The following is a “Good News” rundown of 2025, bringing important, positive stories to the top of the agenda. Here are 10 poverty-reduction 2025 landmark achievements that continue to spur the movement forward in the fight against global poverty.

Top 10 Landmark Achievements

1. Safer Standing. Firstly, recognition for the 300,000th landmine removed from Sri Lankan land this year. The landmines were remnants left behind from the country’s civil war, which persisted for more than three decades and ended in 2009. A nonprofit organization conducted the operation, highlighting the role institutions outside government can play in improving society. The removal of these landmines has allowed 280,000 people to return to their homes. The nonprofit in question, HALO, has rendered 120 square kilometers of land safe again. People can now return home and travel safely and freely. This marks an important accomplishment that promises a safer life for communities across Sri Lanka.
2. India. Traveling north to India, the second entry on this list of poverty reduction achievements, the country has seen a significant drop in the proportion of its population living in poverty. This includes the declaration of Kerala as India’s first state free of extreme poverty. This progress is linked to the Extreme Poverty Program, which established initiatives including providing families with homes, allocating land and assisting with home repairs. These efforts relied on cooperation among communities, government and local assemblies. This achievement stands as one of the most notable 2025 poverty-reduction milestones.
3. Bangladesh. Moving east to Bangladesh, nearly the entire population has gained access to basic electricity for the first time. This development supports the United Nations goal of universal electricity access by 2030. Over the past 30 years, access to electricity in Bangladesh has increased by about 85%, compared with just 14% of the population having power in 1991. This improvement signals continued progress. Access to electricity affects daily life in critical ways, including the ability to read after sunset.
4. Nigeria. Turning toward technological innovation, 2025 saw a young inventor spreading light across Nigeria using recycled plastic tiles to create clean-power charging stations. Named the Commonwealth’s Young Person of the Year in March, Anigbogu has delivered energy access to communities with little or no power across Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. This supports education, communication, health, safety and poverty alleviation. Anigbogu’s focus on clean power also promotes a future less dependent on fossil fuels. Beyond the technology itself, LightEd prioritizes community welfare by creating safe spaces and providing energy access to displaced people. This includes lighting refugee camps, increasing safety and offering education on environmental sustainability.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo. Poverty reduction 2025 landmark achievements also included renewed peace efforts. In June, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a peace agreement known as the Washington Accord, aiming to end conflict dating back to 1994. The agreement includes the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In return, the Democratic Republic of the Congo government agreed to stop supporting anti-Rwandan insurgents. The deal also includes commitments to economic cooperation.
6. Mozambique. In Mozambique, 2025 marked the introduction of the first fully inclusive emergency data collection tool designed to close the disability gap in emergency response. The tool aims to improve inclusion by involving people with disabilities in response planning. The Elrha project developed the tool to assess barriers faced by people with disabilities during emergencies. The approach integrates disabled people as data contributors through its SIRA survey. Field use in Mozambique identified the tool as vital for improving accessible humanitarian aid.
7. Tibet. The seventh achievement on this list was announced in July, when Chinese officials demonstrated progress on what is forecast to become the world’s largest solar farm. Located in Tibet, the project is expected to cover an area comparable to the city of Chicago. China reported a decrease in carbon emissions within the first six months of the year. The solar farm stretches across desert land, reducing wind and soil erosion while allowing vegetation to take root. The project represents a milestone in demonstrating economic growth alongside emissions reduction.
8. Indonesia. In Indonesia, the government launched a free meal program for children and pregnant women. Within four years, the initiative aims to reach 82.9 million people. The program addresses high rates of maternal and child malnutrition. The free meal program was a central policy of President Prabowo’s election campaign. Government officials and soldiers now serve meals including fried chicken, tofu, rice and oranges. Mothers across more than 20 provinces have reported positive outcomes, supporting efforts to address food insecurity, stunting and wasting.
9. Switzerland. The first malaria treatment designed specifically for babies received approval in Switzerland in July. In 2023, malaria caused more than 597,000 deaths worldwide. Until now, available treatments were unsuitable for infants due to liver development concerns. The pharmaceutical company Novartis developed the treatment, commonly known as Riamet Baby. After nearly three decades of research, the treatment is scheduled for rollout in eight African countries this year.
10. Ireland. Ireland announced that a basic income is now a legal right for artists. The policy aims to reduce financial instability and discourage people from leaving the arts sector. The scheme pays 2,000 artists and creative workers €325 per week. After a pilot program launched in 2022, the initiative expanded nationwide and will continue until February 2026. The policy supports artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthens Ireland’s arts sector.

Looking Ahead

These poverty reduction 2025 achievements highlight steady progress toward improving living conditions worldwide. From expanded access to basic services to peace initiatives and innovation, these efforts demonstrate that targeted solutions can create lasting change. Together, they show continued momentum in the global fight against poverty.

– Maya Hollick

Maya is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels