Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Seville Commitment: Goals, Challenges and the Future

The 2025 Seville Commitment: Goals, Challenges and Future ConsiderationsThe Seville Commitment is the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held on June 30, 2025, in Seville, Spain. This agreement aims to close the annual $4 trillion gap required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 20230 by mobilizing sufficient financial resources through boosting investments, addressing debt challenges and creating a fairer financial system.

The Background

In 2000, leaders endorsed the Millennium Declaration, which focused on poverty reduction and development as major priorities. They highlighted the challenges developing countries faced in securing sufficient financial resources. In response, they called for a high-level conference to tackle this issue. In 2002, the First International Conference on Financing for Development took place in Monterrey, Mexico. Leaders adopted eight Millennium Development Goals, emphasizing the imperative need for mobilizing financial resources to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions.

In 2008, the second conference held in Doha, Qatar. Leaders adopted an expanded list that includes boosting foreign investment, increasing international cooperation and providing developing nations with debt relief. In 2015, the third conference took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Leaders produced the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, a new global roadmap for financing development. This new global framework includes protecting the environment, promoting peaceful societies, employment, public services, hunger, sustainable industrialization and infrastructure. In this event, leaders pointed out the gap in financing required to fulfill the development goals. After that, the United Nations (U.N.) substituted the eight Millennium Development Goals with a more demanding 17 SDGs. 

In 2025, the fourth conference was held in Seville, Spain. Leaders discussed the issues for financing development that emerge in a challenging time as countries face increasing debt levels, ongoing conflicts and a decelerating economy. In response, they adopted the Seville Commitment that focuses on solutions to bridge the annual $4 trillion gap in financing development and 130 initiatives were introduced by a coalition of countries, international organizations and other partners.

The Seville Commitment Goals

The Seville Commitment aims to bridge the annual $4 trillion gap required to achieve the SDGs through several actions, including:

  • Increasing the minimum tax revenues to at least 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
  • Tripling the lending capacity of the multilateral development banks. 
  • Overhauling corporate governance, which includes transparency in how corporations manage funds and measure impact.
  • Addressing the debt challenges by establishing a UN-led group to set guiding principles for lending and borrowing, promoting state-contingent clauses and creating a global debt data registry
  • Creating a fairer financial system by strengthening developing nations’ voices in international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the international cooperation in financing global development, challenges persist. The challenges are as follows: 

  • Cutting the official development assistance by many donors, including Germany, Italy and France, to pay for other priorities such as defense spending 
  • The absence of the U.S, a leader of international development throughout history, at the fourth conference and the termination of many of its foreign assistance programs.
  • Lack of monitoring and accountability systems in markets

Looking Ahead

Reductions in official foreign assistance remain a concern, as they widen the financing gap and slow progress on development efforts. Nonetheless, the Seville Commitment is a major milestone that illustrates the significance of global cooperation in fulfilling the global development goals.

– Eiman Elsawy

Eiman is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Child Marriage in Libya

Child Marriage in LibyaPoverty drives child marriage as families use the practice to escape their poor economic situation. Large families feel the burden of poverty to a greater extent, with many regarding underage marriages as a tool to decrease the burden of families that are unable to take care of their children. People often use underage marriages as a tool to settle financial debt between families and creditors. Child marriages further aggravate the poverty cycle as child brides are often illiterate and have received little to no formal education, fueling their dependency on their spouses. Here is information about child marriage in Libya and efforts to address it.

A Profile of Libya 

Libya has been enduring a civil war for over a decade, and child marriages in Libya are increasing because of the continued deprivation that the civil war has brought upon the population. Libya has faced ongoing social and political upheaval since the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. The uprising ousted Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, ending his regime after 42 years in power. Since 2014, Libya has been divided between United Nations-backed western Libya and eastern Libya under military rule from the Libyan National Army, known as the LNA. 

To unify Libya, the United Nations and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum created the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2021. Based in Libya’s capital city of Tripoli, the GNU has received international recognition as Libya’s central government. Opposing the GNU is the Government of National Stability, known as the GNS, is a civilian-led administration that the Libyan House of Representatives established in 2022. The GNS is situated in eastern Libya and has limited control.

The LNA commander, Kalifa Haftar holds real power within eastern Libya. The GNS and Haftar have received support from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The ongoing struggle between the GNU, the GNS and the LNA has fueled political unrest and widespread violence has further worsened the economic situation, which is increasing rates of child marriage in Libya. International human rights organizations are intensifying their scrutiny of the GNU and GNS for allowing the exploitation of children to continue, violating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Prevalence of Child Marriage in Libya 

Data on child marriage in Libya is limited due to restricted access to judicial records amid the ongoing unrest and violence. Between 2021- 2024, Libya registered more than 1,000 underage marriages. Child marriage, which Libyan law defines as the union of persons under the age of 18, is prohibited unless specific exceptions are granted. Libyan law requires individuals to be of sound mind and at least 18-years-old to marry. However, family court judges have the legislative right to authorize underage marriage if the guardian of the minor has given permission and the judge deems the marriage essential. Judges are necessary to meet the minor once, with no social or psychological evaluation necessary for the approval of the marriage.

Between 2011-2017, a  Tripoli courthouse recorded more than 100 underage marriages of children as young as 14 years old, with the largest age gap between spouses being 38 years. Child marriages are more prevalent in southern and rural areas where religious extremism is on the rise. 

In 2021, the GNU launched a marriage facilitation fund offering grants of 40,000 LYD ($8,770 USD) split equally between the two spouses. Given the state of economic instability in Libya, some families are arranging child marriages for economic relief. Internally displaced persons are among the most vulnerable groups and are able to use the fund as a lifeline. In 2021, the youngest recipient of this fund was a 12-year-old girl.

The Consequences of Child Marriage 

Child marriages have severe psychological and physical consequences for minors, particularly girls. Reports from Libya contain testimonies of doctors performing caesarean sections on girls as young as 14. Girls face heightened risks of miscarriage, premature delivery and infant-mother mortality due to their physical immaturity and lack of adequate health care infrastructure in Libya. Child marriage disproportionately affects girls and they are more likely to experience sexual and domestic violence, limited education and economic dependence on their spouse, which renders them unable to leave their situation. Mental health data shows that girls in underage marriages have higher rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Libya’s Strategy to End Child Marriages 

Local women’s rights organizations in Libya have launched the “Not Before 18” campaign to combat child marriages. The campaign includes school-based sessions led by social workers for young girls and their parents to raise awareness about the consequences of underage marriage. The campaign also features women speakers to encourage social development, particularly in rural areas where child marriage is more prevalent.

The Ra’idat program, which the United Nations created, is a year-long leadership and advocacy training initiative for young Libyan women. It equips women with skills in communication, media and civic engagement along with opportunities for further training through the European Union and the African Union. Education is a key strategy for breaking the cycle of poverty and for preventing child marriage in Libya.

– Liberty Whitford Webb

Liberty is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Casa Cornelia Law Center: Legal Representation to US Immigrants

Casa Cornelia Law CenterOver the past year, many U.S. immigrants have sought legal representation in response to the current federal administration’s immigration policies. Individuals with attorney representation have a far greater chance of securing legal relief than those without. For this reason, having an attorney to provide case assessment and legal support is crucial.

However, many people cannot afford private attorney fees. For instance, a deportation defense can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. This creates a problematic situation for vulnerable individuals and their families, as many immigrants do not have the economic means to pay for needed legal services and are forced to forego the opportunity to have an attorney defend them.

Casa Cornelia Law Center helps mitigate this challenge by providing legal support free of charge. The Borgen Project spoke with Casa Cornelia Communications Manager Pedro Anaya to gain further insight into the organization’s work.

Casa Cornelia’s Story

Located in San Diego, Casa Cornelia Law Center was founded in 1993 by Sister Ann M. Durst, a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Durst envisioned providing free legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Over time, the law center grew into an established nonprofit public interest law firm serving Southern California.

Casa Cornelia Law Center believes “justice with compassion is a human right—not a privilege.” Too often, justice becomes a privilege because of the high cost of legal representation. Casa Cornelia bridges this justice gap by providing all its services at no cost to clients.

The organization sustains its free services through donations from individuals and institutional grants. To further its impact, in addition to its dedicated staff, Casa Cornelia recruits, trains and mentors volunteer attorneys from the private bar and volunteer interpreters and translators from the community to expand its mission reach and maximize its limited resources.

Services and Impact

Casa Cornelia offers its services to help unaccompanied children, asylum seekers and victims of serious crimes. As an extension of its services and to further support its clients, the organization coordinates access through referrals to needed social services, such as psychological and medical resources, via a network of trusted agency connections.

In 2024, Casa Cornelia responded to nearly 3,000 diverse cases, helping people from 79 countries and in 55 languages. Around 48% of the cases were asylum seekers, 35% were unaccompanied children and 17% were survivors of violent crimes. It also has the support of 500 volunteers.

The center also supports volunteer training, trauma-informed aid for clients and the maintenance of legal staff.

Looking Ahead

Casa Cornelia Law Center has helped the indigent immigrant community in Southern California for more than 30 years. Through a free legal process, the charity makes justice more accessible for those who do not have the means to hire private counsel. As the needs increase, the law center will continue to pivot to meet the needs in the community.

– Andrea Roji

Andrea is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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What to Know About Poverty in Spain 

Poverty in Spain 

In spite of its position as one of the European Union’s biggest economies, poverty is still a significant issue in Spain. In 2023, there were 20.4% of people, according to data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), who lived under the poverty line or were subject to social exclusion. Among these include low-income families; those with severe material deprivation or low work intensity, and so forth. This figure has fallen slightly in recent years but is still above the EU average. It shows that there is an unequal distribution of income and an undercurrent of economic vulnerability in this land.

The Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis

The economic fallout from the 2008 financial crisis took its toll on Spain as well. As perforated holes with no dollar signs continued to emerge all over the country, her economy saw skyrocketing unemployment and an increase in poverty rates unparalleled in decades past. The economy has recovered steadily, but many of the cuts made during austerity measures—especially in social protection and public services—continue to affect vulnerable groups fiercely today. Although the unemployment rate in Spain soared to 26.1% in 2013 before finally passing, it has since dropped to around 12% (2024). Precarious employment and underemployment are still more common than full-time work among young people in particular.

Exposed Demographics

Women and children, immigrants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable groups in Spanish society who suffer frequently under poverty. The child poverty level, for instance, was nearly 28.9% in 2023. This makes it one of the highest child poverty levels among all EU member states. Single-parent families, often headed by women, face increased risks of poverty due to their lower income levels and restricted access to affordable childcare as well as housing. Moreover, Spain’s aging population has become difficult in the face of an inadequate pensions system, for many retired citizens find their pensions cannot keep up with inflation.

Regional Differences

In Spain, poverty levels vary widely from region to region. On average, the poverty rate in southern regions like Andalusia and Extremadura is higher than that of wealthier, more industrialized areas such as Madrid and the Basque Country. For example, in 2023, the AROPE rate (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion) for Andalusia stood at 37.5%, while just across the border, an identical group was living on only 12.5% of what most others enjoyed as income.

Solutions and Efforts

In response to the high poverty levels in Spain, both government and non-governmental organizations introduced a variety of initiatives. One of the most important government projects is called ‘Ingreso Mínimo Vital’ or Minimum Livelihood Income, which was launched in June 2020. This national welfare program seeks to guarantee a minimum income for the most economically vulnerable households. With almost 700,000 households and more than 1.6 million people receiving support by February 2024, the project also built job-seeking services and social programs into one cohesive whole to promote sustainable social integration.

Another notable project is Cáritas Española, an NGO with a long history of battling poverty and marginalization in Spain. Direct humanitarian aid (such as food, housing and education services) is combined with pressure for structural policy change. In 2023, Cáritas helped more than 2.5 million people in Spain in a mixture of urgent assistance and social development schemes. At the same time as it makes these appeals for such reforms on behalf of marginalized groups, the organization also works politically to publicize and make public their plight.

Looking Ahead

Despite Spain’s economic achievements and social programs, poverty continues to be an issue. Among children, women, and the elderly, it is particularly problematic, and the level varies greatly by region. While unemployment has fallen (thanks to post-2008 recovery), the absence of rights-cabinet work and regional inequalities mean that the justice obstacle remains strong. Programs like Spain’s Ingreso Mínimo Vital or the activities of Cáritas Española indicate that if we fixate on supporting particular systems and making policies which embrace everyone, there will be progress. 

– Simone Sanchez

Simone is based in Huntington, NY, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Nation in Poverty: An Analysis of Being Poor in Syria 

Being Poor in SyriaSyria has been engulfed in a civil war since the Arab Spring of 2011, eventually culminating in the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024; however, despite the collapse of the dictatorship, conflict has labored on, and the poverty rate refuses to budge. As it currently stands, 90% of Syrians are impoverished, surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Food Program (WFP); this level of destitution is primarily reliant on water scarcity, food shortages, disheveled health care infrastructure, lack of education and insufficient energy production.  Here is more information about being poor in Syria.

Water Scarcity 

Today, 14.6 million Syrians do not have regular access to clean drinking water, according to UNICEF. The year 2021 marked the beginning of the most severe drought Syria has seen since 1997, with the first quarter of 2025 producing only 94.9 millimeters of rainfall compared to the average of 165.4mm, according to Syria Direct. 

As a consequence of burning fossil fuels, from 2020-2023, temperatures in Syria increased by an average of 1.2 degrees Celsius, taking this level of drought from a one in 250-year event, down to one in 10, according to World Weather Attribution.

In 2010, Syria’s water pumps produced around 1.7 billion cubic meters of water; in 2022, that number had dwindled down to a mere 600 million cubic meters, according to The Century Foundation. The Century Foundation also reports that between 800,000-1.2 million Syrians access water from the Euphrates. However, between the drought depleting the supply and Turkey not allowing the allotted share of water to pass through to Syria, there has been a significant deficit in what the river can provide.

Water Treatment in Syria

Even then, nearly two-thirds of water treatment facilities, half of all pumping stations, and one-third of water towers have suffered catastrophic damage as a result of the ongoing conflict. Almost half of all Syrians are dependent on unsafe drinking sources, and 70% of the nation’s sewage goes untreated, according to UNICEF.

Furthermore, in the governorates of Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, virtually all of the untreated sewage goes directly into the Euphrates, supplementing the ever-growing sanitation dilemma, according to The Century Foundation. The combination of low water levels and destitute sewer infrastructure has become a breeding ground for disease, with 60,000 people suspected of contracting cholera between August 2022 and January 2023, according to The Century Foundation. 

By October 2023, suspected cases of watery diarrhea had increased to more than 215,000, according to Relief Web. While this affliction may sound generally harmless to those in the Western world, if left untreated, patients may die from fluid loss within a matter of hours. However, Syria has made monumental advancements in water infrastructure in recent months.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization and the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, in late July, Aleppo saw the rehabilitation of three water systems, which had previously become inoperable due to earthquake-sustained damage. These facilities have now guaranteed access to free water for thousands of Syrians, according to Relief Web. However, the remaining exhausted water sources have taken a heavy toll on farmers and, in turn, the overall domestic food supply. One of the contributing factors for this strain has been that the methods Syria uses in cultivation require more water than the climate was capable of producing, even prior to the drought. Frankly, groundwater cannot even sustain these methods.  

Food Shortages

Food shortages are a significant part of being poor in Syria. In Daraa’s 2025 harvest alone, farmers lost 50% of irrigated wheat, but it pales in comparison to the near 100% of rainwater-fed crops that became defunct. For context, this equates to a measly 14% of 2024’s crop, according to Syria Direct. Additionally, the wheat that Daraa has maintained is suffering from increased competition and the possibility of subsidies being removed.  

Syria’s interim government has lifted customs duties and restrictions on Turkish imports. Since the beginning of 2025, these imports have increased by 47%, and the powers that be are also mulling over the alienation of wheat subsidies, according to the Tahir Institute. 

Bread subsidies are already on the sidelines. On top of that, gas canisters used to cook sextupled in price by January 2025, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. That being said, nearly 13 million Syrians are at risk of extreme hunger, with an additional 2.6 million at risk, according to Relief Web. As a result, UNICEF has said that more than 3.5 million children have become victims of stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies. However, earlier in August 2025, UNICEF announced that it had deployed 14 mobile health and nutrition teams throughout southern Syria, claiming that supplies would be allocated to an estimated 4,000 women and children in need.  

Looking Ahead

While it may seem like a drop in the bucket, efforts like this begin to compound in addressing being poor in Syria. With the help of like-minded organizations, it’s only a matter of time before the situation improves. Even if it’s little by little, these initiatives are saving lives. 

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USAs and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Addressing HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan

HIV/AIDS in KazakhstanKazakhstan is a large Central Asian country, bordering Russia at its north, and Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan at its south. It is a developing country, and international aid plays a large part in disease control. HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan has been a growing problem for years. A combination of domestic and international aid has been successfully active in Kazakhstan, but this problem is very much ongoing. Furthermore, U.S. budget cuts are threatening aid which Kazakhstan relies on.

Overview of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan

The Eastern Europe and Central Asian region (EECA) is the only region in the world where HIV and AIDS infections, as well as AIDS-related deaths, are still rising. A study carried out under Dove Press shows a consistent increase in the percentage of the Kazakh population living with HIV since 2010 – 0.12% of the population in 2010, and 0.27% in 2020. As of 2024, around 43,000 adults aged above 15 live with HIV in Kazakhstan.

Poverty also has some correlation with HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan. Sex workers are at higher risk of infection, a lifestyle which is generally a product of poverty and desperation. Furthermore, drug-users are at higher risk of HIV than non-drug-users, another practice which has links – cause or effect – to poverty. One way in which Kazakhstan could indirectly address its HIV/AIDS problem would be to help the poorest, and bring people out of particularly vulnerable situations.

There are reasons for optimism: 

  • The HIV epidemic in Kazakhstan is isolated to certain groups, such as people who inject drugs, or men who have sex with other men. It is not a population-wide epidemic, and therefore eradication is more easily attainable. 
  • According to UNAIDS, in 2024, there was a 2% decrease in new HIV cases compared to 2010.
  • The international community is helping Kazakhstan in a number of ways.

The Importance of International Aid

There are multiple NGOs and state-funded organizations which have helped and are helping Kazakhstan. These include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC is a U.S.-based and government funded organization which works globally. In 2005, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) implemented actions, and since then, CDC has supported Kazakh domestic organizations, such as KSCDID, in researching and treating HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan:

  • CDC has improved online services, making information accessible to the Kazakh population and encouraging informed decision-making.
  • CDC supports five HIV treatment facilities with funding and technology. These accounted for 5,234 patients in 2024, a 34% increase since 2019.
  • CDC claims to have supplied effective treatment to more than 20,000 infected people in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with its government.

The UNDP: The UN Development Program (UNDP) has helped to modernize health care in Kazakhstan:

  • Invested in modern, effective equipment for PCR testing in 15 different AIDS centers across Kazakhstan.
  • Pushed HIV and AIDS testing towards automation – less direct contact with doctors results in lower likelihood of human error or even further spread of infection.

USAID: This was an organization created under President Bush. It is credited with saving 25 million lives worldwide through its work on HIV and AIDS, and was very influential in Kazakhstan:

  • USAID allocated more than $15 million USD to Kazakhstan in 2024. About $8.8 million USD out of this total was invested in health care, with the rest being split between goals such as upholding human rights, stimulating economic development and maintaining peace.
  • In 2020, USAID launched a flagship project in Kazakhstan which tested more than 10,000 people for HIV/AIDS, 600 of which were positive. This project also granted life-saving health care to more than 3,000 people living with HIV.

Threat to International Aid

This year, President Trump aims to decrease government spending by $9 billion USD. One victim of these cuts is USAID, which had to shut down in July 2025 due to lack of funding. Both former-presidents Bush and Obama have condemned this action.

The organization UNAIDS particularly focuses on the significance of the U.S. funding, and impact of the cuts. It projects a 90% reduction in HIV testing and outreach in two regions of Kazakhstan, accounting for 20% of the drug-using population and 9% of men who have sex with men.

The morale of the Kazakh people is another important factor. The fear of HIV and AIDS negatively affects the population, and UNAIDS highlights the significance and growth of this fear with the introduction of the temporary U.S. funding freeze in March 2025, even before the cuts have been fully implemented.

Reasons to Be Optimistic

Under these threatening circumstances, there are multiple actors working to soften the potential blows as much as possible. For example, the Government of Kazakhstan is committed to filling the gaps that the U.S. left with domestic funding. The government already covered 95% of the costs of HIV research and treatment, and so were not entirely reliant on the CDC before the cuts.

Communities in Kazakhstan are also mobilizing. There has been increased volunteering, as well as outreach workers moving to AIDS centers. There has also been dialogue with the Global Fund, which could help in the place of U.S. aid.

Meanwhile, in the case of the U.S. Government, in July 2025, U.S. senators said that they would end a plan to cut $400 million dollars from PEPFAR funding, a decision which many experts are relieved about. This should significantly lessen the potential impact of the cuts on HIV and AIDS relief, in Kazakhstan and across the world.

Looking Ahead

In summary, while HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan is a significant problem, and the threats to international aid funding are of further concern, there is cause for optimism. The people of Kazakhstan, as well as the international community, are adapting and making the best of their situation.

– Oliver Evans

Oliver is based in Devon, United UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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4 Key Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Paraguay

Poverty in ParaguayParaguay has made remarkable progress in cutting poverty over the past two decades. According to the World Bank Group, the country’s poverty rate fell from 51.4% in 2003 to 24.7% in 2022. Social entrepreneur Martin Burt has been among the leading figures in creating innovations to reduce poverty in Paraguay. This success comes despite continuous challenges. Paraguay, a landlocked developing country in South America, with a population of around 6 million, still struggles with inequality and human capital gaps. Many Paraguayans face poor access to quality education, health care and formal employment.

Since the fall of the dictatorship in 1989, a strong implementation of macro-economic policies, market reform and social programs have driven significant growth and lifted millions out of poverty. Nonetheless, inequality still remains stagnant amongst Paraguayans. The World Bank Group has issued four key recommendations to improve poverty: invest in human capital, create quality jobs, strengthen the fiscal system and increase climate resilience. Here are four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay.

1. Investment in Human Capital

Education reform is at the center of Paraguay’s long-term anti-poverty strategy. The OECD’s Paraguay Country Program, officially launched in March 2025, lists improving teacher training as a top priority. Experts see better-trained teachers as essential to raising learning standards and preparing students for the job market. 

One example is Tikichuela: Mathematics in My School, an online program designed to support teachers in helping primary students develop math skills. A Berkeley study found that Tikichuela has successfully narrowed the learning gap between low- and high-performing students in Paraguay. According to the study, 65% of students do not have the minimum proficient standards in mathematics, science and reading, making such teacher-supported programs vital. The initiative, which currently benefits 4,000 students in Paraguay, highlights how equipping teachers with the right tools and training enables them to deliver more effective learning. Building on this success, in 2017 the Paraguayan government announced plans to expand funding for Tikichuela at a national scale.

2. ‘Poverty Spotlight’ – Fundación Paraguaya

Social innovator Martin Burt developed Poverty Spotlight, a self-assessment tool that helps families, organizations and NGOs to assess their poverty levels on a holistic level. This innovation uses a metric of 50 indicators across six dimensions including: Income & Employment, Health & Environment, Housing & Infrastructure, Education & Culture, Organization & Participation and Interiority & Motivational. This creates a personalized ‘life map’ for individuals to understand their state of poverty and how best to overcome it.

The system uses a traffic-light color code: Red (extreme poverty), Yellow (poverty) and Green (not poverty). Staff works directly with the people, designing tailored plans to overcome their challenges. Families and individuals track their progress over time, moving from red to green with the support from local mentors and community. Since 2013, 100 public and private businesses in Paraguay have adopted the tool to improve employee well-being, reaching more than 15,000 workers and their families.

In 2021, the United Nations awarded Poverty Spotlight the ODS Recognition (Sustainable Development Goals) for its work dedicated towards ending poverty.

3. Creating Job Opportunities

Fundación Paraguaya runs several programs to help individuals gain key skills and find secure work. Here are some of its innovative programs that are aiding poverty eradication in Paraguay: 

  1. Football without Poverty: Football without Poverty is a program that encourages the combination of sport and activities connected to entrepreneurship to disconnect from the multidimensional poverty within families and communities.
  2. Junior Achievement Paraguay: This program develops the entrepreneurial skills of young people. This has benefited 27,000+ young people in 2024.
  3. Academy of Women Entrepreneurial (AWE): The Department of State of the United States Embassy in Paraguay initiated this enterprise. Its goal is to provide women with the necessary software platforms for them to carry out their business successfully.
  4. Young Ambassadors: Young Ambassadors provides full scholarships to 13 young leaders aged between 15 and 17 years old for a cultural exchange in the United States while representing Paraguay. They take part in training and activities enhancing their leadership skills. 
  5. Let’s Be Open: The foundation promotes this program as part of rebooting the economy in collaboration with Coca-Cola Paraguay. The program provides training to those without jobs or education, with the aim of increasing skills and employability.

Unemployment hit a record high of 8.55% in June 2021, but has since fallen to 5.7%. These innovations support Paraguay’s broader goal of eradicating poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and expanding economic participation.

4. Investing in Climate Resilience

Paraguay is one of the world’s leaders in clean energy production, generating 99.9% of its electricity from zero-carbon hydropower infrastructure. Thanks to its efficient dams, the country is able to produce more than it consumes. It exports the surplus to its neighboring countries Argentina and Brazil. These exports account for 7.1% of Paraguay’s net GDP, serving as a major source of public funding revenue that can be put towards social programs aimed at further reducing poverty.

However, a Berkeley study warns that the country’s climate shocks affect the success of its electricity export. A previous drought reduced export revenues by 12%, reducing the funds available for infrastructure, education and job creation, all of which are critical in reducing poverty in Paraguay.

Looking Ahead

Paraguay’s combination of education reform, innovative poverty measurement, job creation programs and climate conscious economic infrastructure shows how targeted strategies can reduce poverty in sustainable ways. The four key innovations in poverty eradication in Paraguay are key players in bringing the country forward.

– Ashley Pfeifer

Ashley is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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UAE Sends Aid To Help in Fight Against Cholera in Chad

Cholera in ChadSince the start of 2025, more than 390,000 cases of cholera have been reported across 31 countries. At least 4,322 of those cases have been fatal. On paper, these numbers can be hard to grasp.

However, to put them in perspective, the number of infections is nearly four times the capacity of Michigan Stadium, the largest stadium in the U.S. The death toll is equally staggering, approaching one and a half times the number of lives lost in the September 11 attacks.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mild cholera cases can be easily treated with oral rehydration solutions, which replace lost fluids and electrolytes. More extreme cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly, though if caught in time, treatment is very effective.

Cholera is a waterborne disease, meaning it is primarily spread through contaminated water sources. This fact is particularly sobering in Chad, where only 52% of the population can access clean drinking water. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where that number drops to just 43.8%.

Cholera in Chad

This global outbreak has hit Chad, a country in north-central Africa, especially hard. Chad has a population of more than 19 million, with 44.8% living on an income below the national poverty line. From July 13 to August 19, Chad recorded 776 cholera cases and 53 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 6.8%.

The disease is believed to have entered Chad from its eastern neighbor, Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a violent civil war that has devastated the country. According to the United Nations (U.N.), the ongoing conflict has triggered a massive refugee crisis, forcing approximately 1.2 million Sudanese to flee across the border into Chad in search of safety and stability.

The cholera outbreak has been further worsened by these cross-border movements and the instability caused by the war. Armed conflict often exacerbates disease spread, making it essential to focus on this region now to prevent outbreaks and further human suffering.

UAE Involvement

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a small but wealthy country on the Arabian Peninsula. In August 2025, its government sent 30 tons of lifesaving medical supplies to Chad to combat the cholera outbreak.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, the chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, confirmed that Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s priority is to continue the country’s “international humanitarian commitment to address health challenges wherever they arise.”

In 2025 alone, the UAE has distributed more than $80 million in health-related aid worldwide, with the primary beneficiaries in West Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

Efforts to contain cholera in Chad are critical. The UAE’s contribution is a meaningful step in the fight against cholera, offering critical relief to one of the regions hit hardest by the outbreak. However, millions remain at risk due to limited access to clean water, basic health care and humanitarian support.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Azerbaijan

Gender Wage Gap in AzerbaijanHistorically, in 74 countries, women have been confined to the four walls of their homes, limiting their activities to the domestic sphere. Azerbaijan is one of them. For decades, laws barred women from participating in the workforce, with 674 occupations exclusively reserved for men. For instance, regulations prohibited women from laying asphalt, working as train engineers or engaging in hazardous occupations. Women occupy only a small fraction of managerial positions, resulting in many of those roles going to men. Meanwhile, women’s monthly salaries are 35% lower than men’s salaries. Here is more information about the gender wage gap in Azerbaijan.

Decline of the Amazons-women

The history of Azerbaijan reveals that the country was once home to “Amazons-women,” a term used to describe women who possessed the best qualities traditionally attributed to men. Monuments in Azerbaijan commemorate successful women such as Queen Tomris and Queen Nushaba.

However, as history unfolded, Soviet rule suppressed women’s voices. Authorities pushed women into traditional household roles, primarily as mothers and caretakers. Today, men hold an overwhelming 90% majority in positions such as ministers, chairs of state committees and heads of large enterprises, while women hold the majority in supporting roles at 63.6%.

Poverty and the Gender Wage Gap in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, the contrast between urban and rural women’s opportunities remains stark. Baku showcases women in leadership roles and thriving businesses, while rural areas, especially in the south, remain trapped in cycles of poverty, early marriage and economic exclusion. Many rural women lack access to education, pushing them into low- or no-income roles that cement financial dependence and limit future earning potential. This systemic lack of skills and access to better-paying jobs directly feeds into the national gender wage gap in Azerbaijan, as rural women often work in informal, low-paying sectors or perform unpaid household labor. Even with initiatives like UNDP–EU resource centers enabling small business creation, structural inequalities and limited market access keep rural women’s wages far below those of their urban counterparts, perpetuating poverty across generations.

Lag in Pay Parity

According to a 2023 report from the Azerbaijan Statistical Committee, female students make up 52% of higher education enrollment. However, this growth does not translate into equal remuneration. Women primarily work in health care and teaching, yet earn roughly half of what men in these professions receive. Workplace segregation remains a key driver of the wage gap. Social norms expect women to serve as mothers and limit interactions with men, which restricts professional networking opportunities necessary for career advancement. As a result, many women stagnate in low-paying jobs, constrained by societal expectations and fear of condemnation. Thus, many women continue to live under a figurative veil.

Reforms Open Doors, Yet Hurdles Remain

Gender wage disparity contributes to an estimated $160 trillion loss in human capital wealth globally. McKinsey reports that if women participated in the labor market at the same rate as men, global GDP could rise by $28 trillion.

Azerbaijan’s Parliament implemented a law called On amendments to the Labour code of Azerbaijan, which aims to reduce the number of prohibited professions from 674 to 204 for women. In contrast, the professions that continue to be prohibited are for pregnant women and women with children under the age of 1. 

The World Bank has been collaborating with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (MoLSPP) to help women access STEM. The World Bank held a stakeholder roundtable on aiding the increase in the participation of women in the field of STEM. It also developed E-learning courses on occupational health and safety, violence and harassment, along with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, including representatives from MoLSPP. However, deep-rooted patriarchal social norms continue to persist, which hinders progress.

Initiatives to Promote STEM for Women

Women today are significantly underrepresented in fields like STEM, comprising only 30.1% graduates. A handful of institutions have made progress in addressing this including:

  1. The AGA Group and the Demir Scholarship: The AGA group provides scholarships to female students studying in STEM, finance and medical fields at UFAZ university. Successful female candidates receive a monthly scholarship of 250-300 AZN based on their academic performance. 
  2. Sumgait Technologies Park and the Gentle Engineers Women’s Development Project: The STP Group of Companies created the “Gentle Engineers” women’s development project in April 2024 in partnership with the Education Development Fund. It offers scholarships and mentorship to 50 high-performing female students in technical fields (e.g., engineering disciplines). Recipients receive financial support, training and mentorship.
  3. Coca-Cola Icecek and the Equal Salary Certification: In September 2023, Coca-Cola İçecek (CCI), the regional bottling company operating in Turkey and several neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, received the Equal-Salary Certification from the Swiss Equal-Salary Foundation. This confirms that the company pays men and women equally for equal work.

Looking Ahead

While policy reforms have begun to address Azerbaijan’s gender wage gap, sustainable change will depend on dismantling entrenched social norms and ensuring equal access to all levels of the labor market.

– Chhahat Kaur Gandhi

Chhahat is based in New Delhi, India and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Solar Microgrids in Uganda Powering Progress

Renewable Energy in UgandaUganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, is one of the most impoverished nations in the world. More than 40% of its citizens live below the national poverty line, most living in rural areas and acting as subsistence farmers. Many obstacles hinder poverty reduction efforts in the region, including low electricity access.

Poor and unequal access to electricity prevents rural residents from having core services like refrigeration, the ability to study in the evening or even powered medical tools. This lack perpetuates poverty through low productivity, poor health and limited education.

The introduction of solar microgrids in Uganda provides efficient and more affordable methods of increasing access to electricity. Here is some information on how solar microgrids operate in Uganda.

Background

In rural Uganda, studies estimate that 26 million people live without electricity as the grids are often limited to towns. This is partly because grid expansion is expensive due to long distances and low density. Hence, off-grid solar microgrids have become a cheaper option that is much quicker to install.

Solar microgrids are localized energy systems incorporating features like solar panels, batteries or small distribution lines. In Uganda, they have been used to great success. For example, in The Lamwo District, 25 solar mini-grids provide electricity to more than 15,000 residents and 100 businesses. In Kiwumu, a 40 kW system provides electricity to 360 homes, 60 companies and a maize mill. On Bunjako Island, eight grids serve more than 3,300 people.

Microgrids as a Tool To Reduce Poverty

Investing in Uganda’s solar microgrids has been crucial in bolstering poverty reduction efforts. It has increased the income for rural Ugandans as it provides a boost for buildings like shops, mills, salons and charging kiosks. In Kiwumu, businesses saw an increase of 68% in their revenue. This also helps women’s businesses as they grow with powered sewing machines and food processors.

In the health care sector, solar microgrids have also made an impact. There is now proper refrigeration for vaccines in the regions with these microgrids. Hospitals can now better provide nighttime emergency care. Likewise, diagnostic equipment is now powered more reliably.

Solar microgrids in Uganda have also improved the education effort in rural areas. Evening study is now possible with the lighting produced by electricity. Students and learners in the region can also now use computers and printers more consistently. This has also bolstered efforts to provide digital literacy training.

Conclusion

Some barriers to expanding solar microgrids in the region remain, such as complex regulations and licensing delays. However, more support must be given as expanded microgrid access for rural Uganda reduces energy poverty. It also means the growth of small businesses, better health care and stronger education outcomes: all crucial features in the fight against poverty.

– Seun Adekunle

Seun is based in Scotch Plains, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr