Ending poverty in all its forms is the first UN Sustainable Development Goal. Despite progress made over the past decades, too many people still live in extreme poverty. In 2022, approximately 9% of the global population lived below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day, representing hundreds of millions of people struggling to meet their basic needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic reversed years of poverty reduction progress, pushing millions back into extreme poverty. Achieving this goal requires comprehensive strategies that combine economic growth with social protection systems that support the most vulnerable populations.
Global Progress
Global extreme poverty rate (2022)
Workers living in poverty (2024)
Population covered by social protection (2023)
Adults with land tenure documents
Targets & Indicators
By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $2.15 a day (2017 PPP).
Key Indicator:
1.1.1 - Proportion of population below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status and geographical location (urban/rural)
By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
Key Indicator:
1.2.1 - Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age
Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
Key Indicator:
1.3.1 - Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and the vulnerable
By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance.
By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
Major Challenges
- •COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic reversed years of poverty reduction progress, pushing an estimated 70 million people into extreme poverty
- •Uneven Recovery: Low-income countries continue to lag behind in economic recovery, widening the global inequality gap
- •Climate Change: Extreme weather events disproportionately affect poor communities, destroying livelihoods and infrastructure
- •Conflict & Instability: Wars and conflicts continue to drive poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises
- •Projected Shortfall: At current rates, 575-590 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030
Recommended Actions
Expand coverage of social protection systems including unemployment benefits, pensions, child allowances, and disability support to protect vulnerable populations from economic shocks.
Promote pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies that create decent jobs, support small businesses, and ensure equitable access to economic opportunities.
Increase international development assistance, debt relief, and investment in low-income countries to support poverty reduction programs and infrastructure development.
Build climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to protect poor communities from environmental shocks and natural disasters.