Global Scans · Poverty · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Due to a deteriorating global economic outlook, more than 130 out of 189 countries will experience reduced income growth, with the average global GDP growth rate falling from 4.1 percent to 3.1 percent between 2011 and 2030. Almost all of the countries with large numbers remaining in extreme poverty in 2030 will be in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.

• [New] With billions still lacking identification, global inequality risks deepening, not through lack of funds or lack of innovation, but through lack of recognition. The RegTech
• [New] The extension of free school meals in England is expected to lift about 100,000 more children out of poverty. The Guardian
• [New] Scrapping the two-child cap in Northern Ireland could lift thousands of children in Northern Ireland out of poverty. GOV.UK
• [New] While the West dominated carbon emissions in the past, future emissions will overwhelmingly come from China, India, Africa, Brazil, Indonesia and other countries clambering out of poverty. New York Post
• [New] China will provide $100 million in aid to the Palestinians to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support reconstruction efforts. FDD
• [New] If Israel wanted to clear its name, it could permit better humanitarian data gathering - and indeed, allow international journalists to enter Gaza. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] Recognizing the importance of regulating the spreading influence of AI in military operations, the UN secretary general aims to achieve a legally binding treaty by 2026 that bans AI weapons systems that operate without human control or oversight and cannot comply with international humanitarian law. Minnesota Journal of International Law
• [New] Community-based health insurance programs reduce catastrophic expenditures which put more than 930 million people globally at risk of poverty. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In 2025, 305 million people will require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection, out of which 190 million people will be facing life-threatening needs. European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
• [New] More than seven in 10 Chinese respondents said they expected AI to play a role in solving a range of societal issues, including climate change, mental illness, poverty and polarization. Al Jazeera
• [New] The stabilization troops will help secure border areas along with a trained and vetted Palestinian police force and they will coordinate with other countries to secure the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Middle East Eye
• [New] While the inter-imperialist conflict was critical, another factor in undermining the era of neoliberal globalization was the growing global youth-centered uprising against inequality, lack of opportunity, corruption, repression of democratic rights, and national and other forms of oppression. Socialist Alternative
• [New] Funded by tackling welfare fraud and long-overdue reforms to the Motability scheme, it will result in the biggest reduction in child poverty at any Budget this century. GOV.UK
• [New] Funded by raising online gambling taxes and tackling welfare fraud, it will result in the biggest reduction in child poverty at any Budget this century. GOV.UK
• [New] Restoring capital flows is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: it will allow Africa to harness its natural resources to lift millions out of energy poverty, drive industrialization and secure its energy future, all while strengthening global energy security. Pan African Visions
• [New] If implemented successfully, the U.S. could experience stronger consumer demand, reduced poverty levels, and improved financial well-being for working families. https://holaio.org/
• [New] Severe winter weather could spark travel misery millions of Americans as a major winter storm is forecast to hit four U.S. states, dumping up to 3 feet of snow during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Newsweek
• [New] Attacks expose UN staff, NGO partners, and the people who depend on their services to grave risks, including death and injury, and further impede humanitarian work. Secretary-General
• [New] The global community now faces a stark choice: respond with real pressure, sanctions, investigations, aid corridors, or risk watching another humanitarian catastrophe deepen without accountability. Dawan Africa
• Accelerating investments in care systems, green jobs, education, and social protection could lift 110 million women and girls out of extreme poverty by 2050 and generate US$ 342 trillion in cumulative economic returns. Mexico Business
• Closing the gender digital divide alone could lift 30 million women out of poverty and add US$ 1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Bernama
• Tesla's Optimus robot could go on to become the biggest product of all time by far, and that the new capabilities it offers will actually eliminate poverty. Newsweek

Last updated: 12 December 2025