World poverty rate rises for the first time in 22 years

The world's poverty rate rose for the first time in 22 years. This was stated by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, RIA Novosti reports.

“Reduced economic activity in fragile and conflict-affected regions is expected to lead to poverty for an additional 18-27 million people,” he said.

Guterres also noted that the World Bank estimates that two-thirds of the world's poorest people will be living in fragile countries by 2030. He clarified that conflicts generate poverty and instability of institutions.

Guterres said earlier that the world could face the worst economic recession in 80 years due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The UN head also predicted an increase in the level of extreme poverty and the threat of hunger.