Recent news on the issue of the international poverty line set at $6.85 per day by the World Bank has sparked lively discussions in economic and social circles. This decision to revise upwards the poverty line usually set at $2.15 per day for upper-middle-income countries raises essential questions about how we measure and understand poverty on a global scale.
Indeed, this revision of the poverty line is part of a context marked by profound demographic and economic changes. The World Bank justifies this change by highlighting the significant changes that have occurred in the global demographic structure in recent decades. Between 1990 and 2024, the world population has indeed increased spectacularly, exceeding 8 billion inhabitants. This demographic growth highlights the need to adapt our standards for measuring poverty to reflect as closely as possible the realities of the most vulnerable populations.
It is undeniable that the definition of poverty cannot be frozen in time. The basic needs of individuals evolve with progress and technological advances. Thus, the poverty line must be able to take this reality into account and integrate elements such as healthy food, access to education, electricity and the Internet. By broadening its vision of poverty, the World Bank seeks to provide a more complete and up-to-date picture of the situation of the poorest populations throughout the world.
This new approach to the international poverty line also raises questions about the relevance of the indicators used to measure poverty in middle-income countries. While many developing countries have experienced significant economic growth in recent years, it is crucial to adapt our measurement tools to take into account the specific needs of these populations in transition.
Ultimately, the World Bank’s redefinition of the international poverty line at $6.85 per day represents an important step forward in the fight against poverty on a global scale. By taking into account the complexity of the issues related to poverty and adapting its indicators accordingly, the Bretton Woods institution shows its willingness to adapt to the changing realities of today’s world. Let us hope that this development will contribute to a better understanding of poverty and more effective actions to eradicate it.