Furthest behind first
The UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development states: “We pledge that no one will be left behind…. And we will endeavour to reach the furthest behind first.”
This is the overarching frame of Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World.
Placing an explicit focus on people who are furthest behind resonates with Ireland’s core values. These are rooted in our commitment to human rights and international law. They are reflected in work around the world as we strive for a secure, just, fair and sustainable world.
Assisting the poorest of the poor
Ireland’s development programme has long been recognised for its focus on “the poorest of the poor”. Reaching those furthest behind is in many ways an evolution of this concept. It accommodates important advances in our understanding of poverty, deprivation and development. We understand that poverty is multidimensional and is connected to other areas of disadvantage. Social exclusion, adverse inclusion and vulnerability are all linked with poverty.
10%
of the world’s population living in poverty, down from over 30% in 1990
574 million
people are projected to be living in extreme poverty by 2030
The pledge to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first is our essential ambition. The concept is applied across Ireland’s development work.
Leave no one behind
We believe that development is sustainable only if it is inclusive. Ireland is working with like-minded countries to reach those furthest behind remain at the heart of international development work.
Poverty reduction
Ireland has long been recognised as a champion of poverty reduction.
Recognising that poverty is multidimensional, we know it is linked to other forms of disadvantage. This informs all our development work and is evident in our four policy priorities: climate action, strengthening governance, gender equality and reducing humanitarian need.
Ireland is committed to working where the needs are greatest and with those who have the greatest needs.
Factors affecting those who are furthest behind
At a global level, there are commonalities across those who are furthest behind. These inform the issues and geographies that we focus on. The concentration of extreme poverty in low-income countries motivates a focus on these countries. Persistent gender inequalities and the exclusion of people living with disabilities contribute to extreme poverty, and warrant specific approaches to address.
We believe that furthest behind first does not mean the not furthest behind only. Delivering for those furthest behind will bring benefit to many others. Confronting and resolving the challenges that these groups face is transformative.