Poverty Headcount Ratio: A Look at Leading Countries
The "poverty headcount ratio" is a fundamental measure used to assess the prevalence of poverty in a given population. It represents the percentage of people whose income or consumption falls below a specified poverty line.
This measure is crucial for governments, international organizations, and researchers to track progress in poverty reduction and identify areas that require targeted interventions.
It's important to note that there are different ways to define the poverty line, which can lead to variations in the headcount ratio.
National Poverty Line: Each country may set its own poverty line based on its specific economic and social context. This line often reflects the minimum income or consumption needed to cover basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, according to local standards.
International Poverty Line: To allow for comparisons across different countries, the World Bank uses international poverty lines. The most recent revision uses a line of $2.15 a day (2017 PPP) to define "extreme poverty." Other lines, such as $3.65 a day for lower-middle-income countries and $6.85 a day for upper-middle-income countries, are also used to reflect varying standards of living.
While the poverty headcount ratio is a valuable tool, it has limitations. It doesn't capture the depth or severity of poverty, meaning it doesn't differentiate between someone just below the poverty line and someone living in extreme destitution. Despite this, it remains a key indicator for understanding the global and national landscape of poverty.
The table below provides a snapshot of countries with some of the highest and lowest poverty headcount ratios, based on available data from various sources, including the World Bank, UN, and national statistics.
Poverty Headcount Ratio: Leading Countries
Country | Poverty Headcount Ratio (% of Population) | Basis of Measurement | Data Year |
Highest Poverty Rates | |||
South Sudan | 82.3% | World Bank (2016) | 2016 |
Somalia | 76.8% | Unspecified | Unspecified |
Nigeria | 70.7% | Unspecified | Unspecified |
Pakistan | 68.8% | Unspecified | Unspecified |
Madagascar | 63.9% | Unspecified | Unspecified |
Lowest Poverty Rates | |||
China | 0% | World Bank (2020) | 2020 |
Ukraine | 1.6% | World Bank (2020) | 2020 |
Belarus | 4.8% | World Bank (2022) | 2022 |
Kazakhstan | 5.3% | World Bank (2022) | 2022 |
Algeria | 5.5% | World Bank (2011) | 2011 |
Note: Data for poverty can be inconsistent across sources and years. The figures above are based on available reports and may not reflect the most current situation. The basis of measurement also varies, with some figures referring to national poverty lines and others to international poverty lines.
Analysis of the Data
The table reveals a stark contrast between countries struggling with widespread poverty and those that have made significant strides in poverty reduction.
High-Poverty Countries: The nations with the highest poverty headcount ratios are predominantly located in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Factors such as political instability, conflict, climate change, and economic mismanagement are often cited as major drivers of this high poverty. The figures from countries like South Sudan and Somalia highlight the devastating impact of prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises.
Low-Poverty Countries: On the other end of the spectrum, countries like China and Belarus report very low poverty headcount ratios. China's remarkable economic growth and targeted poverty alleviation programs have been widely credited for lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty over the past few decades. Similarly, many European and Central Asian nations have robust social protection systems and stable economies that contribute to low poverty rates.
It is crucial to recognize that the data presented is a snapshot in time. Global economic conditions, political events, and ongoing development efforts can rapidly change these numbers. The fight against poverty remains a central goal for the global community, with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030. However, recent reports from organizations like the World Bank and the UN suggest that this goal is unlikely to be met by the deadline, with global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shocks setting back progress.
A Crisis of Deprivation: Poverty Rates in South Sudan
South Sudan, the world's youngest country, faces a severe and multi-faceted humanitarian and economic crisis. Decades of conflict, political instability, and natural disasters have resulted in one of the highest poverty rates globally. The poverty headcount ratio, a key indicator of the proportion of the population living below a certain poverty line, paints a stark picture of the widespread deprivation in the country.
The data available from international and national sources presents a grim reality. A significant portion of the population lives in extreme poverty, struggling to meet even the most basic needs for food, shelter, and healthcare. The situation is not merely a lack of income but a complex web of challenges, including high inflation, food insecurity, and a lack of access to essential services.
Different measures of poverty, while varying in their specific figures, all point to the same conclusion: poverty is endemic and pervasive in South Sudan. The World Bank and other organizations use both national and international poverty lines to assess the situation. The international poverty line, currently at $2.15 per day (in 2017 purchasing power parity or PPP), is a standard for measuring extreme poverty globally.
The situation is further exacerbated by weak governance, dependence on oil revenue, and a lack of economic diversification. The ongoing conflict in the region has also led to mass displacement, disrupting livelihoods and pushing more people into poverty.
The table below provides a summary of the poverty rates in South Sudan based on various reports and data sources.
Poverty Rates in South Sudan
Measurement | Poverty Rate (% of Population) | Data Year | Source |
Extreme Poverty ($2.15/day) | 92% | 2024 | World Bank |
National Poverty Line | 76% | 2022 | World Bank |
Multidimensional Poverty | 91.9% | 2021 | OPHI/UNDP |
Extreme Poverty ($1.90/day) | 79.4% | 2019 | ISS African Futures |
National Poverty Line | 82.3% | 2016 | World Bank |
Note: The data presented is from different years and uses varying methodologies. The figures reflect a dynamic and deteriorating situation. "Multidimensional poverty" includes factors beyond income, such as health, education, and living standards. The $1.90/day poverty line was the previous international standard, revised to $2.15/day.
The Vicious Cycle of Poverty and Conflict
The high poverty rates in South Sudan are not a stand-alone issue but are deeply intertwined with the country's persistent conflict and instability. The lack of peace and security makes it incredibly difficult for people to farm, trade, and build a sustainable future. The displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of markets all contribute to a vicious cycle where poverty fuels conflict, and conflict, in turn, deepens poverty.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the population is food insecure, with a high percentage facing acute hunger. This is driven by a combination of factors including conflict, high food prices due to inflation, and the impact of climate change.
While the data presents a grim reality, it also underscores the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis. This includes:
Promoting peace and stability: Long-term poverty reduction is impossible without a resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
Strengthening governance: Improving the management of public resources and ensuring accountability are crucial for economic recovery.
Investing in essential services: Expanding access to healthcare, education, and clean water can break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Economic diversification: Reducing the country's heavy dependence on oil and investing in other sectors like agriculture can create jobs and build a more resilient economy.
The path to recovery for South Sudan is long and challenging, but addressing the root causes of poverty is the first critical step toward building a more prosperous and stable future for its people.
Poverty Rates in Somalia: The Impact of Conflict and Climate Shocks
Somalia has endured decades of civil conflict, political instability, and recurring climate-related disasters, which have severely hindered economic development and led to widespread poverty. While a lack of comprehensive and consistent data makes it challenging to provide a single, definitive poverty rate, various reports from international organizations and the Somali government paint a clear picture of a nation grappling with profound deprivation.
The challenges are multifaceted, with a complex interplay of factors contributing to the high poverty rates. The collapse of the central government in 1991 led to the destruction of economic and social infrastructure. This has created a fragile environment where livelihoods are constantly at risk from insecurity, droughts, floods, and volatile food prices.
In addition to traditional income-based poverty measures, a "multidimensional poverty" approach provides a more holistic understanding of deprivation in Somalia. This approach considers not only income but also access to essential services and living standards, such as education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. The findings from these reports reveal that a significant portion of the population is deprived in multiple areas, highlighting the deep-seated nature of poverty.
Furthermore, poverty is not evenly distributed across the country. Data indicates that poverty rates are significantly higher in rural and nomadic areas, where communities are heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock and are more vulnerable to climate shocks. Conversely, urban areas tend to have lower poverty rates, although they still contain a large number of poor people due to rapid and often unregulated urbanization.
The table below summarizes key poverty statistics for Somalia based on data from various sources.
Poverty Rates in Somalia: Key Statistics
Measurement | Poverty Rate (% of Population) | Data Year | Source |
Multidimensional Poverty | 67% | 2022 | UNDP/OPHI |
National Poverty Line | 54.4% | 2022 | Somali National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS) |
Extreme Poverty ($2.15/day, 2017 PPP) | 70.7% | 2017 | World Bank |
International Poverty Line ($1.90/day) | 69% | 2019 | ISS African Futures |
Nomadic Population Poverty | 81.5% | 2022 | UNDP/OPHI |
Urban Population Poverty | 61.7% | 2022 | UNDP/OPHI |
Note: The data presented above is from different years and uses varying methodologies. Multidimensional Poverty includes deprivation in indicators beyond income, such as health, education, and living standards. The International Poverty Line was revised from $1.90/day to $2.15/day in 2022.
The Path to Poverty Reduction
Addressing poverty in Somalia requires a comprehensive and sustained effort. While the challenges are immense, there are opportunities for progress. The Somali government, with support from international partners, has been focusing on rebuilding state institutions and improving economic governance. Key strategies for poverty reduction include:
Building Resilience to Shocks: Strengthening the country's capacity to withstand droughts, floods, and other climate-related events is crucial. This includes investing in early warning systems, water management, and diversified agricultural practices.
Investing in Human Capital: Improving access to quality education and healthcare is essential for long-term poverty reduction. This will empower individuals to secure better economic opportunities and improve their overall well-being.
Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation: Diversifying the economy beyond livestock and remittances is vital. This includes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investing in infrastructure, and creating a more favorable environment for private sector growth.
Enhancing Social Protection: Implementing effective social safety nets and cash transfer programs can provide a lifeline for the most vulnerable populations, helping them to cope with shocks and meet their basic needs.
While the data shows the scale of the challenge, it also provides a roadmap for targeted interventions. By focusing on stability, good governance, and building a more resilient and inclusive economy, Somalia can begin to lift its people out of poverty and lay the foundation for a more prosperous future.
Nigeria's Poverty Crisis: A Deepening Challenge
Despite being Africa's largest economy and a major oil producer, Nigeria faces a persistent and escalating poverty crisis. The poverty headcount ratio, which measures the proportion of the population living below a certain poverty line, reveals a stark and complex picture. Multiple shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and persistent insecurity, have significantly worsened the situation, pushing millions of people into poverty.
The official statistics, particularly those from the World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlight the scale of the challenge. Poverty is not a uniform problem across the country; it is deeply entrenched in certain regions and among specific demographics. A clear spatial inequality exists, with poverty rates in the northern geopolitical zones being significantly higher than in the southern ones. This regional disparity is driven by a number of factors, including conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.
Furthermore, a "multidimensional" approach to poverty reveals that many Nigerians are deprived not only of income but also of access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and education. This multidimensional poverty index provides a more comprehensive understanding of the struggles faced by the population.
The table below presents a summary of key poverty statistics for Nigeria, drawing from various recent reports and data sources.
Poverty Rates in Nigeria: Key Statistics
Measurement | Poverty Rate (% of Population) | Basis of Measurement | Data Year |
Extreme Poverty | 47% | World Bank Projections ($2.15/day) | 2024 (projected) |
National Poverty Line | 40.1% | Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics | 2018/19 |
Multidimensional Poverty | 63% | Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics | 2022 |
Rural Poverty | 75.5% | World Bank Projections | 2024 (projected) |
Urban Poverty | 41.3% | World Bank Projections | 2024 (projected) |
Note: The data presented above is from different years and uses varying methodologies. Multidimensional poverty measures deprivation in health, education, and living standards in addition to income. Projections for 2024 indicate a significant increase in poverty since the last comprehensive survey in 2018/19.
Causes and Consequences
The drivers of poverty in Nigeria are numerous and interconnected. They include:
Economic Shocks: Nigeria's heavy reliance on oil revenue makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Macroeconomic instability, high inflation, and currency devaluation have significantly eroded the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
Conflict and Insecurity: Widespread insecurity, particularly in the northern regions due to insurgency and communal violence, has displaced millions of people, destroyed livelihoods, and disrupted agricultural production, exacerbating poverty.
High Unemployment: Despite a growing population, job creation has not kept pace. A significant portion of the workforce is either unemployed or underemployed, especially among the youth.
Corruption and Poor Governance: Corruption has long been cited as a major obstacle to development, as it diverts public funds from critical infrastructure and social services, undermining poverty reduction efforts.
Inadequate Infrastructure: A lack of reliable electricity, transportation, and other essential infrastructure hinders economic activity and increases the cost of doing business, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The consequences of this high poverty are dire, contributing to food insecurity, poor health outcomes, and a lack of educational opportunities. For example, a high percentage of children, especially in rural areas, are multidimensionally poor, facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
Strategies for Poverty Reduction
Addressing poverty in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged and coordinated approach from the government, private sector, and civil society. Recent government policies have aimed to tackle these challenges through:
Macroeconomic Reforms: Policy changes, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, aim to stabilize the economy and free up funds for social and infrastructural development.
Social Safety Nets: Programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme provide direct financial assistance to the most vulnerable households, offering a cushion against economic shocks.
Investment in Infrastructure: Significant investments are being made in roads, electricity, and other key infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
Agricultural and Industrial Development: Efforts are underway to diversify the economy and boost productivity in non-oil sectors like agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population.
While these initiatives are in their early stages, they lay the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive economy. Sustained political will, transparency, and a focus on long-term development are essential to reverse the alarming trend and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
A Deepening Crisis: The Poverty Landscape in Pakistan
Pakistan, a country with immense potential, is facing a severe and worsening poverty crisis. Despite being a nuclear power and having a large population, a combination of economic instability, climate-related disasters, and political volatility has pushed millions more people into poverty. The poverty headcount ratio, a key metric for measuring the percentage of the population living below a certain poverty line, paints a bleak picture that has been compounded in recent years by global and domestic shocks.
Recent data from sources like the World Bank and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reveal a significant increase in poverty. The national poverty rate, based on a country's specific poverty line, and international poverty measures, such as the World Bank's $3.65 a day (2017 PPP) for lower-middle-income countries, both show a distressing upward trend. This is a reversal of some of the modest gains made in previous years.
The issue of poverty is not uniform across Pakistan. There is a marked and growing disparity between rural and urban areas. Rural populations, heavily dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to climate shocks like the devastating floods in recent years, have a significantly higher poverty rate. Similarly, poverty is particularly acute in some of the country's most remote and underdeveloped regions, such as parts of Balochistan.
In addition to income-based measures, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) provides a more holistic view of deprivation. The MPI captures poverty as a state of being deprived not just of income but also of access to essential services and a decent standard of living, including health, education, and basic infrastructure. The high MPI score for Pakistan underscores the fact that even those who might not be considered "income-poor" still lack access to many basic necessities of life.
The table below provides a summary of key poverty statistics for Pakistan, reflecting data from various official and international sources.
Poverty Rates in Pakistan: Key Statistics
Measurement | Poverty Rate (% of Population) | Basis of Measurement | Data Year |
National Poverty Line | 40.1% | Official statistics | 2018-2019 |
Extreme Poverty | 40.5% | World Bank Projections ($3.65/day PPP) | 2024 (projected) |
Multidimensional Poverty | 63% | Official statistics | 2022 |
Rural Poverty | ~75% | World Bank Projections | 2024 (projected) |
Urban Poverty | ~41% | World Bank Projections | 2024 (projected) |
Poorest Districts (Balochistan) | Up to 71.5% | World Bank | 2024 |
Note: The data presented is from different years and uses varying methodologies. Projections for 2024 indicate a significant increase in poverty since the last comprehensive survey in 2018/19. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) includes deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
Drivers of Poverty and the Way Forward
The rising poverty in Pakistan is driven by a number of interconnected factors:
Economic Instability: High inflation, a depreciating currency, and a growing budget deficit have eroded the purchasing power of citizens and made basic goods and services unaffordable for many.
Climate Shocks: The country is highly vulnerable to climate change, and recent devastating floods have destroyed crops, displaced millions, and crippled livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.
Political Uncertainty: Frequent political instability and a lack of consistent, long-term policy have hampered economic planning and discouraged foreign investment, hindering job creation and growth.
Rapid Population Growth: With a high population growth rate, Pakistan's economy struggles to create enough jobs to absorb the new entrants to the workforce, leading to high unemployment and underemployment.
Poor Governance and Corruption: Weak governance and corruption at various levels have led to inefficient public service delivery and the misallocation of resources, which disproportionately affects the poor.
In response to these challenges, the government of Pakistan, with support from international partners, has launched various poverty reduction initiatives, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and other social safety net schemes. These programs aim to provide cash transfers and other forms of support to the most vulnerable households. Additionally, efforts are underway to invest in infrastructure, promote agricultural development, and reform key economic sectors.
However, to achieve a sustainable reduction in poverty, a more comprehensive and long-term strategy is required. This would involve a concerted effort to achieve political stability, invest in education and skills training, promote private sector growth, and build climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Only through such a multi-pronged approach can Pakistan hope to reverse the current trend and build a more prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens.
Madagascar's Enduring Poverty: A Complex and Growing Challenge
Madagascar, a country celebrated for its unique biodiversity and natural beauty, is also one of the poorest nations in the world. Decades of political instability, vulnerability to climate shocks, and structural economic challenges have trapped a vast majority of its population in a cycle of persistent poverty. Recent data from international organizations like the World Bank and the UNDP underscore a deeply concerning trend, with poverty rates remaining stubbornly high and even rising in some areas.
Poverty in Madagascar is not just about a lack of income; it is a complex, multidimensional issue. The World Bank's recent poverty assessment highlights a stagnation of national poverty and an alarming rise in urban poverty. This is a reversal of previous trends, where urban areas were seen as a potential escape from rural deprivation. Factors such as economic downturns, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited job opportunities have contributed to the impoverishment of city dwellers.
The divide between rural and urban areas remains a defining feature of poverty in the country. The majority of Madagascar's population lives in rural areas and relies on low-productivity, subsistence agriculture. This makes them highly vulnerable to external shocks, including cyclones, floods, and droughts, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
A holistic view of poverty in Madagascar is provided by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which accounts for deprivations in health, education, and living standards. The high MPI score for the country reveals that a large proportion of the population lacks access to basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, reinforcing the intergenerational transmission of poverty.
The table below summarizes key poverty statistics for Madagascar, based on a range of data sources from recent years.
Poverty Rates in Madagascar: Key Statistics
Measurement | Poverty Rate (% of Population) | Basis of Measurement | Data Year |
National Poverty Line | 75.2% | World Bank Estimates | 2022 |
Rural Poverty (National line) | 79.9% | World Bank Estimates | 2022 |
Urban Poverty (National line) | 55.5% | World Bank Estimates | 2022 |
Multidimensional Poverty | 67% | UNDP/OPHI | 2022 |
Extreme Poverty ($2.15/day, 2017 PPP) | ~80% | World Bank Projections | 2022 |
Note: The data presented above is from different years and uses varying methodologies. The World Bank estimates for 2022 are based on the country's national poverty line. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures deprivation in health, education, and living standards in addition to income.
Drivers of Poverty and the Path Forward
Several interconnected factors contribute to Madagascar's high poverty rates:
Political Instability: A history of political crises and a weak institutional framework have deterred foreign investment, undermined economic growth, and led to the misallocation of resources.
Climate Vulnerability: The country is highly susceptible to extreme weather events, which destroy infrastructure, cripple agricultural production, and displace communities, pushing more people into destitution.
Poor Human Capital: A lack of investment in education and healthcare has resulted in low human capital. With high rates of malnutrition and poor educational outcomes, a significant portion of the population lacks the skills needed for more productive and higher-paying jobs.
Structural Economic Barriers: The economy is heavily reliant on low-productivity agriculture, and a poor business environment, weak infrastructure, and a lack of access to finance have limited opportunities for diversification and growth.
Despite these immense challenges, the government and its international partners have been working on strategies to alleviate poverty. These include social safety net programs, such as cash transfers to vulnerable households, and initiatives aimed at improving food security and nutrition. Efforts are also focused on strengthening governance, improving public service delivery, and building climate resilience.
For Madagascar to achieve a sustainable reduction in poverty, a long-term, concerted effort is needed to address the root causes of deprivation. This would require:
Investing in Human Development: Prioritizing education and healthcare to improve human capital and create a more skilled workforce.
Diversifying the Economy: Moving beyond subsistence agriculture and developing sectors like manufacturing and tourism to create more jobs and more resilient livelihoods.
Strengthening Governance and Institutions: Ensuring political stability, fighting corruption, and building strong, transparent institutions that can effectively serve the public and attract investment.
Building Climate Resilience: Investing in infrastructure and early warning systems to protect communities and livelihoods from the increasing threats of climate change.
While the journey is long and difficult, a focused and sustained approach can help Madagascar unlock its potential and build a more prosperous and equitable future for its people.
Global Poverty: A Complex and Evolving Challenge
The preceding articles have provided a snapshot of the poverty situation in several countries—South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Madagascar. While each nation faces a unique set of circumstances, a common thread runs through them all: poverty is not a simple issue of income. It is a complex, multidimensional problem driven by a confluence of economic instability, political turmoil, conflict, and climate shocks.
Our examination has highlighted some critical and interconnected themes:
Pervasive and Multidimensional Poverty: In all the countries we have examined, a significant portion of the population lives not only below an income-based poverty line but also suffers from deprivations in health, education, and living standards. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) data consistently shows that millions lack access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and quality education, trapping them in a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.
Conflict and Insecurity as Core Drivers: In nations like South Sudan, Somalia, and parts of Nigeria and Pakistan, political instability and conflict are not just consequences of poverty but are its primary drivers. Violence and insecurity displace populations, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt economic activities, making it nearly impossible for people to farm, trade, or build a sustainable livelihood.
Climate Change as a Major Threat: From the devastating floods in Pakistan to the recurring droughts in Somalia and Madagascar, climate change is a powerful force pushing vulnerable populations deeper into poverty. These climate shocks destroy crops, kill livestock, and displace communities, reversing years of hard-won development gains and adding another layer of complexity to the fight against poverty.
Regional and Rural-Urban Disparities: A key finding across the board is the stark inequality in poverty rates. Rural areas, where populations are often dependent on subsistence agriculture, consistently show higher poverty rates than urban centers. However, as seen in Madagascar and Nigeria, the rapid and often unregulated growth of urban areas is also creating new pockets of poverty, as jobs and infrastructure fail to keep pace with population growth.
The Role of Governance: The level of a country's poverty is often directly linked to the strength of its institutions. Corruption, weak governance, and a lack of consistent, long-term policy have hampered economic development, undermined poverty reduction efforts, and made these nations more vulnerable to internal and external shocks.
Despite the daunting challenges, there is hope. The articles have also pointed to a range of strategies being deployed by governments and international partners to combat poverty, from social safety net programs to investments in infrastructure and economic diversification. The ongoing global and national efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 which aims to end poverty in all its forms, remain a critical guiding force.
Ultimately, the fight against poverty in these countries and around the world requires a holistic and sustained approach. It is not just about providing aid, but about building resilient institutions, promoting peace and stability, investing in human capital, and creating an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By understanding the unique and overlapping challenges each nation faces, the global community can better tailor its efforts to help lift millions out of poverty and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.