The United Nations on Monday warned that the world is not on track to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In a statement posted on its social media platforms, the U.N. said 808 million people — about one in 10 globally — were living in extreme poverty in 2025.
The figure reflects an upward revision following an update to the international poverty line, now set at less than $3 per person per day in 2021 purchasing power parity.
The organization said that while extreme poverty has declined significantly over the past decades, progress has slowed in recent years. If current trends continue, about 8.9% of the global population will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030.
The U.N. also warned that global hunger has rebounded to levels last seen in 2005, describing the trend as alarming. It cited rising food prices across more countries compared with the 2015–2019 period, highlighting a growing crisis of poverty and food insecurity.
According to the statement, poverty is driven by multiple factors, including unemployment, social exclusion and vulnerability to disasters and disease, which limit people’s ability to earn a living.
The organization said rising inequality poses broader risks, including slower economic growth, weakened social cohesion and increased political and social tensions that could lead to instability and conflict.
On social protection, the U.N. said stronger systems are needed to cushion shocks and prevent people from falling into poverty. Despite expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 47.6% of the world’s population — or 3.8 billion people — remained without any form of social protection as of 2023, including 1.4 billion children.
In response to the global cost-of-living crisis, 105 countries and territories introduced nearly 350 social protection measures between February 2022 and February 2023, the statement said. However, about 80% of those measures were temporary.
The U.N. called for countries to adopt sustainable and inclusive social protection systems and urged governments, the private sector and individuals to play active roles in reducing poverty.
It said governments can create conditions for job creation, while the private sector can help ensure economic growth is inclusive. It also noted that science and innovation have improved access to safe water, reduced deaths from waterborne diseases and strengthened hygiene.
The organization said coordinated global efforts remain essential to lifting millions out of poverty and ensuring no one is left behind by 2030.
