No Poverty
Eradicating poverty is not an act of charity but one of justice, crucial for unlocking immense human potential. Despite this, nearly half of the world's population lives in poverty, with a lack of food and clean water claiming thousands of lives daily. By working together, we can feed the hungry, eliminate disease, and provide everyone with the opportunity to prosper and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Goal 1 is founded on the principle that poverty is not solely a lack of income but a structural condition driven by unequal economic systems, limited access to public services, weak institutions, and exposure to shocks such as conflict, climate events, and financial crises. It encompasses income poverty, food insecurity, inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare and education, and legal and social exclusion.
The goal seeks to address these challenges through measurable objectives including the eradication of extreme poverty, the reduction of national poverty rates, and the expansion of comprehensive social protection systems. Key topics include cash transfer programmes, minimum income schemes, universal access to basic services, fiscal redistribution, and resilience mechanisms for vulnerable populations, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Organisations such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and Oxfam play central roles in poverty measurement, policy support, and programme implementation. At the same time, smaller organisations including GiveDirectly, BRAC, and Trickle Up provide field-level evidence on social protection, livelihoods, and asset-based poverty reduction.
Achievements include significant reductions in extreme poverty in East Asia prior to 2020, driven by economic growth combined with social investment. However, recent setbacks linked to the pandemic, inflation, debt distress, and conflict have reversed progress in many regions. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October) and the World Bank–IMF Spring and Annual Meetings remain key calendar moments shaping policy debate. GSN documents how poverty outcomes increasingly depend on fiscal choices, debt sustainability, and institutional capacity rather than growth alone.
TARGETS
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. By focusing on these targets, meaningful action can be taken to create significant impacts across various areas. This approach encourages collaboration and collective efforts to address critical issues, ensuring that no one is left behind.
