Today, hard-won progress is at risk.

In past decades, the world has made important gains in reducing poverty and creating opportunities for people and families to thrive. Behind these gains lies a strong foundation of economic growth, political will, smart investments, innovation, and a growing commitment to use data and evidence to inform policy. But existential challenges remain.

700 million people still live in extreme poverty. 42 million people in the United States live below the poverty line. Clean water, basic health care, and stable employment remain out of reach for many. Budgets are tight and foreign assistance is being cut, raising urgent questions about the future.

With fewer resources, the stakes are higher—but so is the potential for impact if we focus on solutions that are both effective and cost-effective. Data and evidence can help prioritize programs that truly make a difference.

This Evidence Effect page and accompanying blog series share what we have learned about improving the lives and livelihoods of people who are experiencing poverty. We discuss how these lessons have changed thinking, investments, and people's lives. This page offers powerful examples of effective development programs that reflect these lessons.

As we enter a new era marked by tighter budgets, growing inequality, and intensifying scrutiny, our hope is that these ideas contribute to debates and decisions on the future of development spending.