MOSCOW, October 17 (RIA Novosti) – There are still too many people living in poverty, but the world is making progress in tackling the problem, largely thanks to such countries as Brazil, India and China, Professor David Hulme, Director of the Brooks World Poverty Institute, told RIA Novosti Friday.
"There are still too many people living in poverty, but one good thing to note is that things are getting better, the world is making steps to address extreme poverty, and this is largely due to the work of countries like Brazil, India and China tackling poverty and reducing inequality in their countries," Hulme said.
October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which was first introduced in 1993 by the UN in order to promote the importance of eliminating poverty in the world.
"On this day we recommit to think, decide and act together against extreme poverty - and plan for a world where no-one is left behind. Our aim must be prosperity for all, not just a few," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement published on the organization's website.
The director of the Brooks World Poverty Institute also acknowledged the importance of adopting the experience of the countries which have worked successfully to reduce poverty.
"The rest of the world, including Western countries like the US and the UK should therefore be looking at countries that have worked to reduce that poverty, and what lessons could be shared with the rest of the world," Hulme claimed.
Speaking about ways to eradicate the problem, the expert stressed the significance of raising awareness.
"We need NGOs, governments and charities to work with the public so that poverty becomes as unacceptable as apartheid," Hulme stated.
