The world is facing an ambitious target: to end extreme poverty
by 2030. This vision is central to the work of the World Bank
Group and UNICEF, and the entire international community. Now
urgent action is needed to achieve it.
Data will play a crucial role. The World Bank Group has just
released its first annual report that focuses specifically on global
progress to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.
It found that progress has been impressive, with nearly 1.1 billion
people escaping extreme poverty since 1990. However, far too
many people still live on far too little - some 767 million people
were living in extreme poverty, on less than $1.90 per day,
in 2013.
To change this, we need more and better information about
who is affected, and deliberate policy action. Without accurate
statistics and careful analysis, we cannot gauge the extent of the
problem, know how or where to accelerate efforts, or measure
the success of efforts to end extreme poverty.
Children growing up in extreme poverty require special attention.
They are profoundly affected by poverty in different ways than
adults and are almost certain to miss out on a good start in
life. The consequences of inadequate nutrition, a lack of early
stimulation and learning, and exposure to stress last a lifetime.
They lead to stunted development, low levels of skills needed
for life and work, limited future productivity as adults, and
transmission of poverty down the generations. Beyond this tragic
impact on human life and potential, neglecting children fails to
build the human capital needed for sustained economic prosperity
in today’s world.
Understanding the problem better is a vital step towards tackling it
successfully. Accordingly, researchers from the World Bank Group
and UNICEF have joined forces to undertake a first-of-its kind study
of how many children are living in extremely poor households and
where exactly they are located. Alongside indicators on access to
education, health and sanitation, this information will be useful for
governments and all partners working to improve the lives of some
of the poorest children and families on the planet.