Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1)—No Poverty—aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere. It is a foundational goal in the 2030 Agenda, influencing every other area of sustainable development. Without meaningful progress on poverty, efforts to improve education, health, and equality risk falling short.
As of 2023, more than 700 million people worldwide still live in extreme poverty—defined as surviving on less than $2.15 per day (World Bank, 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary shocks, and armed conflicts have deepened vulnerabilities, reversing years of progress (United Nations, 2022).
Poverty is a multidimensional issue. It limits access to education, healthcare, food, employment, and housing. It is not just a matter of income, but of opportunity and inclusion. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to face poor health, limited education, and unemployment—perpetuating intergenerational inequality (UNDP, 2023).
The burden is not evenly distributed. Least developed countries and conflict-affected regions suffer the most, but even in high-income nations, poverty continues to affect marginalised groups (IMF, 2023).
Eradicating poverty requires more than public investment. Cross-sector partnerships, community-led solutions, and private sector engagement are critical. Businesses, particularly those with global reach, are uniquely positioned to support sustainable economic opportunities, equitable growth, and local entrepreneurship.
Whether through inclusive hiring, ethical supply chains, or philanthropic partnerships, the private sector can be a vital part of systemic change.