Poverty is Multidimensional and People-Centered
The Strategic Objectives of the Message on Switzerland’s International Cooperation in 2013–2016
- Preventing and overcoming crises, conflicts and catastrophes
- Creating access for all to resources and services
- Promoting sustainable economic growth
- Supporting the transition to democratic, free-market systems
- Helping to shape pro-development, environmentally friendly and socially responsible globalization
The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Definition of Poverty
SDC understands poverty as a multifaceted phenomenon that touches all aspects of life, undermining human dignity and well-being. As a member of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), SDC subscribes to the DAC definition of poverty encompassing five inter-linking dimensions, with gender as a transversal issue since globally, women are more likely to experience poverty than men. The five dimensions of poverty are: economic, human, political, socio-cultural and protective – as shown in DAC's multidimensional poverty framework below.
People-Centered Approach to Poverty Reduction
This understanding of poverty is based on concrete experience and is a basis for a people-centered approach to poverty reduction. It integrates the main issues of concern in the different domains of SDC, notably:
- Eastern countries in social, political and economic transition
- Protection and reconstruction as part of humanitarian aid
- Globalization that is favorable to global cooperation and development
- Poverty reduction in regional cooperation
