People in multidimensional poverty rise to 1.2 billion, the first increase in 15 years, UN index finds
Oct. 12, 2026 — The number of people living in multidimensional poverty rose for the first time in 15 years, to 1.2 billion, according to the 2026 update of the index published by the UN Development Programme and Oxford University, UN News reported. That is 51.5 million more than in 2025; 617 million are children, and 83% live in rural areas. Part of the rise reflects population growth and updated estimates. "The rise in poverty should be a wake-up call for the world," said UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo.
The wall: How much of the rise reflects new measurement rather than changed conditions was only partly broken out.
Tier: Reported (based on UN News' account of the UNDP-Oxford index)
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