Nearly 9% may remain in extreme poverty by 2030 — UN

The United Nations has expressed new concerns regarding the escalating global issues of poverty and hunger, cautioning that the world is not on course to eliminate extreme poverty by the year 2030, which is a key objective of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a statement disseminated through its social media channels on Monday, the UN reported that 808 million individuals — equivalent to one in ten people globally — were living in extreme poverty in 2025.

This number reflects a revision upwards from previous estimates, following an adjustment to the international poverty line, which is now defined as surviving on less than US$3.00 per person per day, adjusted for 2021 purchasing power parity.

"The eradication of extreme poverty for all individuals everywhere by 2030 is a crucial goal of the Sustainable Development Goals," the agency remarked.

While acknowledging that extreme poverty has seen significant reductions over the past decades, it cautioned that the pace of progress has notably slowed.

"If current trends persist, 8.9 percent of the global population will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030," the statement further noted.

The UN characterized the resurgence of global hunger levels to those last seen in 2005 as "shocking."

It also pointed out the ongoing rise in food prices across a greater number of countries compared to the period from 2015 to 2019, labeling the intertwined crises of poverty and food insecurity as a pressing global issue.

In discussing the factors contributing to poverty, the UN indicated that the issue is complex, with causes that include unemployment, social exclusion, and the heightened vulnerability of certain groups to disasters, diseases, and other shocks that hinder their productivity.

The organization emphasized that poverty and inequality have extensive repercussions that extend beyond those who are directly impacted.

"As human beings, our well-being is interconnected," it stated, cautioning that increasing inequality is harmful to economic growth, undermines social cohesion, heightens political and social tensions, and in some instances, leads to instability and conflict.

Regarding social protection, the United Nations emphasized that robust systems are crucial for alleviating shocks and preventing individuals from descending into poverty.

It highlighted that, despite the expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic, 47.6 percent of the global population — approximately 3.8 billion individuals — still lack any form of protection, which includes 1.4 billion children as of 2023.

In light of the worldwide cost-of-living crisis, the statement indicated that 105 nations and territories introduced nearly 350 social protection initiatives between February 2022 and February 2023.

Nevertheless, it was noted that 80 percent of these measures were temporary. "To fulfill the Goals, nations must establish universally appropriate, sustainable social protection systems for everyone," the agency stated.

The UN also urged for greater involvement from governments, the private sector, and the general public. It called on individuals to engage actively in the policymaking process to ensure their rights are safeguarded and their voices are acknowledged.

According to the UN, governments can foster environments that promote productive employment and job opportunities for the impoverished and marginalized.

The private sector, as per the statement, "plays a significant role in determining whether the growth it generates is inclusive and aids in poverty alleviation," while scientific advancements and innovation have already made notable contributions, such as enhancing access to safe drinking water, decreasing fatalities from waterborne illnesses, and improving hygiene standards.

The global organization asserted that coordinated and sustained efforts across various sectors are essential for lifting millions out of poverty and ensuring that no one is overlooked by 2030.