Global Challenge of Poverty Dr Dababrata Chowdhury, Arbab Akanda and Andy SK Annamalai

The constancy of Poverty is a reality that seems to impact every part of the globe and every aspect of lives and how and what is the solution amidst this reality has been and also is a topic of great debate at the international, national and local level. And the other area of concern, what should be the role of Universities ? We are living in the modern world with a lot of comforts provided by growth and innovations in technology. These comforts and wealth are available only to a fraction of the global population. There has been a great advancements and rapid growth which has increased the per head income globally. We are dealing with the reality, where theory, hypothesis, methodology and research is zero in front of a Starving Man, whose silent tears, years after years, remains inside, unnoticed with a subdued frustration, anger and helplessness. INTRODUCTION

Introduction Macro Challenges to Poverty Micro Challenges to Poverty A new definition of Poverty Poverty seen as a process Poverty- a pragmatic perspective Conclusion Q and A session WHAT THE PRESENTATION COVERS

Macro Challenges Power politics  Corrupted regimes Lack of leadership  Charity activities driven by name and fame  Population growth  Unequal distribution of resources Ethical dilemma

MICRO CHALLEGES Restructuring of organizations Leadership based on competence to understand poverty Professional workforce Better financial reporting Transparent accountability One accountable body Weak and unstable political systems

Poverty is a structured approach to transitioning people from a current state to a desired future state. It is worth mentioning, that Poverty is viewed as a process and structure, rather than taking the physical and biological perception. People are a victim of a dysfunctional process poverty is transitional state whose characteristics include some sort of deprivation causing distress and frustration leading to incapacity to contribute to the development of society, community or country. This affects the individual’s perception of reality about fairness, injustice, love and care. Their perception may be derailed from reality which gives them the pseudo logical reason to justify and commit horrendous crimes against humanity. This phase approach of development aims not to totally eradicate poverty as this seems unrealistic and utopian but to empower people to negotiate with the traits of poverty in their way instead of a prescription We assume people have the potential to understand social complexities and what is best for them. People have the intelligence Donors need to value the intelligence of the people Re-defining Poverty

Poverty is not an event but a process. A person or group of people become a victim of a dysfunctional process nurtured by external forces beyond the control of the victim. The following figure shows the number of people living at different poverty levels. Poverty- a pragmatic perspective

NGO restructure Corporate responsibility needs to be demonstrated State responsibility needs to be re-defined One step at a time: The phase approach One region at a time. Increased accountability and transparency to an identifiable body A philosophical intervention. Pragmatic

PRAGMATIC

From the above figure we see that the problem of poverty is amplified in Asia and Africa. It is because most governments in the Asia and Africa are weak and suffer from internal politics and corruption which causes an adverse effect on the development programs and the work of the community workers or social workers. Unless the governments can rise above petty politics, punish or take positive actions to deal with corrupted officials, the slow progress will continue. Doing charity work for name and fame is also an issue which can adversely affect the vision and as a result of the dysfunctional vision, progress is not made and the funds received do not reach the people in needs, in whatever form. NGOs have a tendency to do many things at the same time with good intentions. But the problem is: the programmes remain incomplete or the quality of delivery is hampered because of too many simultaneous issues. Sometimes, it may be wise to focus on one issue at a time. But again, dealing with poverty is not that simple. Multiple factors contribute to poverty and the process can be very complicated. Understanding all these, yet, we still would focus on one aspect at a time. And even better, one region at a time. This gives focus a greater change to be effective.

Conclusion the need to a new approach of dealing with poverty which will start with vision originated by the people whom we would like to serve at different levels and stages Real progress can be made, the government must be strong in commitment, severely punish the corrupted people, make the NGOs accountable for their activities and held responsible and the multinationals should also do their part in combating poverty through the process of empowering the local people. Universities should in addition, play their active role to develop the appropriate skills. It is about time the Universities should provide the intellectual and philosophical guidance to the civil societies and NGOs particularly in the area of leadership, service delivery, social analysis, approach NGOs in bringing the NGOs together.