Egypt's Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Key Step Toward Sustainable Development

CAIRO - 11 November 2024: As part of its commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1—ending poverty in all its forms—Egypt has adopted the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which measures acute poverty through 10 indicators across three key areas: health, education, and standard of living. This shift marks a major step in Egypt’s efforts to tackle poverty using a more comprehensive, data-driven approach, with the aim of improving the quality of life for the country’s most vulnerable populations.

 

Strategic Importance and Regional Leadership

 

Egypt’s adoption of the MPI framework is expected to significantly reshape its poverty reduction strategies. Sabina Alkire, Director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), noted that the MPI can transform social policy by providing detailed, multidimensional data on critical issues such as education, healthcare, and living standards. Rola El Dashti, Executive Secretary of UNESCWA, highlighted that Egypt’s experience will provide valuable lessons for other Arab countries facing challenges like unemployment and urban poverty, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the region.

 

Tailoring the MPI to Egypt's Needs

 

To ensure the MPI is effective, it must be adapted to Egypt's unique socioeconomic context. Khalid Abu-Ismail of UNESCWA emphasized the importance of involving national programs like Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the “Decent Life” initiative in this process. Sabina Alkire also stressed the need for regular evaluations and integration of the MPI with Egypt’s national data systems to keep it adaptable to changing circumstances.

 

Beyond data collection, the MPI plays a crucial role in shaping targeted policies and social programs. Nathalie Meyer, Acting Representative of UNICEF in Egypt, pointed out that MPI data can help pinpoint the specific deprivations faced by children and women, facilitating more focused interventions and better resource allocation. By identifying overlaps between issues such as education and nutrition, MPI data can inform integrated programs that improve overall child welfare.

 

Continuous Monitoring for Long-Term Impact

 

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the MPI framework. Dr. Abu-Ismail emphasized the need for regular, disaggregated data collection at the local and regional levels to track changes in poverty and address emerging needs. Establishing a feedback loop between MPI data and policymaking will help Egypt refine its poverty reduction strategies over time.

 

The Role of International Cooperation

 

International cooperation plays a key role in supporting Egypt’s poverty reduction efforts. Experts emphasized that technical assistance and data-sharing platforms from organizations like UNESCWA will help enhance governance and align the MPI with Egypt’s national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaborative approach positions Egypt as a leader in the region and a key player in global poverty reduction initiatives.