Beirut: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has highlighted ongoing struggles with multidimensional poverty in lower and middle-income Arab countries. This form of poverty encompasses challenges related to education, health, nutrition, and access to essential services, posing significant obstacles to development.
According to Kuwait News Agency, ESCWA's recent policy brief titled "Multidimensional Poverty Reduction: An Unfinished Mission in Several Arab Countries" reveals that progress in alleviating multidimensional poverty remains slow and inconsistent across the region. The brief highlights that Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt have made only slight improvements in poverty reduction over the past decade. It was noted that poverty levels are higher in rural areas compared to urban centers, with education being identified as the primary factor in multidimensional poverty across these nations.
The report points out that least developed countries face even greater challenges, although Comoros stands out as an exception. Comoros successfully reduced its multidimensional poverty rate from 34.6 percent in 2012 to 19.4 percent in 2022, attributed to advancements in sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and education.
ESCWA emphasizes the need for bold local reforms and enhanced international cooperation. The organization has called on countries like Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt to invest in inclusive and high-quality education, improve transitions from school to work, expand digital infrastructure, urgently address health and nutrition issues, and strengthen social protection measures.
For nations such as Comoros, Mauritania, and Yemen, meeting minimum standards for clean water, sanitation, and energy is deemed crucial. ESCWA suggests that digital banking and microfinance could provide additional support to families in vulnerable situations. The report also highlights that Yemen requires substantial external support, including conflict resolution initiatives and development aid.
ESCWA Senior Economist Khalid Abu-Ismail cautioned that progress remains too slow and uneven. He stressed that without closing gaps in education, nutrition, and basic services, millions will continue to face deprivation. He underscored the importance of national efforts and renewed international cooperation to ensure access to basic services and a dignified life for all.