Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Topic: Multi-dimensional Poverty Measurement

Conference Year: 2026

1. Topic Background

Poverty measurement has traditionally relied on income-based metrics, primarily using monetary thresholds to determine who is considered poor. However, this approach has been increasingly criticized for its inability to capture the full complexity of poverty, which encompasses not only economic deprivation but also deficits in health, education, living standards, and social inclusion. The concept of multi-dimensional poverty measurement emerged in response, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of poverty by incorporating various indicators beyond income.

Historically, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) popularized the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in 2010, which assesses deprivation across health, education, and living standards at the household level. This method has influenced national poverty assessments and global monitoring frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty.

The urgency of refining poverty measurement tools is heightened by the global challenges of the 2020s: the COVID-19 pandemic reversed years of progress in poverty reduction, climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities, and technological transformations risk deepening inequalities. These factors have revealed gaps in existing poverty data and underscored the need for multidimensional approaches that can inform targeted policy interventions.

In 2026, ECOSOC addresses multi-dimensional poverty measurement to support member states in implementing the 2030 Agenda effectively. Enhanced measurement tools are critical for identifying marginalized populations, allocating resources efficiently, and tracking progress toward ending poverty in all its forms. This agenda item also aligns with the broader push for data-driven policymaking and the integration of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in development planning.

2. Key Actors

States:

• India and Brazil: Pioneers in adopting and adapting the MPI for national use, these countries have developed sophisticated multi-dimensional poverty assessments that inform social policies.
• South Africa: Uses multi-dimensional poverty measurement to address inequality and spatial disparities, integrating indicators related to housing and access to services.
• United States and European Union Member States: While traditionally focused on monetary poverty, many have begun exploring multidimensional approaches, particularly in the context of social exclusion and health disparities.
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS): These states face unique poverty challenges, including vulnerability to climate change and limited data infrastructure, influencing their engagement with measurement frameworks.

International Organizations:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Developer of the MPI and key supporter of capacity building for multidimensional poverty measurement.
• United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD): Facilitates data collection standards and methodologies related to poverty indicators.
• World Bank: Traditionally focused on income poverty, the Bank has increasingly supported multidimensional approaches as part of its poverty assessments and development policy advice.
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and other regional commissions: Promote regional adaptations of multidimensional poverty tools tailored to local contexts.
• International Labour Organization (ILO): Engaged in linking poverty measurement with employment and social protection indicators.

3. Bloc Positions

Global South – Emerging Economies (e.g., India, Brazil, South Africa):
These countries advocate for the widespread adoption of multidimensional poverty measures that reflect local realities and socio-cultural factors. They emphasize the need for international support in capacity building, data collection, and technical assistance. They also stress the importance of linking poverty measurement to social policy design and financing.

Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States (LDCs & SIDS):
This bloc highlights the challenges of limited statistical capacity and data availability. They call for increased international cooperation and funding to develop robust multidimensional poverty measurement systems. Climate vulnerability and disaster risk are key concerns, with calls to integrate these aspects into poverty frameworks.

Developed Countries (e.g., EU Member States, United States, Japan):
Developed countries tend to support multidimensional poverty measurement as a complement to income-based metrics, focusing on social inclusion, health, and education indicators. Some emphasize data privacy and methodological rigor. They often promote the use of technology and big data to enhance measurement accuracy.

Middle Eastern and North African States:
This bloc often focuses on the intersection of poverty with conflict, displacement, and social cohesion. They advocate for multidimensional poverty metrics that capture these dynamics, including access to services for refugees and internally displaced persons. They also stress the importance of integrating gender-sensitive indicators.

4. Past UN Action

• General Assembly Resolution 69/313 (2015): Endorsed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes SDG 1 on poverty eradication, emphasizing the need for improved data and measurement.
• ECOSOC Resolution E/RES/2017/1: Called for the integration of multidimensional poverty indicators in national statistical systems and encouraged international cooperation.
• UNDP’s Human Development Reports (2010 onwards): Introduced and refined the MPI, influencing UN policy and member states’ approaches.
• General Assembly Resolution 74/238 (2019): Highlighted the importance of data disaggregation and multidimensional measures in monitoring SDG progress.
• High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Reviews (2016–present): Regularly stress the need for multidimensional poverty measurement to track SDG 1 effectively.

5. Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can ECOSOC facilitate technical and financial support to improve national capacities for multidimensional poverty measurement, especially in LDCs and SIDS?
2. What indicators should be prioritized to ensure multidimensional poverty metrics capture local and regional specificities, including climate vulnerability and social exclusion?
3. How can data collection methodologies be harmonized to enable comparability across countries while respecting national contexts?
4. What role should emerging technologies (e.g., satellite data, mobile surveys, big data analytics) play in enhancing poverty measurement?
5. How can multidimensional poverty measurement be integrated into national policy frameworks to improve targeting of social protection and development programs?
6. What mechanisms can be established to ensure the regular updating, transparency, and accessibility of multidimensional poverty data?
7. How can ECOSOC promote collaboration between international organizations, civil society, and governments to advance multidimensional poverty measurement?

6. Further Reading

UN Documents:
Look for official reports from the UNDP Human Development Reports series, ECOSOC annual reports, and General Assembly resolutions related to poverty and sustainable development. These documents provide authoritative frameworks, statistical data, and policy recommendations.

Think-Tank Reports:
Research papers and policy briefs from institutions such as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Brookings Institution, and the Center for Global Development offer critical analyses of multidimensional poverty measurement methodologies, case studies, and policy implications.

News Outlets:
Coverage from international media such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and Reuters often highlights current challenges and innovations in poverty measurement, including the impact of global crises and technological advancements, providing real-time context and diverse perspectives.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the technical, political, and developmental aspects of multidimensional poverty measurement as they prepare to negotiate actionable and impactful resolutions in ECOSOC 2026.