Advancing SDG 1 through Multisectoral Partnerships: Policy Priorities for Sustainable Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

Poverty remains a major global challenge, affecting over 700 million people, particularly in the Global South, including countries like India. It encompasses not only income deprivation but also social exclusion, limited access to education and healthcare, and restricted livelihood opportunities. This paper emphasizes that addressing such multidimensional issues requires multisectoral collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, and private enterprises, an imperative for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1): No Poverty. Through a qualitative synthesis of relevant literature and global case illustrations, the paper demonstrates how cross-sectoral collaboration can lead to innovative, scalable, and inclusive solutions. A conceptual framework is proposed to illustrate how different sectors can complement one another in addressing the root causes of poverty. This study is based on a qualitative analysis of secondary data, thematic synthesis of case studies, and a policy-focused review of scholarly and institutional literature. The paper underscores the value of inclusive participation, policy coherence, shared accountability, and data-driven decision-making. Success stories from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as global initiatives such as those led by the UNDP, illustrate how cross-sectoral alignment can drive measurable progress in poverty reduction. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to institutionalize multisectoral partnerships and design resilient systems for long-term poverty alleviation.