A stark reality of global poverty has been unveiled in a recent report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The report, released in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), paints a sobering picture: over 1.1 billion people across the globe are enduring extreme multidimensional poverty. This translates to roughly 14% of the world’s population grappling with a lack of access to essential resources and opportunities, impacting their overall well-being.
The report, titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024’, highlights the devastating impact of conflict on poverty rates. The authors found that poverty levels are three times higher in countries embroiled in war, underscoring the dire consequences of conflict on human development. Notably, 2023 witnessed the highest number of conflicts around the world since World War II, further exacerbating the global poverty crisis.
Children bear the brunt of this crisis, accounting for over half of the 1.1 billion individuals living in extreme poverty. The report indicates that a staggering 584 million children under the age of 18 are experiencing poverty, representing 27.9% of the world’s children. This stark reality stands in stark contrast to the adult population, where only 13.5% face extreme poverty.
The MPI, launched in 2010, measures poverty across multiple dimensions, including access to housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition, and education. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate picture of poverty than traditional income-based measures.
The report emphasizes that Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia bear the heaviest burden of poverty, accounting for a staggering 83.2% of the world’s poorest people. Notably, India, with its vast population, has the largest number of individuals living in extreme poverty, with 234 million out of its 1.4 billion population affected. Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo follow closely, collectively accounting for nearly half of the 1.1 billion people living in poverty.
Sabina Alkire, director of the OPHI, expressed deep concern over the impact of conflicts on poverty reduction efforts. “At some level, these findings are intuitive. But what shocked us was the sheer magnitude of people who are struggling to live a decent life and at the same time fearing for their safety – 455 million,” she said.
The report underscores the urgent need for international action on multiple fronts. Reducing poverty requires sustained efforts to provide access to basic necessities, while simultaneously fostering peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. “This points to a stark but unavoidable challenge to the international community to both zero in on poverty reduction and foster peace, so that any ensuing peace actually endures,” Alkire added.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing humanity. Addressing global poverty requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, encompassing economic development, social justice, and conflict resolution. Only through concerted international efforts can we hope to alleviate the suffering of millions trapped in the cycle of poverty and build a more equitable and just world.