These children in Burundi enjoy the benefits of World Vision's community development work.

Need some good news? Don’t we all!

War, terrorism, and the plight of refugees could easily dominate our view of international news.

But we should also note obstacles overcome and milestones reached in the work to improve lives around the globe.

Lowering child death rates is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that have been targeted for global achievement. Big wins of the MDGs include 2 billion people rising above extreme poverty levels in the last 25 years and near universal primary education.

The global target for providing clean drinking water was achieved five years ahead of the 2015 deadline. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the MDGs is the global wherewithal to take on more challenges, which countries did in September 2015 by adopting 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Each goal has specific measures to meet by 2030 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Photo©2015 World Vision, Robert Coronado