A new report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals that over 1.1 billion people worldwide are living in acute multidimensional poverty, with 40% of these individuals residing in conflict-affected areas.
This stark statistic underscores the devastating impact that conflict has on poverty levels, with the report showing that poverty rates in conflict settings are nearly three times higher than in non-conflict regions.
The findings, highlighted in a recent post by the United Nations on their X (formerly Twitter) account, bring attention to the widening gap in living conditions between those living in peace and those enduring conflict.
The UNDP’s report emphasizes that multidimensional poverty goes beyond income, measuring multiple deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
Conflict zones are particularly vulnerable due to the disruption of services, displacement of populations, and breakdown of infrastructure, which exacerbate these conditions.
According to the report, urgent global action is required to address these disparities. In conflict-affected countries, the convergence of violence, economic instability, and weak governance has led to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break without coordinated international efforts.
UNDP urges global leaders and development partners to prioritize these regions and strengthen interventions aimed at fostering peace and stability to enable sustainable development.
The report serves as a sobering reminder of the intertwined nature of conflict and poverty, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of ongoing global instability.
As the world marks significant international development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNDP’s findings highlight the need for intensified efforts to eradicate poverty, especially in regions marred by conflict.