. By presenting a simple gap analysis in social development trends, the analysis highlights the fact that SDGs are not simply ‘warmed up’ versions of the MDGs but are dimensionally different in breadth and opportunity. The chapter makes the case that the SDGs represent an important departure from the partial human development agenda of the MDGs by guaranteeing a minimum, guaranteed level of socioeconomic and environmental well-being to every person on the planet. The discussion also offers an ex post facto critique of the MDG framework and evaluates the terrain ahead as the SDGs carry forward the unfinished MDG agenda in the first 7 goals in South Asia.
