Nearly half of the world’s population currently lives in poverty, defined as income of less than US $2 per day, including one billion children. Of those living in poverty, over 800 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than US $1.25 a day. They lack access to proper nutrition, clean drinking water, and adequate health services. The first Sustainable Development Goal, , includes specific targets to eradicate extreme poverty, and ensure proper access to economic resources for all individuals around the world.? It calls for the mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, as well partnerships between developing and developed countries.
Youth involvement is crucial to meeting development objectives. Their perspectives on poverty reduction are especially relevant given that 2/3 of the population in low-income countries is under 25 years old.? Their inclusion in development processes should be built on the understanding that young people are not merely a target group but also initiators, participants, decision-makers and leaders. Including a youth perspective ensures young people are recognized as a resource for change in society, and the role of higher education institutions in reaching these stakeholders is critically important.
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