Building an Inclusive Green Economy for All: Opportunities and Challenges for Overcoming Poverty and Inequality

This Poverty-Environment Partnership document examines how transitioning toward an inclusive green economy can address persistent poverty and inequality amid environmental degradation, climate change, and economic instability. It situates the discussion within the development challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries and argues that existing growth models are no longer sustainable. The paper outlines how improved management of natural resources, low-carbon development, and social inclusion can jointly enhance livelihoods, health, resilience, and economic opportunity for poor and marginalized populations. It presents a structured policy framework built around national policies, local rights and capacities, inclusive markets, international policy coherence, and improved measurement of progress. The analysis draws on empirical evidence, country experiences, and sectoral examples to illustrate opportunities, risks, and governance requirements for implementation.