“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Hold on and read it one more time. Do you realize the emphasis it places on the gap that needs to be addressed? The gap that must be filled with equality! It is the gap of POVERTY that requires a bridge to be built, a bridge that will eliminate this divide and unite the world as one.
Poverty, a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide, is a state of deprivation characterized by a lack of essential resources and opportunities necessary for a decent standard of living. It is a complex and multi-dimensional problem that encompasses economic, social, and political aspects. At its core, poverty is often intertwined with limited access to education, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, nutritious food, and adequate housing. People living in poverty face daily challenges and struggle to meet their basic needs, resulting in a cycle of vulnerability and marginalization. This cycle can be particularly difficult to break, as poverty often perpetuates itself across generations. The consequences of poverty are far-reaching and impact various aspects of individuals’ lives. It limits opportunities for personal and professional growth, restricts access to quality healthcare and education, and hinders social mobility. Poverty also exacerbates social inequalities, leading to discrimination and exclusion based on socioeconomic status.
According to the reports from the World Bank, the international poverty line is set at $2.15 per person per day using 2017 prices. This means that anyone living on less than $2.15 a day is in extreme poverty. About 648 million people globally were in this situation in 2019. (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/measuringpoverty)
DID YOU KNOW?
701 million people lived below the $2.15 per day poverty line in 2019.
(https://pip.worldbank.org/home)
The International Poverty Eradication Day, observed annually on the 17th of October, serves as a reminder of the global commitment to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development. This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those living in poverty and to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to accomplish the goal of poverty eradication. The International Poverty Eradication Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in poverty alleviation efforts and to identify areas that require further attention. It serves as a call to action for governments and international bodies to strengthen their commitment, policies, and resources towards eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
The eradication of poverty is a global goal that seeks to eliminate poverty in all its forms and dimensions. It encompasses a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes, effects, and consequences of poverty, with the aim of creating a more equitable and just society. To achieve poverty eradication, it is essential to focus on multiple dimensions simultaneously. These include providing access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, nutritious food, and affordable housing. Additionally, promoting inclusive economic growth, work opportunities, and social protection programs are crucial in lifting individuals and communities out of poverty. Efforts to eradicate poverty also require addressing systemic issues such as income inequality, gender disparities, discrimination, and lack of social mobility. It involves promoting fair trade practices, sustainable development, and responsible governance to create an enabling environment for poverty reduction. While progress has been made in reducing global poverty rates over the years, there is still much work to be done. Persistent poverty in various regions and the impact of unforeseen events such as conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics highlight the need for continued efforts towards poverty eradication.
In a world where possibilities abound, the eradication of poverty stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to our collective humanity. It is not merely a moral imperative, but a transformative journey towards a brighter future. Together, we build bridges that span the chasms of inequality, connecting hearts and minds across borders. These bridges are not mere structures of steel and concrete; they are bridges of understanding, empathy, and opportunity. They carry with them the weight of dreams fulfilled and the promise of a world where no one is left behind.
So let us dare to dream of a world where poverty is but a distant memory, where every child knows the warmth of equality and the embrace of education. Let us unite as a global family, bound by the shared vision of a world where dignity and opportunity thrive. Together, we can compose a future where the eradication of poverty is not just a dream, but a resounding reality!
