Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal aim of the Sustainable Development Goals. This ambitious goal, set by the United Nations, aims to lift people out of extreme poverty and ensure a better quality of life for all individuals. Extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than US$3.00 per person per day at 2021 purchasing power parity, has witnessed remarkable declines over recent decades. However, despite these improvements, there are still 808 million people – or 1 in 10 people – living in extreme poverty as of 2025. This is a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done in order to achieve this crucial goal.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The first goal, to eradicate extreme poverty, is at the heart of the SDGs and is crucial for achieving the other goals. Extreme poverty not only affects individuals and families, but it also has a ripple effect on communities and societies as a whole. It hinders economic growth, limits access to education and healthcare, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Therefore, eradicating extreme poverty is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
The good news is that we have made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty over the past few decades. In 1990, almost half of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty. By 2015, this number had dropped to less than 10%. This remarkable achievement is a result of various factors, including economic growth, improved access to education and healthcare, and targeted poverty reduction programs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to reverse these gains, pushing millions of people back into extreme poverty. This is why it is crucial to redouble our efforts and work towards eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030.
To achieve this goal, we need a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and targets the most vulnerable populations. This includes investing in education and skills training, promoting inclusive economic growth, and ensuring access to basic services such as healthcare and clean water. It also means tackling issues such as gender inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion, which often perpetuate poverty.
Governments, international organizations, and the private sector all have a crucial role to play in this effort. Governments must prioritize poverty reduction in their policies and allocate sufficient resources towards achieving this goal. International organizations must continue to provide support and assistance to developing countries, particularly in times of crisis. The private sector can also contribute by creating job opportunities and investing in sustainable development projects.
Individuals can also make a difference by supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards eradicating poverty. This can include volunteering, donating to charities, or advocating for policies that promote poverty reduction. Every action, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of those living in extreme poverty.
Moreover, eradicating extreme poverty is not just about providing material resources. It also involves empowering individuals and communities to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves. This can be achieved through education, skills training, and promoting equal opportunities for all. When individuals have the tools and resources to lift themselves out of poverty, they can become agents of change in their communities and contribute to sustainable development.
In conclusion, eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is an ambitious but crucial goal. It requires a collective effort from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and individuals. We have made significant progress, but there is still much work to be done. Let us continue to work towards this goal with determination and optimism, knowing that every step we take brings us closer to a world where extreme poverty is a thing of the past. Together, we can make this pivotal aim of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality.
