Poverty Reduction in Europe & CIS

Kids in Kazakhstan

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

"Human development is about more than economic growth - it is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community."
 

Overview of poverty in the region

The number of people living in extreme poverty in Emerging Europe and Central Asia declined by more than half between 2000 and 2007 period to approximately 30 million (regional MDG Report, 2010).

However, this progress has been adversely affected by the economic crisis.

According to 2009 estimates, 40 million people live in poverty in the region – living on less than $2.50 per day, and about 160 million people (36 percent of the population) in the region are living in poverty, or are at risk of living in poverty, living on less than $5 per day.

Economic growth has been uneven, with large and persistent disparities among countries, as well as among geographical areas and population groups within countries.

Countries in the region differ widely, but most 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.  
 

UNDP’s work to reduce poverty in the region

Advocating for human development and integrating the Millennium Development Goals into national development strategies

• Assisting with preparation of human development reports
• Providing advice on how to further human development through sector-specific policies, pro-poor macro-economic policies; raising employment, fostering social inclusion and alleviating vulnerability

Using data to assist governments with the design and implementation of policies that benefit people living in poverty

• Helping to strengthen the capacities of national institutions to monitor human development, the Millennium Development Goals, social exclusion, and poverty reduction
• Helping to strengthen the capacities of policymakers and civil society organizations to make better use of available social-economic data

Promoting private sector and inclusive market development

• Supporting policy reforms and private sector investments that result in increased market access for the poor as producers, employees, and consumers
• Brokering commercially sustainable investments that benefit people living in poverty
• Helping to develop agribusiness and agriculture sectors that benefit producers in marginal rural areas and generate income

Fostering civic engagement

• Helping to improve legislative, financial, and regulatory frameworks for civil society organizations
• Supporting dialogue and partnerships between government and civil society
• Supporting social enterprises as a way of providing goods and services to vulnerable groups.

Ensuring that globalization benefits the poor

• Shaping trade policies that promote human development
• Strengthening capacities in the private sector to gain from trade
• Helping governments to interpret and negotiate trade agreements