” As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality exist in the world, none of us can truly exist. “ — Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid activist
POVERTY is a universal problem. It affects millions worldwide, trapping individuals and communities in a cycle of deprivation and hindering progress towards much-needed sustainable development.
There are 17 goals under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.
The first is SDG Goal 1, “No Poverty”. SDG Goal 1 recognises the urgency of eradicating extreme poverty and can reduce inequality.
SDG Goal 1 is the foundation upon which all other SDGs are built upon.
However, implementing SDG Goal 1 effectively has its challenges as governments and organisations must confront political, economic, and social hurdles.
Poverty is a complex issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It is essential to address its root causes to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Here I will delve into the importance of SDG Goal 1 and its relevance to our daily lives.
The first reason SDG Goal 1 is vital is that poverty is a human rights issue. Poverty denies people basic human rights, including access to food, clean water, education, and healthcare.
For instance, in Sarawak, the government implemented a series of the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS)
programmes to assist individuals, families and micro businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme provides cash assistance to low-income families and individuals to help alleviate the pandemic’s financial burden, thereby supporting fundamental human rights.
The second reason SDG Goal 1 is essential is that poverty reduction is critical to achieving economic growth and development. Poverty reduction creates opportunities for economic growth and can help increase productivity and reduce inequality.
For example, the Grameen Bank, founded in Bangladesh in 1983, provides microfinance loans to the poor. By providing small loans to poor households, the Grameen Bank has helped lift millions out of poverty. It has been recognised as a model for poverty alleviation worldwide.
Many countries, including Sarawak, now have variations of the Grameen Bank micro-credit schemes to help lift its citizens out of poverty.
The third reason SDG Goal 1 is crucial is that poverty is closely linked to environmental sustainability. Deprivation often leads to unsustainable practices, such as deforestation, overfishing, and unsustainable agriculture.
One example is the Sarawak government’s initiative to implement the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), which promotes the sustainable management of the state’s rich biodiversity while reducing poverty.
The SBC provides training and support to local communities to help them develop sustainable practices that preserve the environment and improve their livelihoods.
These practices can reduce poverty and promote environmental sustainability.
The fourth reason SDG Goal 1 is significant is that poverty reduction is critical to achieving peace and stability.
Poverty and inequality can lead to social unrest and conflict, particularly in fragile states. Addressing poverty can help promote stability and peace. Therefore addressing poverty can help promote stability and peace.
In Malaysia, the government has implemented the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) programme. The JKKK programme provides resources and support to local communities to help them address social and economic issues and promote peace and stability. However, this depends on if the JKKK is active.
In politics, extreme elements tend to instigate and capitalise on poverty for their own political gain and cause instability in the process.
Various community-based programmes have been implemented in Sarawak. They have been recognised as an effective tool for reducing poverty and promoting social cohesion.
While SDG Goal 1 is crucial for achieving sustainable development, there are several challenges in implementing it effectively.
The achievement of SDG Goal 1 relies on the political commitment of governments to prioritise poverty reduction and allocate sufficient resources for effective policies and programmes, which may only sometimes be the case.
Additionally, poverty reduction requires significant financial resources and can be hindered by social and economic inequality and discrimination, making it challenging to reach the most marginalised and vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Accurate data is also crucial for poverty reduction efforts. Still, many countries need more reliable and up-to-date data on poverty levels, making it challenging to design effective poverty reduction programs.
Climate change can further exacerbate poverty, particularly in vulnerable communities that rely on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods.
Conflict and instability can significantly impede poverty reduction efforts, making it challenging to deliver services and reach vulnerable populations.
The Sarawak government led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team plays a vital role in reducing poverty by investing in poverty reduction programmes, addressing social and economic inequalities, promoting inclusive economic growth, and promoting sustainable development.
The BKSS and PCDS 2030 are just two of the many poverty alleviation initiatives in Sarawak.
However, the various poverty alleviation schemes also need to reach out to the most vulnerable with minimal fuss and bureaucracy.
I am sure that anyone who has faced the reality of poverty would urge you to remember that behind the statistics and policies, real people are struggling to survive.
They need more than just words and promises. They need action that brings tangible change to their lives.
Together, let us work towards a future where no one has to choose between putting food on the table, having a roof over their head and paying for healthcare or education.
Collectively, via individuals, organisations, NGOs and the government, we can create a future where we can all thrive, no matter our circumstances.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
