Brasília – The 2013 Economic and Social Report of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc), released this Tuesday (2nd), warns that the number of people living in poverty may triple to 3 billion by 2050. The organization claims that the work to meet the Millennium Development Goals must be increased, including efforts to improve health services and boost food production.
According to the study, there are approximately 1 billion people living in neighbourhoods devoid of minimal infrastructure: fresh water, sanitation, electricity, basic healthcare and education. The estimate of 3 billion poor people by 2050 should prove true unless action is taken to improve living conditions.
The Ecosoc assistant secretary general Shamshad Ajtar said the key for eradicating poverty is “sustainable development.” He said it is unacceptable that hunger and malnutrition, though they are diminishing in developing countries, persists in so many others. A comprehensive focus is needed in order for the Millennium Development Goals to be met.
The technicians in charge of the report estimate that food production will need to increase by 70% worldwide to meet people’s needs. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion, of which 6.2 billion will live in cities.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
