Global Multidimensional Poverty Rises for First Time Since 2010, Affecting 1.2 Billion

The UNDP reports that the global multidimensional poverty index increased for the first time since its inception in 2010, with 1.2 billion people now affected, over half of them children. This marks a reversal of a 16-year trend of declining poverty, signaling a significant setback in global development. The causes are not detailed in the report, but the data suggests compounding crises have eroded prior gains.