Can We Achieve Nearly Zero Percent Poverty Globally?

Twenty years ago, my wife and I were on holiday at a resort in a developing country. During our breakfast, we noticed a construction site next door where four women were carrying sand and gravel over their heads for the men who would then mix concrete. We felt compelled to help, so we bought them a wheelbarrow. The women were overjoyed and grateful. However, the next morning, we observed that only one woman was working, as the contractor had dismissed the others because they were no longer needed. This incident sparked my thinking: How can I help sustain their livelihood?

The Power of Sustained Support

We realized that a single intervention, while well-intentioned, might not have long-term viability. Instead, we suggested returning the wheelbarrow to the store, using the receipt to share the money among the women, or keeping it at a discounted rate. This way, we could support the remaining woman’s income without leaving the other women without work. This experience taught me to think critically about the sustainability of my actions. Sometimes, even well-meaning assistance can have unintended negative consequences.

Building a Strong Capitalist Economy

To address poverty on a larger scale, it is essential to create a robust global economy that can lift millions out of poverty. Strong capitalist economies can provide opportunities for jobs, education, and entrepreneurship. However, it is crucial to ensure that development policies are sustainable and that they are not just superficial aids.

The Impact of Geometric Charity

The concept of the "Pay It Forward" movie highlights a powerful idea: if one person helps you, you should help three others in return. This way, the impact of charity compounds over time, creating a positive ripple effect. If everyone adopted this approach, it could potentially lead to sustainable change and a reduction in poverty.

The Limits of Perfection

‘You say you want to start a revolution’ – ‘the poor will always be with you’ – Holy Bible.

The idea of eradicating poverty completely is a noble yet challenging goal. Poverty is not just an economic condition but a multifaceted issue influenced by social, political, and cultural factors. Making significant changes on a global scale requires a deep understanding of these dynamics.

Ignoring the reality that poverty is relative and a matter of perception is futile. Changing the perception of poverty on such a broad scale is beyond the capabilities of any individual or organization. Moreover, those granted immense power may misuse it, as history has shown. Even if we were to eradicate poverty, new issues might arise, as society is always in a state of flux.

Therefore, the key lies in creating sustainable systems that can help alleviate poverty over the long term. This can be achieved through various means such as:

Investing in education and job training programs to empower individuals. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to ensure a robust job market. Fostering global trade and investment to create more opportunities. Implementing policies that promote equitable income distribution and provide social safety nets.

While we cannot fully eliminate poverty, we can certainly work towards reducing it and minimizing its negative impacts. Every small step towards sustainable development contributes to a more equitable and prosperous world.