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Multidimensional Poverty Index 2026: poor rise to 1.2 billion, first increase since 2010

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The Multidimensional Poverty Index 2026 shows the number of people in poverty has risen to 1.2 billion, the first increase since the index began in 2010, UNDP and Oxford University said. That is 51.5 million more people than in the 2025 update.

Multidimensional Poverty Index 2026: File photo: a woman walks through a camp for displaced people in Ituri, DR Congo
File photo: a woman walks through a camp for displaced people in Ituri, DR Congo Photo: © UNOCHA/Ramatoulaye Moussa Maz via UN News (editorial use with credit).

Who is counted in the Multidimensional Poverty Index 2026

More than half of the poor, 617 million, are children, and 83 per cent live in rural areas. The index looks at 10 indicators across health, education and living standards, such as nutrition, schooling, electricity, water and sanitation. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for most deprivations, OPHI said.

Key Facts

  • Poor people: 1.2 billion
  • Rise: +51.5 million vs 2025
  • Children: 617 million
  • Rural share: 83%

“The rise in poverty should be a wake-up call for the world.”

— Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator

Why global poverty rose

The update covers 108 countries and about 78 per cent of the world’s people. In 95 countries without new surveys, population growth alone added nearly 16 million people to the count. Egypt, Tajikistan, Angola and Zambia cut poverty rates, but Angola and Zambia still saw total numbers rise.

Alexander De Croo: progress is possible

UNDP said 33 countries halved their index value in under 15 years. In Eswatini, the poverty share fell from nearly 39 per cent to 8 per cent. UNDP chief Alexander De Croo said countries that tackled problems together had shown what determined action can achieve.

Why It Matters: The rise puts the global goal of halving poverty by 2030 at risk, and South Asia remains one of the hardest-hit regions.

Also on TrendDesh: Global trade record: world trade hits $35 trillion in 2025, says UNCTAD · Gaza women entrepreneurs keep small businesses alive amid war damage, UNDP says

Source: UN News · UNDP · OPHI

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