Book excerpt: This is the sixth annual review which assesses the effectiveness of World Bank programmes in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and related targets designed to address global poverty. This year's review finds that the organisation's programmes are consistent with MDG themes, but can be greatly enhanced by defining quantified, time-bound targets for poverty reduction and other development outcomes. Areas needing further attention include: helping clients to monitor and evaluate development outcomes, working to establish cross-sectoral strategies, and clarifying the role and objectives of itself and other partners. Above all, the World Bank needs to fully assess MDG implications at the corporate, country sector and global levels and to address the implications in its use of lending and administrative resources.