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A Fresh Approach to Global Poverty?

19 November 2014

Poverty Reduction and Regional Integration (PRARI) logo image

With 1.2 billion people still living in extreme poverty, and the global poverty reduction goals set as part of the Millennium Development Goads (MDGs) widely expected to be missed, October's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty focused on the theme: Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty.

A new policy brief from the Poverty Reduction and Regional Integration (PRARI) project, led by IKD's Nicola Yeates, argues that regional organisations have the capacity to echo these sentiments. However, although there is growing recognition of the need to acknowledge the role of such organisations in poverty reduction measures, they remain neglected partners in global efforts to tackle poverty.

To counter this, the brief argues that regional associations should have an identified institutional role in global poverty reduction and policy-making. Comprehensive regional social investment programmes across health, education, income security and livelihoods can prevent poverty and mitigate its effects on both present and future generations. In addition, regional associations can mobilise a wide range of development partners within and beyond their regions, support poverty reduction strategies, monitor achievements, and facilitate the sharing of good practice within and beyond the regions concerned.

Regional associations of nations thus possess a huge potential. A potential, however, that to be fully realised needs recognition and support from the UN, the World Bank and regional development banks. Once this occurs, then the voices of developing countries will be able to play a more prominent role in South-South development agendas.

Read the full brief: Global poverty reduction - What can regional organisations do?

 

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