ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/6
Country: Arab region, ESCWA Member States, Global
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Inclusive development
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Addressing multidimensional poverty, Monitoring money-metric poverty
SDGs: Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, Goal 13: Climate Action
Keywords: Africa south of sahara, Arab countries, Basic needs, Central asia, Climate change, Consumption, Data collection, Discrimination, Economic forecasts, Economic growth, Education, Europe, Health policy, Household expenditures, Human development, Income distribution, Latin america and the caribbean, Measurement, North america, Policy making, Poverty, Poverty mitigation, Recommendations, South asia, Statistical data, Sustainable development, Wealth, Asia and the pacific, East asia, Equality, Government policy, Households
World poverty through a broader lens: Rethinking measurement and policy approaches
October 2025
Income-based poverty measures have failed to capture the full extent of global deprivation. New metrics show poverty is more widespread than previously believed. While income poverty declined from 1995 to 2024, over half the world’s population remains poor or vulnerable, with nearly 300 million living in destitution on less than US$1.50 a day.
Progress has been uneven; East Asia and the Pacific saw major gains, while poverty rose in the Arab region. Accelerating reduction requires aligned efforts, inclusive income-boosting policies, stronger international cooperation and support for the poorest countries. To measure poverty, a multidimensional approach, backed by robust data, is essential.
Related content
Inclusive development
Income-based poverty measures have failed to capture the full extent of global deprivation. New metrics show poverty is more widespread than previously believed. While income poverty declined from 1995 to 2024, over half the world’s population remains poor or vulnerable, with nearly 300 million living in destitution on less than US$1.50 a day.
Progress has been uneven; East Asia and the Pacific saw major gains, while poverty rose in the Arab region. Accelerating reduction requires aligned efforts, inclusive income-boosting policies, stronger international cooperation and support for the poorest countries. To measure poverty, a multidimensional approach, backed by robust data, is essential.
