Young Britons more hopeful than older generations about ending global poverty, survey finds

Young individuals are more prone to consider that global poverty will be eradicated, but this optimism declines sharply with age, a latest study by Compassion UK has found. 

According to the study, which was carried out by Savanta on behalf of the charity, over half (54%) of 18 to 34 12 months olds consider that eradicating poverty worldwide is feasible. 

That confidence drops to 45% amongst 35 to 54 12 months olds and just over 1 / 4 (27%) amongst those aged 55 and above.

The overall variety of UK adults who think ending extreme poverty is achievable has fallen from 48% in 2024 to 41% this 12 months, continuing a gentle downward trend from 49% in 2023.

Despite this decline, the survey revealed a powerful appetite for motion.

Nearly half of respondents identified generating public awareness (54%), pushing for presidency intervention (51%), and adopting more sustainable habits (49%) as probably the most effective ways to eradicate poverty.

When asked about obstacles, most individuals cited global conflict (44%), followed by limited access to wash water (40%), and poor governance or corruption (30%).

The findings were published on the UN’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Friday.

Compassion UK chief executive Justin Dowds said the outcomes highlight a generational shift in perspective, with younger people inspired by hope and faith in change.

He said: “We consider, and the following generation believes, that a world without poverty is feasible.

“I even have seen extreme poverty dramatically reduce in my lifetime, but sadly that rate of decline is slowing. We are seeing poverty increasingly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and in fragile, conflict-affected regions, where climate-related impacts disproportionately affect the poor.”

Data from the World Bank shows that the number of individuals living in extreme poverty has fallen sharply over the past 40 years — from around two billion within the Eighties to roughly 831 million today, or about 9% of the worldwide population.

If the identical pace of progress continues, Gen Z is likely to be the generation that finally turns the dream of ending extreme poverty into reality.

A separate survey conducted by Compassion involving 387 young people involved in Ugandan projects found that 91% consider poverty will be eradicated globally.

That optimism is embodied by Noirine Khaitsa, who grew up in extreme poverty but was sponsored through a Compassion project at her local church. Today, she works as a senior manager for Compassion Uganda.

“Every day, I see how real change begins with one person,” Khaitsa said.

“When the lifetime of a person changes, as mine did, it could release a whole family, community, and nation from the grips of poverty.”

She shared the story of Sifuloza, a young Ugandan woman once uncertain about her future who’s now studying medicine due to Compassion’s Leadership Development Initiative.

Her success has inspired her sisters to begin small businesses and complete their education, lifting their entire family out of hardship.

“Young people world wide are driven by a strong sense of justice and so they’re able to act, often sacrificially, with an unshakable sense of purpose” Khaitsa said.

“Their optimism is contagious, and will likely be transformational for countless people living in poverty world wide.” 

Compassion, a Christian child development charity, has worked with children and communities in Uganda since 1980.

Presenter of The Way UK, Izzy Madavan, Europe’s biggest digital youth ministry, recently visited Compassion projects in Uganda and saw firsthand how faith and native partnerships are reshaping communities.

She recalled: “I used to be struck by the godly and competent individuals who bring life and lightweight into the communities in Uganda. Young individuals are working with the local church to interrupt the cycle of poverty for the families and communities. 

“While there, I met families, including the brothers my mum and I sponsor, and saw how each child was truly known and cared for of their individual needs. I also met programme graduates whose lives, and the lives of their future generations, have been transformed by being lifted out of poverty. 

“I think it’s all the way down to people of my generation to tackle extreme poverty in order that there will likely be a future free from its devastating effects. I’ve witnessed this in a small way in Uganda, and I’m confident it could be done elsewhere.” 

Compassion UK’s church-led initiatives currently support over two million children in 29 countries, providing education, healthcare, and private development programmes that empower young people to thrive.