Italy is often overlooked as a key country in efforts to reduce global poverty. However, its approach to poverty reduction is quietly strategic, focusing on development funding, grassroots food programs and humanitarian relief. This allows Italy to be projected as a key contributor in the fight against poverty.

Food Security

As home to the U.N. agencies dedicated to global food security, Rome serves as a strategic hub for Italy’s fight against poverty and hunger. The city hosts three key institutions: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Italy’s long-standing partnership with these agencies has enabled it to remain a consistent donor. Italy has contributed significantly to the FAO trust fund and an additional $703 million to IFAD. These contributions have supported more than 220 initiatives worldwide, including agricultural development programs, crisis-response efforts and projects that promote gender equality in rural communities.

Humanitarian Relief

Italy’s fight against poverty has begun to expand, with the nation supporting agencies like the WFP’s emergency operations overseas. This has been particularly evident in places like Sudan, where the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has contributed more than $7 million. This donation can impact nearly 200,000 lives, significantly reducing malnutrition among young children and pregnant women.

However, Italy does not stop there; its determination to aid Niger’s increasing instability is irrefutable. Italian aid has focused on stabilizing communities affected by political unrest. For instance, the Initiatives for Enterprise Development (IDEE) Project takes pride in promoting youth entrepreneurship, providing support to vulnerable groups and offering economic alternatives to migration.

Additionally, Italy plays a key role in supporting refugees. It funds integration programs, provides legal aid and offers shelter for asylum seekers. Italy has contributed more than $50 million to the U.N. Refugee Agency, supporting labor mobility schemes that help migrants escape poverty.

Italy’s Fight Against Global Poverty

Leveraging agencies such as AICS, Italy’s anti-poverty efforts support projects across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, with a focus on education, gender equality and employment opportunities. Italy’s roughly $4.9 billion commitment to the Italian Climate Fund has already financed eight projects worldwide, with an additional 22 under review. These initiatives aim to advance sustainable development and strengthen Italy’s global partnerships.

With Africa as a central focus, Italy’s government has begun to launch initiatives to strengthen economic partnerships, aiming to address structural drivers of poverty. For instance, in 2023, Italy pledged more than $3 billion to support development programs in Africa, with a particular emphasis on education and training, health and energy.

Italy’s strategy for global poverty reduction relies on sustained, multi-layered engagement. By consistently investing in international aid, tackling food insecurity and placing humanitarian response at the core of its efforts, Italy demonstrates that impact is not defined by a nation’s size but by its commitment and compassion.

– Megan Burrows

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

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