Five years from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) deadline, there is growing debate on how to accelerate progress in human development - particularly around the 2010 MDG review process. Historically, progress in development has been seen in terms of economic conditions. A more complete understanding of development is captured by the MDGs, which include indicators for health, gender equality, education and the environment. This paper argues that promoting equity in human development by reducing the gap between the haves and the have-nots will accelerate progress towards the MDGs.