*2 OECD/DAC "Development Partnership Strategy"

In May 1996, the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) adopted a document entitled "Development Partnership Strategy (Shaping the 21st Century: The Contribution of Development Cooperation)," which identified certain goals and objectives for development assistance in the 21st century. The document aims to improve the living standards of all humankind and sets forth concrete goals and schedules for the achievement of these goals. The specific goals are as follows: (1) by 2015, a reduction by one-half of the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, (2) universal primary education in all countries by 2015, (3) elimination of gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005, (4) reduction by two-thirds in infant mortality rates by 2015, (5) reduction by three-fourths in maternal mortality rates by 2015, (6) access to reproductive health services by 2015, (7) formulation of national strategies for sustainable development by 2005, and (8) reversal of the deterioration in environmental resources by 2015. The document states that cooperation between the advanced and developing countries is indispensable to the achievement of these goals, and emphasizes the importance of global partnership.