Over the last two decades more than 2 billion women and men have benefited from gaining access to improved infrastructure services. However, large numbers of people in developing countries still lack access to basic infrastructure services. Business as usual scenarios suggest that in 2030 the numbers without access will be just as large as they are today. This continued lack of access will constrain achievement of any development goals agreed for the post-2015 period. Given the previous neglect of the importance of infrastructure for economic growth and human development, it will be important to consider whether and how infrastructure should be incorporated into the post- 2015 goal framework. This paper reviews progress towards infrastructure targets under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (where there is one), trends in access to infrastructure services and key issues for infrastructure in achieving the post-2015 goals.

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