The 2026 global Multidimensional Poverty Index counts 1.2 billion people living with several forms of hardship. Published by the UN Development Programme and Oxford University, the update covers 108 countries. The total is 51.5 million higher than in the 2025 update. Unlike a measure based only on income, this index examines problems involving health, education, and living conditions.
More than half of the people counted are children, totaling 617 million. In addition, 83 percent live in rural areas. Population growth explains part of the increase because efforts to improve living standards have not always kept up with the growing population. These hardships can occur together: people may face hunger, miss school, and lack clean water or electricity.
UN development chief Alexander De Croo warned that the rise should push the world to act. The international community has pledged to halve the share of people living in poverty by the end of the decade. The update's authors believe this goal can be achieved, and De Croo emphasized that progress is possible when countries address these problems together.
