Global Multidimensional Poverty Rises for First Time Since 2010, Affecting 1.2 Billion People

A new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) reveals that the number of people living in multidimensional poverty has increased for the first time since 2010, reaching 1.2 billion globally. This represents an increase of 51.5 million people since the previous update, with over half of those affected being children and 83% residing in rural areas. The report highlights the urgency of renewed action to address interconnected hardships such as hunger, lack of schooling, and inadequate access to clean water or electricity.