Why Does Poverty Persist ?

Despite a decline in extreme poverty worldwide, it remains widespread: nearly 3.4 billion people still struggle to meet their basic needs. The progress achieved masks persistent inequalities, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

Poverty is part of a cycle that is difficult to break: a lack of resources limits access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, reinforcing initial inequalities. Individuals born into poverty are therefore more likely to remain there, perpetuating it across generations. Economic crises, conflicts, and climate change further exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

How, then, can we explain the persistence of poverty despite economic growth? Are current policies adequate? What solutions could enable a lasting escape from poverty?