OPHI Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN)

The Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN) is a global network of 64 countries and 21 organisations aimed at achieving SDG 1: ending poverty in all its forms. The MPPN is a global space where countries and institutions come together to share experiences, strategies, and challenges in measuring and tackling poverty. The core objective of the MPPN is to promote South–South exchange and peer learning of national and institutional experiences using multidimensional poverty measures as tools to alleviate poverty. The SDGs recognise that development challenges are interlinked and require coordinated solutions across sectors. To address these challenges, comprehensive, evidence-driven policies, such as Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPIs), are vital. The MPI is both a comprehensive measurement tool and a strategic and high-impact policy instrument used to report SDG Indicator 1.2.2, with scope to also help monitor many of the other SDGs. The MPPN addresses a critical gap in international development: the lack of spaces for South–South knowledge exchange on tackling multidimensional poverty. The Network has four main areas of work: (1) measuring poverty using the Multidimensional Poverty Index, and, more importantly, using the MPI as a policy and planning tool for high-impact and effective efforts; (2) prioritising the collection and strengthening of multidimensional poverty data to monitor and track progress and for evidence-based decision-making; (3) actively reporting progress on reducing poverty in all its dimensions to the Global SDG Indicators Database; and (4) promoting the use of MPIs—national and global—as scene-setting indicators when describing global levels and trends of poverty. The Network’s participatory approach has been a significant aspect of its success. The MPPN plays a pivotal role in fostering cross-country cooperation, particularly in South–South and triangular contexts. It hosts regular meetings, such as the High-Level Annual Meeting, quarterly conference calls, thematic webinars, and side-events to the UN General Assembly, High-Level Political Forum and UN Statistical Commission since 2014. The Network also facilitates bilateral meetings between countries and publishes an online magazine in English and Spanish to highlight case studies from Network participants. Founded in 2013 with keynote addresses by Nobel Laureates Amartya Sen and Juan Manuel Santos, the MPPN encourages dialogue from all world regions on addressing multidimensional poverty. The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) acts as the Secretariat of the MPPN, alongside a rotating Steering Committee of participant countries.