The report reviews this global challenge from a human development perspective. It focuses not just on poverty of incomes but on poverty as a denial of choices and opportunities for living a tolerable life. The agenda thus includes but goes beyond income – encompassing action in the critical areas of gender equality, pro-poor growth, globalization and governance of development. This report was prepared by a team of eminent economists and distinguished development professionals under the guidance of the Special Adviser to the Administrator of UNDP.