In the past two decades, ASEAN has seen a steady decline of poverty, from 47% in 1990 to 15% in 2015. However, it persists especially in the region’s rural areas . Poverty goes beyond a mere lack of income. It manifests through the inability to afford and access basic needs, such as food, health and education. Poor people face multiple challenges that deprive them of living long and healthy lives, and realising their full potentials. Different forms of deprivations have been experienced by many in the region especially the poor and the vulnerable. Exacerbated by recurring risks and shocks both human-induced or natural disasters, they are prone to sliding back to poverty. Moreover, poverty is also driven and reinforced by gender inequalities and discrimination and thus affects women and girls differently than men and boys.

In achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the region is on track in achieving the targets on quality education (SDG4) and industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9). Good progress is made on achieving zero hunger (SDG2) and good health and well-being (SDG3) . However, much still needs to be done on reducing inequalities (SDG10), climate action (SDG13), and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16) .

Considering the multi-dimensional nature of poverty, ASEAN promotes multi-sectoral and integrated approaches to eradicating poverty and realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Sustainable Development Goals. Action researches, capacity building initiatives and platforms for knowledge and exchanges have been established to facilitate dialogues among multiple stakeholders to eradicate poverty and promote rural development.