Welcome to the United Nations
In a world where inequalities are on the rise, where democratic institutions are distrusted, and where an increasing segment of the population is ignored by government leaders, paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups is a question of human rights and social justice and compels us to look into the systemic obstacles that prevent them from participating fully in the economic, social, and political life of their country.
Reaching the furthest behind first is at the core of Agenda 2030 and central to our action. For more than sixty years, the International Movement ATD Fourth World has accumulated knowledge and expertise in reaching out to the most deprived people in the global South and the global North, creating conditions that enable them to participate in programs and policies that affect their lives.
The knowledge and skills of people living in poverty are rarely seen, acknowledged, or valued. Against the odds, they fulfill many important roles, often supporting others and making significant economic and social contributions. Policies and projects that affect them should recognize their contributions and aspirations from the start.
People living in extreme poverty have little control over their own lives. Their options are limited; they are disempowered not only by their circumstances but also by the actions of institutions. In order to empower their communities, the structures and institutions working with them must adapt to ensure that no one is left behind.
To achieve real, lasting change, the capacity of all stakeholders must be strengthened and institutions must be transformed at the same time. This includes promoting local ownership of projects in vulnerable communities; making institutions more effective, responsive, and inclusive in their decision-making processes; and implementing innovative systems that are open and transparent. In order to monitor progress and evaluate changes, institutions must be held accountable.
Measuring multidimensional poverty: The $1.90-a-day measure of poverty takes into account only a monetary dimension and not the variations in average income levels. Governments should look at many other dimensions, including shame, exclusion, discrimination, the absence of political power, and modifying factors such as gender and duration, among others.
The participation of all stakeholders should be built into all steps of any project from design and implementation to evaluation. Based on a human rights approach, encouraging community-based accountability and strengthening review mechanisms for Member States as they implement the 2030 Agenda are also vital to ensure no one is left behind.
