| International Day for Poverty Eradication |
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Message from Christian Balslev-Olesen, Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator, Somalia About 43% of Somalis currently live in extreme poverty, surviving on under 1US dollar a day. Approximately two thirds live on an income of less than two dollars a day. This places Somalia among the poorest countries in the world. Poverty increases the risk of civil war and insecurity, and therefore, poverty reduction efforts are not only desirable but a necessity for the peace and security of the country and region. Somalia cannot reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) without accelerating economic growth. Development interventions must create employment for the poor and increase their assets sufficiently for them to produce or purchase adequate food, and access other necessities. Unexploited resources — such as social capital — could play a vital role in reducing the gruelling poverty in the country. The UN reiterates its joint commitment with the people of Somalia, NGOs, and other international development agencies to ensure that Somalia achieves significant progress in fighting poverty. |