Today, over the course of 500 minutes, the internet will be talking about the United Nations’ (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to raise awareness of MDG 500. Uniting partners around a common agenda to alleviate poverty, the UN is working with international governments and the private sector to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Here is what you need to know to be part of the conversation.

The MDGs are eight international development goals established in 2000, designed to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

UN member states committed to achieving the goals by the end 2015 – 500 days from today.

 

The MDGs tackle major global challenges, from preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS to providing primary education, all by the target date of 2015.

Each goal has its own measurements of success and specific dates for achieving those targets.

 

MDG 500 is a global conversation to raise awareness on the progress being made in achieving those goals.

Every hour from 9:00 AM ET to 5:30 PM ET communities across the globe will discuss each of the eight goals. Discussion will focus on progress made, as well as new and innovative solutions to these global challenges.

 

Over the next 500 days, until the target date is reached, supporters are coming together in a number of ways.

Follow the action at MDG500.org, or through Facebook and Twitter.