SDG 1 - No Poverty: Addressing the Growing Challenge in the Netherlands

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) remains a critical challenge for the Netherlands, where poverty is increasingly emerging as a pressing societal concern. Recent trends indicate a significant rise in the population living below the national poverty threshold or at risk of homelessness. Notably, in 2024, independent research highlights that 14% of Amsterdam residents reported uncertainty about their ability to meet rental payments in the coming month.

Stakeholders engaged in social support services, including organizations working with homeless populations, have corroborated this trend. Reports from these entities suggest that the number of families experiencing precarious living conditions far exceeds official statistics. Furthermore, media outlets have documented the challenges faced by children from middle-income households, who struggle to afford public transportation and rely on low-cost, highly processed food products. This situation adversely affects their nutritional health, learning capabilities, and overall quality of life.

The 2024 Poverty Watch Report for the Netherlands, commissioned with EU support, underscores these alarming developments and identifies urgent areas for intervention. A detailed examination can be accessed via the following link 2024 Netherlands Poverty Watch Report