The past decades have seen unprecedented progress in improving the conditions of people living in poverty. Income, education and health indicators show overall gains in the decline of poverty. Despite these improvements, poverty continues to be pervasive the world over.

Poverty is as complex as development itself. Development approaches tried and tested since the 1960s have reflected this complexity. Industrialization, expert-led growth, basic human needs, structural adjustment, and sustainable development all look into the causes of poverty and identify policies and solutions to break out of the vicious circle of poverty.

Social development is a foundation upon which human development flourishes, political development provides a framework of rights, and economic development becomes sustainable. Countries that put people first by promoting health, education, employment and social protection grow faster, achieve greater social stability, and are better able to combat poverty. Developments that release the vast human potential in societies in transition – by increasing skills and productivity, by improving health and the quality of life – are not just morally desirable but also crucial to creating sustainable wealth.