TACOMA, Washington — The novel coronavirus has impacted the world in a variety of ways, most notably in the medical and economic fields. The virus has paralyzed the world for months by forcing individuals from all nations into quarantine. These cautionary circumstances, while aiming to protect individuals’ lives, forced many companies and businesses to close their doors. As a consequence, many people have lost their jobs. These results are extremely unfortunate for any individual in most socioeconomic circumstances. However, for countries whose populations are mainly poor or impoverished, these circumstances are extremely detrimental. They have the ability to undo and possibly worsen the significant progress made to eradicate global poverty. The United Nations has responded to these circumstances very proactively by introducing the Alliance for Poverty Eradication.
The Alliance for Poverty Eradication
The Alliance for Poverty Eradication was introduced by the current president of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammud-Bande. Muhammud-Bande was previously a Nigerian diplomat and former Nigerian ambassador to the United Nations. He then became the vice president of the general assembly and is now president.
The project was initiated on June 30, 2020, during the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The primary goal of the Alliance for Poverty Eradication is to focus on endeavors that will advance the global economy. Especially following the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had around the world.
President Muhammad-Bande set the two main orders to address the issues of quality education, inclusion and poverty eradication. He aimed to specifically enhance the connection between “multi-lateral” and “multi-pronged interventions” that will help eradicate poverty. The rationale behind making eradicating poverty a top priority for the United Nations General Assembly stems from the idea that it is important to classify poverty as being extremely arduous in order to fulfill sustainable development goals.
COVID-19’s Impact on Poverty
The United Nations has classified poverty as being a rising issue in various ways. The most evident ways are the absence of proper jobs, sanitation and education among many others. Before COVID-19 2.1 billion people worldwide lived off $3.20 a day or less. Additionally, 767 million people lived off $1.90 a day or less. Since the pandemic has had a considerable impact on economic activity, about 850 million people could fall back into poverty.
If the pandemic persists, it is possible that business firms that have agreed to invest in the markets of poorer countries will decide to exit. This would result in low-income households being unable to spend as much on consumer goods as they normally would. Both of these circumstances could increase the financial burden of lower and middle-income countries.
The Alliance for Poverty Eradication’s Potential Impact
India initially became affiliated with the Alliance for Poverty Eradication as its “founding member” and emphasized the need to end global poverty. It believed that in order to do so, the program had to provide access to a host of resources not solely monetary compensation. Resources needed would include access to good education, healthcare, social security, sanitation, adequate housing and clean water. Therefore, the general assembly approved a number of resolutions pertaining to poverty. This includes many programs that the U.N. has created to focus on poverty. The Alliance for Poverty Eradication has the potential to combine all poverty-eradicating methods while also acting as the main resource to network and participate in information sharing.
Additionally, the alliance should be able to analyze the challenge of poverty and approach it from many angles since individuals can experience poverty differently. The alliance will specifically focus on improving education, creating access to food, making healthcare affordable and acting on climate change. Overall, the Alliance for Poverty Eradication should provide individuals with the opportunity to address the drawn-out and complex issue of poverty, which COVID-19 has only made more complex.
Looking to the Future
The Alliance of Poverty Eradication will arrange a forum where members can determine the proper way to proceed. In order to allow the global economy to return to pre-pandemic levels and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. The alliance will also ensure that individuals who have not received equal treatment in the past will be treated as a priority. To start out the Alliance, its founding members will advocate for other countries to join as well in order to make this alliance the “leading voice for poverty eradication.”
COVID-19 altered the lives of billions of individuals worldwide. And it will continue to do so for years to come. Fortunately, the U.N. General Assembly is being proactive in order to decrease the economic impact that will arise. The United Nations is determined to prevent COVID-19 from undoing the successful work accomplished thus far. The Alliance for Poverty Eradication provides hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will not significantly contribute to poverty levels.