UN Warns 808 Million People Live in Extreme Poverty

The United Nations has raised an alarm regarding the alarming statistic that 808 million people, or one in every ten individuals worldwide, live in extreme poverty as of 2025. This figure reflects an upward revision from earlier projections, based on the international poverty benchmark defined as surviving on less than $3.00 per day in 2021 purchasing power parity.

The UN has noted a significant slowdown in the progress made in reducing extreme poverty over the past decade, alongside a concerning resurgence in global hunger levels, which have not been seen since 2005. The report attributes the crisis to various factors, including unemployment, social exclusion, and vulnerability to disasters and diseases.

It emphasizes the need for robust social protection systems to cushion individuals from slipping into poverty. Despite some countries expanding safety nets, 47.6% of the global population, approximately 3.8 billion people, remain unprotected as of 2023.

The UN urges stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, and citizens to reverse current trends and ensure that no one is left behind by 2030.