Measures necessary to alleviate poverty inflicted by human actions
Published: 03:08 PM,Aug 28,2024 | EDITED : 07:08 PM,Aug 28,2024
Many countries around the world suffer from poverty inflicted by human actions, despite the earth being abundant with resources, blessings, and goodness bestowed by the Creator for all humanity. The Gulf region, in particular, is blessed with wealth represented by energy resources such as oil, gas, and minerals, as well as water resources, seas, and other blessings. Additionally, the region benefits from sovereign funds and similar institutions. Therefore, poverty should not exist in the region, and with sound economic, financial, and social planning, people can live with dignity, prosperity, and abundance without needing to rely on others for their livelihood.
The Gulf region is not a place where people should live on less than $2.15 a day, as is the case in some of the world's poorest countries—this notion is unrealistic given the substantial income of Gulf nations. However, according to a recent report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), poverty does exist in several Gulf countries, affecting more than 6% of the population. This equates to 3.3 million Gulf citizens living in poverty out of a total population of around 54 million in 2023. Additionally, there are no fewer than 6 million Gulf citizens seeking employment, while over 25 million foreign workers compete for jobs, often pushing locals toward poverty.
ESCWA’s data indicates that, although poverty rates in the GCC countries have declined since 2010, there is a need to develop policies that can further reduce poverty in the region. The report highlights several key factors contributing to poverty, including inequality, where certain groups enjoy fewer rights and access to resources than others. Conflicts often exacerbate poverty by destroying economies, while hunger and malnutrition hinder people’s ability to work, leading them into debt. Inadequate healthcare systems further drive poverty by draining people's wealth in pursuit of treatment.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive plans and policies to tackle the root causes of poverty, including the provision of social, health, and educational support. It is also essential to have emergency plans in place to address crises caused by climate change, which can lead to poverty when people lose their properties. According to the World Bank, the climate crisis could push more than 130 million people into poverty by 2030.
The ESCWA report not only highlights these critical figures but also urges GCC countries to implement measures to reduce poverty. These include financial reforms to diversify revenue bases, improve targeting in social protection plans, reform land allocation and public procurement policies, and invest in the skills of Gulf citizens.
The Gulf region is not a place where people should live on less than $2.15 a day, as is the case in some of the world's poorest countries—this notion is unrealistic given the substantial income of Gulf nations. However, according to a recent report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), poverty does exist in several Gulf countries, affecting more than 6% of the population. This equates to 3.3 million Gulf citizens living in poverty out of a total population of around 54 million in 2023. Additionally, there are no fewer than 6 million Gulf citizens seeking employment, while over 25 million foreign workers compete for jobs, often pushing locals toward poverty.
ESCWA’s data indicates that, although poverty rates in the GCC countries have declined since 2010, there is a need to develop policies that can further reduce poverty in the region. The report highlights several key factors contributing to poverty, including inequality, where certain groups enjoy fewer rights and access to resources than others. Conflicts often exacerbate poverty by destroying economies, while hunger and malnutrition hinder people’s ability to work, leading them into debt. Inadequate healthcare systems further drive poverty by draining people's wealth in pursuit of treatment.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive plans and policies to tackle the root causes of poverty, including the provision of social, health, and educational support. It is also essential to have emergency plans in place to address crises caused by climate change, which can lead to poverty when people lose their properties. According to the World Bank, the climate crisis could push more than 130 million people into poverty by 2030.
The ESCWA report not only highlights these critical figures but also urges GCC countries to implement measures to reduce poverty. These include financial reforms to diversify revenue bases, improve targeting in social protection plans, reform land allocation and public procurement policies, and invest in the skills of Gulf citizens.