Another Day, Another $1.25: What is SDG 1 and what are we doing about it?
In 2000, the United Nations included the eradication of poverty as its #1 in the Millennium Development Goals for 2015. Now, 17 years later, this goal is still #1 in the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Since 1990, poverty has been reduced a great deal. The percentage of those living on less than $1.25 per day has fallen by more than 25%. That being said, more than 836 million people still live in extreme poverty.
Who is living in poverty?
Socially unprotected groups make up an overwhelming fraction of people suffering from poverty, which highlights how poverty greatly affects the world’s most vulnerable people.
The recent refugee crisis has created a special issue in poverty eradication. The millions of people who have been displaced by conflict have been forced to abandon their homes, and often find themselves at a higher risk of facing poverty.
These groups largely include those in rural areas and those in developing nations in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but this experience is no stranger to roughly 20% of the NYC population. These people who are suffering from poverty are unable to enjoy their human rights.
What’s being done about it?
Though poverty is defined as living on less than $1.25 per day, the call for eradication of poverty does not simply mean ensuring growth of income. It means addressing its manifestations such as limited access to healthcare, education, food, water, protection from discrimination, and other aspects of a sustainable society. In order to reduce poverty, social protection programs geared towards aiding and protecting the most vulnerable must be implemented, such as maternity, children, and refugee protection programs.
Additionally, the interdependence of the SDGs means ending poverty is only possible by also combating issues such as climate change and inequality worldwide. Acknowledging that climate change directly affects food security, the world community has been researching climate-smart practices aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emission.
Eradicating poverty has firmly remained at the top of the global agenda for decades. The United Nations has declared this year’s High Level Political Forum theme as, “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world.” Having this constant reminder has been a major encouragement for states to prioritize goals in ending poverty.
Even $1.25 a day is not enough, but you can help:
Get Educated
Find out more about SDG 1 .
Get Innovative
How can we work to end poverty? Here are some projects to get you inspired:
At the Tzu Chi Foundation, they are turning Trash into Gold by using recycled PET bottles to make blankets and clothing, while also reducing carbon and oil pollution.
The students at Nourish International grew tired of watching people in poverty suffer and decided to do something about it through responsible businesses and sustainable grassroots projects.
The LMMA Network’s revolutionary community-based organization revived food income resources for local communities, while teaching locals about sustainable marine management and conservation.
DIVA for Equality is making strides in educating and bridging the gap between feminist groups in urban poor, rural, and remote areas and urgent action on ocean, air and land issues.
Get Active
There are plenty of opportunities for you to donate your money, your time, or your information. Donate needed items, volunteer, and share what you know about SDG 1.
Hold your leaders accountable for supporting the global community in eradicating poverty.
