Poverty is not a simple problem; it’s a complex, multifaceted issue that goes far beyond just a lack of financial resources.
During a 2030 session in 2023, we welcomed Caroline Van der Hoeven, Coordinator at the Belgian Anti-Poverty Network (BAPN), and Christophe Quintard, Director of Studies at ABVV/FGTB. Together, we explored poverty as a process of exclusion from essential aspects of life — health, housing, education, and energy. These areas are deeply interconnected and create a web that is difficult to escape without structural change.
This makes poverty not just a social issue, but a systemic challenge that impacts economic stability, resource distribution, and environmental resilience. A society with widespread poverty lacks the capacity to adapt to change, and restricts equitable economic participation. To build a sustainable future, we must address poverty as part of the solution.
The State of Poverty in Belgium: A Snapshot of the Struggle
According to Statbel, over 2.1 million people — nearly 19% of the population — were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2022. Despite economic progress, Belgium has seen little to no improvement in poverty rates. Youth, in particular, face increasing vulnerability.
Caroline described poverty as being “stuck in the middle of a spider’s web,” with people caught in layers of exclusion. Breaking this web requires long-term, structural solutions — not just short-term fixes.
How Businesses Can Contribute to the Fight Against Poverty
During the session, we identified concrete ways businesses can help reduce poverty:
- 1. Incorporate Poverty into HR Policies: Go beyond wages. Offer job security, training opportunities, and analyze workforce data to support employees at risk of poverty.
- 2. Design Inclusive Customer Service: Address the digital divide by creating accessible services for those without regular internet or technology access.
- 3. Advocate for Change: Engage in policy advocacy and support anti-poverty organizations to amplify marginalized voices.
- 4. Support Long-Term Structural Solutions: Invest in projects that tackle root causes — education, healthcare, job creation.
- 5. Address the Part-Time Employment Challenge: Raise awareness of support mechanisms like AGR and provide paths to full-time employment.
- 6. Embrace the « Just Transition »: Ensure the shift to a green economy includes training and protections for vulnerable workers.
Moving from Awareness to Action
Poverty is not an abstract concept — it’s a daily reality for millions. For businesses, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to build more inclusive and resilient economies.
What participants took away from the session:
- Measure and address workplace poverty
- Invest in upskilling and job access
- Rethink part-time work and wages
- Engage in dialogue with employees and unions
- Explore AGR and other support mechanisms
- Address poverty beyond income: education, digital access
- Listen and engage directly with affected individuals
Real impact starts with action.
