Crucial to developing an appropriate strategy for overcoming poverty is a proper understanding of the very concept of poverty, one from which it is possible to identify which of its multidimensional aspects demand priority attention.

Poverty is a situation that must be eradicated. Unfortunately, that task confronts a complex context in which inequality, the stalling of economic progress, the effects of both climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic pose multiple challenges. But precisely for that reason, they are of the utmost importance in poverty alleviation strategies.

There are three pivotal pillars to a strategy for overcoming poverty: income guarantees throughout the life cycle, developing human capabilities and labour inclusion.

Among the main proposals for ensuring incomes throughout the life cycle are transfer programmes for girls, boys and adolescents, pensions for those living with disabilities, unemployment insurance and pensions for older persons.

Developing human capabilities entails ensuring quality access to education, health, habitat and care services. And more is needed than simply ensuring coverage and access to education, health and habitat as their quality must be improved as well. And care must be institutionalised.

The drive toward better conditions for the labour and productive inclusion of the poor and promotion of decent jobs can be undertaken through programs supporting hiring and job placement services.

There are few examples of comprehensive strategies for overcoming poverty. Brasil sin miseria is one of the exceptions, an approach that incorporates each of the three pillars while also posing institutionality issues relevant to its implementation.

An enhanced poverty elimination strategy requires an approach interlinking with the three pillars, establishing a stable policy approach, clear articulation and institutional oversight rules and adequate resources that ensure its long term stability.