The UN yesterday launched "Investing in Development", an impressive update on the global fight against poverty. The document tells a number of familiar tales: many indicators are improving globally; Africa is being left behind; and there are ample opportunities for progress in the next decade. With respect to AIDS, the report covers mostly old ground of the importance of 3x5, prevention programs, and scaling issues, without placing undue emphasis on the role of AIDS in global poverty. The document balances detail with clarity, provides many excellent tables, and is likely to be regarded as one of the most important blueprints for combating poverty in recent times.