23 October 2014: The UN General Assembly’s Second Committee (Economic and Financial) took up its agenda item on poverty eradication and its sub-items, in meetings on 20, 22 and 23 October 2014. After presentations of reports from the UN system, Member States’ debate focused on: national-level experiences of poverty; vulnerable groups, especially women and girls; the post-2015 development agenda; the role of the UN system; and means of implementation for poverty eradication.

Representatives of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), African Group, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) spoke of their countries’ specific experiences of poverty, and policies and investments that have helped to alleviate poverty for their populations. The Maldives highlighted national-level policies targeting poverty eradication in the most vulnerable groups, to ensure “no one is left behind.” Nigeria referenced the right of social protection as a powerful tool for poverty reduction and social cohesion. Bolivia, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, called for national ownership of development policies.

Countries also drew attention to human faces of poverty. Israel emphasized the problem of youth unemployment, while Malaysia spoke of the importance of improving the skills of young people. Norway stressed that women and girls living in poverty face a multiplication of exclusion due to gender inequality in their communities. The US said families living in poverty often must choose between food, health, housing, or education. Many of these countries committed to working in new partnerships to advance inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and innovations for poverty eradication.

Countries highlighted the ongoing efforts to negotiate a post-2015 development agenda, with the hope that this agenda would advance poverty eradication around the globe. Many delegates called for means of implementation to accompany the new agenda, and for the UN system to increase its support worldwide. Benin, on behalf of the LDCs, called for greater efforts by UN agencies, funds, and programmes to support national governments. Brazil stressed that middle income countries (MICs) should not be graduated out of UN funding against their will.

The debate between Member States followed the presentations of four reports from the UN Secretary-General: the World Survey on the Role of Women in Development (A/69/156); Implementation of the Second UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (A/69/204); Industrial Development Cooperation (A/69/331); and Promotion of Ecotourism for Poverty Eradication and Development (A/69/223). [UN Press Release, 20 October] [Second Committee Webpage]