Eradicating Poverty by 2030: Global Ambitions and Local Realities within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Aug 1
6 min read

Author: Alex Martinez

Affiliation: Independent researcher

Abstract

This article explores Sustainable Development Goal 1—No Poverty—as outlined by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda. It assesses the global context of poverty reduction, key development targets, the socioeconomic and policy challenges faced, and the tools that can support transformation. Special attention is given to the roles of social protection, inclusive technology, disaster resilience, and pro-poor policy frameworks. The article also highlights the multidimensional nature of poverty and concludes with recommendations to enhance equity and sustainability on the path toward a poverty-free world.

1. Introduction

The ambition to eliminate poverty has existed for centuries, but it was only formalized globally with the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and subsequently the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Among these, Sustainable Development Goal 1—"End poverty in all its forms everywhere"—serves as the cornerstone of global development. This goal reflects a universal acknowledgment that poverty is more than a lack of income; it is a condition that affects access to education, health, justice, employment, and dignity.

Despite major improvements over the past few decades, more than 700 million people still live below the international poverty line. The COVID-19 pandemic, regional conflicts, climate-induced disasters, and rising inflation have collectively stalled or even reversed progress in many parts of the world. Understanding the mechanisms of poverty and designing inclusive, systemic responses are crucial for achieving SDG 1 by 2030.

2. SDG 1: Targets and Focus Areas

SDG 1 consists of several specific targets and measurable indicators that emphasize both income and non-income dimensions of poverty. These include:

1.1: Eradicating extreme poverty, defined as living on less than USD 2.15 per day.
1.2: Reducing by at least half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
1.3: Implementing nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.
1.4: Ensuring that all people have equal rights to economic resources, property ownership, access to basic services, technology, and financial services.
1.5: Building the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate-related and economic shocks.
1.a: Mobilizing resources from a variety of sources to support poverty eradication programs.
1.b: Creating pro-poor and gender-sensitive policy frameworks at all levels.

These targets are structured to go beyond income and emphasize inclusion, empowerment, and resilience.

3. Current Global Landscape

The world made significant progress in reducing poverty between 1990 and 2015. However, since the adoption of the SDGs, the pace of progress has slowed. Factors such as pandemics, political instability, environmental degradation, and economic inequality continue to pose obstacles.

In low- and middle-income countries, progress is often uneven. For instance, while urban areas may experience rapid development, rural regions continue to lag behind due to poor infrastructure, lack of market access, and limited state presence. Furthermore, poverty is increasingly concentrated among children, women, and people with disabilities. In some regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, the number of people living in extreme poverty has actually increased in recent years.

Global financial commitments also remain insufficient. Development assistance and public spending on essential services often fall short, especially in areas with weak governance structures or high debt burdens. The 2030 goal of ending poverty is at risk without dramatic changes in policy and international cooperation.

4. The Multidimensional Nature of Poverty

Poverty is not only about income; it also encompasses the lack of education, poor health, food insecurity, inadequate housing, limited access to clean water and sanitation, social exclusion, and vulnerability to violence and disasters. This understanding has led to the development of multidimensional poverty indices, which combine several indicators to offer a fuller picture of deprivation.

For example, a family with income above the national poverty line may still live in overcrowded conditions, have no access to healthcare or schooling, and be excluded from the labor market. Such conditions suggest that poverty persists in complex and often hidden forms. Addressing this requires coordinated efforts across sectors.

5. Key Strategies and Pathways

5.1 Social Protection Systems

One of the most effective tools in combating poverty is social protection. This includes pensions, child benefits, disability support, unemployment insurance, and food subsidies. Countries that have implemented universal or targeted social protection schemes have seen measurable reductions in poverty and inequality. Social safety nets also serve as buffers during economic crises, natural disasters, and pandemics.

However, coverage remains low in many developing countries. Extending such systems to informal workers, rural populations, and marginalized groups is essential.

5.2 Inclusive Technologies and Digital Solutions

Technological innovation can be a powerful driver of poverty reduction. Mobile banking, digital identification systems, and online marketplaces have expanded economic opportunities for people previously excluded from formal systems. In agriculture, for example, access to mobile weather forecasts and pricing information can improve productivity and income.

Nonetheless, digital divides remain stark. Without investment in infrastructure, digital literacy, and regulatory frameworks, technology could deepen inequality instead of reducing it.

5.3 Resilience to Shocks

Resilience—the ability to anticipate, absorb, and recover from shocks—is critical for poverty reduction. Climate change, pandemics, and political conflicts often hit the poorest hardest. Integrating resilience into national development plans means investing in early warning systems, sustainable infrastructure, disaster insurance, and community-based adaptation strategies.

For example, coastal regions prone to flooding can benefit from resilient housing design, protective mangrove ecosystems, and financial support for relocation if needed.

5.4 Inclusive Policy Frameworks

Governments play a key role in setting priorities and allocating resources. Pro-poor and gender-sensitive policies help ensure that vulnerable groups are included in national development efforts. This requires participatory governance, decentralization, and data systems that capture the realities of marginalized communities.

Transparency, accountability, and strong institutions are essential to delivering the promise of SDG 1.

6. Regional Example: Central and Eastern Europe

Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Czechia offer a valuable case study in poverty dynamics. Following political transitions in the 1990s, these countries faced sharp increases in unemployment and income inequality. However, targeted investments in education, housing, healthcare, and rural development—combined with European Union support—led to significant poverty reduction over the past two decades.

Nonetheless, challenges remain for ethnic minorities, particularly Roma populations, and for low-income pensioners. The region's experience underscores the importance of combining economic growth with social equity.

7. Role of Private Sector and Global Partnerships

Poverty eradication is not the responsibility of governments alone. The private sector can drive inclusive growth through responsible investment, ethical supply chains, and financial inclusion. Public-private partnerships can support infrastructure development, microfinance, and skills training.

International cooperation is also vital. Development assistance must be aligned with national strategies, and South-South cooperation is growing as countries share lessons and resources across borders.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation Tools

Measuring progress is key to making informed decisions. While traditional surveys and census data remain central, new tools like satellite imaging, mobile data, and artificial intelligence are being used to monitor poverty in real time. These tools allow governments and organizations to identify vulnerable populations more accurately and tailor interventions.

However, ethical considerations such as privacy, consent, and data ownership must be addressed, especially when dealing with marginalized groups.

9. Challenges Moving Forward

Despite advances in knowledge and tools, several challenges persist:

Financing gaps remain a major hurdle, especially for low-income countries with high debt burdens.
Political instability and conflict undermine poverty reduction efforts.
Climate change threatens livelihoods, especially in agriculture-dependent economies.
Urbanization is creating new forms of poverty in slums and informal settlements.
Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, or disability continues to limit opportunities.

Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that span sectors and scales.

10. Conclusion

The elimination of poverty by 2030 is one of the most ambitious goals ever set by the international community. While the vision is clear, the path is steep and uncertain. Success will depend on global solidarity, national leadership, and local action. It will also require a fundamental shift in how we view economic progress—not merely in terms of growth, but in terms of inclusion, resilience, and human dignity.

The next few years will determine whether the world can deliver on its promise of a better life for all. SDG 1 is not just a goal—it is a test of our shared humanity.

References / Sources

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United Nations Development Programme. Human Development Report.
Alkire, Sabina and Foster, James. Counting and Multidimensional Poverty Measurement.
Milanovic, Branko. Global Inequality: A New Approach for the Age of Globalization.
International Labour Organization. World Social Protection Report.
Béné, Christophe et al. Resilience, Poverty and Development.