Measuring multidimensional poverty around the world: an assessment of current data needs and gaps, Fanni Kovesdi, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

Timely and disaggregated data are essential for effective policymaking and achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the Agenda 2030. To this date, more than 35 countries have launched national Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPIs) to monitor SDG 1.2.2 and eradicate poverty in all its forms. More than 70 countries report some kind of multidimensional poverty measure towards the SDGs. Moreover, the United Nations and OPHI annually publish internationally comparable multidimensional poverty statistics for over 100 countries with the global Multidimensional Poverty Index. However, a persistent challenge is the measurement of less acute (or: moderate) forms of multidimensional poverty as standard of living increases, and to be inclusive of high(er) income countries, e.g. in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia. The acute poverty focus of the global MPI cannot always accurately capture the deprivations experienced in these countries.