Tunis:United Nations The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed in its 2026 update of the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) that the number of people living in multidimensional poverty worldwide has reached 1.2 billion. This marks an increase of 51.5 million individuals compared to the previous update, signifying a rise for the first time since the index's inception in 2010.
According to Emirates News Agency, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The rise in poverty should be a wake-up call for the world." He highlighted the challenges faced by millions, including hunger, lack of schooling, and insufficient access to clean water or electricity. Notably, children make up more than half of those affected by this increase.
The UNDP also noted that population growth has played a role in the rise of multidimensional poverty. Among the 89 countries with MPI trend data, 33 have managed to halve their MPI value in less than 15 years, including six nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.