Ministry of Economy reports 10-point drop in poverty over 7 years

Santo Domingo.- From 2016 to 2023, the Dominican Republic has made significant strides in reducing poverty levels despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall poverty has decreased by over 10 percentage points, with extreme poverty, though briefly rising by 2 percentage points during the pandemic, stabilizing at approximately 3.0%, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) underscores this progress in its report titled “Initiatives that Promote Sustainable Development in the Dominican Republic,” emphasizing the country’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Under the National Development Strategy, the Dominican Republic has achieved substantial advancements across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The report highlights eight national initiatives aligned with prioritized SDGs identified by the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) of 2024.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:

1. Poverty Reduction: The country has successfully reduced poverty levels through targeted policies despite pandemic disruptions.
2. National Care Policy: Aimed at supporting caregivers and providing essential services, benefiting predominantly women and creating substantial job opportunities.
3. Zero Hunger: Implemented through the Family Farming Program, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting vulnerable rural families.
4. Climate Action: The Climate Action and Transparency Initiative (ICAT) enhances climate change monitoring and evaluation capacities, crucial for sustainable agriculture and tourism.
5. Disaster Risk Reduction: The Damage Collection and Assessment System (SIRED-RD) provides critical data for informed decision-making and policy formulation in disaster risk management.
6. Effective Institutions: Strengthened through the Institutional Performance Assessment (IPA), promoting accountability and organizational efficiency in public management.
7. Zero Bureaucracy Program: Enhances service efficiency by streamlining processes and digitizing procedures, significantly reducing administrative costs and response times.
8. Partnerships for Development: The National Integrated Development Financing Framework (INFF), supported by the United Nations, enhances planning and financing alignment towards SDGs and national development strategies.

These initiatives reflect the Dominican Republic’s proactive approach to sustainable development, aiming to ensure inclusive growth, environmental resilience, and effective governance. The MEPyD continues to monitor and expand these efforts to achieve long-term sustainable development goals.