Poverty Reduction

UNDP works with national partners to reduce poverty and advocate for human development.

Almost 30 percent of people in the region either live in poverty or are at risk of living in poverty; and increases are expected by approximately five million people for every one percent decline in gross domestic product (GDP) (World Bank, 2009). Some six million people in Central Asia live in poverty; and it is estimated that the number of people living in poverty in the region increased by an additional one million in 2009 (MDG Report, 2011).

Most countries in the region face rising inequalities, a large setback in social protection, an expanding informal sector, a decrease in male life expectancy, and a massive surge in migration.

The region has experienced the highest increase in socio economic inequality in the world over the last 20 years. One third of people surveyed in the region say that they are excluded - from economic life, social services and participation in society.

>> Find out more about poverty in the region

Project Portfolio

255 active projects

$137 million 2011 delivery
$112 million 2010 delivery

Practitioners

6 regional expert advisers
90 poverty reduction practitioners
80+ recommended consultants

Our Stories

Zakiya Abdurazakova
Rebuilding kindergartens in the devastated Aral Sea region

The United Nations Aral Sea Programme has responded to the communities request. Here is the story of a succesful project that paved a path toward the development of the region. more

UNDP news
Being your own boss: Supporting entrepreneurs in fYR Macedonia

Senat Demiri lives in Shuto Orizari, one of the most economically deprived areas of Skopje. As many other entrepreneurs, here is how he made his way out of poverty. more

Christian Kreutz
Data dive: Measuring poverty through real time data

Within the highly complex issue that is poverty one big porblem persists: Poverty analysis is backwardly focused. To put it bluntly, we can measure how it happened, but it is very difficult to measure it as it happens. more

Alfred Topi
Albania: Youth employment as a priority for the #Post2015 development agenda

The official unemployment rate in Albania is around 13 percent, while youth unemployment is twice as high. The discussions on the post-2015 development agenda identified various important issues. more

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Projects and Initiatives

Towards inclusive societies

Did you know that an estimated 35 percent of people in the region are excluded from society? Find out how UNDP is working with national partners to make sure people are included in economic life, have access to social services, and are part of their communities.

Aid for Trade

Promoting trade for people in Central Asia, South Caucasus,and Western CIS to help alleviate poverty

Roma in Central and Southeast Europe

Roma are the most marginalized ethnic minority in the region, with many living in poverty, with high unemployment and and lack of access to basic social services. UNDP is working with Roma communities and national partners to help address this pressing challenge.