Awarded the 8th Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, economist Martin Ravallion discusses in this interview how empirical research on poverty and inequality can guide more effective public policies. Ravallion explains how his pioneering work has allowed for a more precise measurement of global poverty and an evaluation of the real impact of transfer programs, subsidies, and aid aimed at the most vulnerable populations. He also emphasizes the importance of designing evidence-based interventions capable of reducing structural inequalities and improving opportunities for households living in poverty. His reflections offer a clear perspective on the challenges of social development and the need for rigorous approaches to combat poverty worldwide.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation category has been granted in this eight
Awarded the 8th Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, economist Martin Ravallion discusses in this interview how empirical research on poverty and inequality can guide more effective public policies. Ravallion explains how his pioneering work has allowed for a more precise measurement of global poverty and an evaluation of the real impact of transfer programs, subsidies, and aid aimed at the most vulnerable populations. He also emphasizes the importance of designing evidence-based interventions capable of reducing structural inequalities and improving opportunities for households living in poverty. His reflections offer a clear perspective on the challenges of social development and the need for rigorous approaches to combat poverty worldwide.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation category has been granted in this eighth edition to economist Martin Ravallion, a pioneer in the measurement of poverty using internationally applicable standards. In 1991, he was the first author of a paper that set one dollar a day as the extreme poverty line below which survival could not be assured. This threshold has been universally accepted.
00:00 Introduction
00:05 What led you to base your research on issues such as hunger and poverty?
00:47 The jury highlights your contribution to defining the extreme poverty threshold. Why is it so important to measure poverty?
02:02 You have also received the award for your analysis of the relationship between rising wealth and poverty. What are your main conclusions in this regard? Is it true that, at times, economic improvements alone are not sufficient to reduce poverty?
03:14 The World Bank has set 2030 as the target year to end extreme poverty. Do you believe this goal will be achieved?
