Brazil, India and China taking steps to reduce income inequality, tackle poverty

© AP Photo/ Altaf Qadri

An Indian squatter smokes as others sleep on rented cots at a public park near Jama Masjid, or the Grand Mosque, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014.

There are still too many people living in poverty, but the world is making progress in tackling the problem, largely thanks to such countries as Brazil, India and China, Professor David Hulme, Director of the Brooks World Poverty Institute, told RIA Novosti Friday.

"There are still too many people living in poverty, but one good thing to note is that things are getting better, the world is making steps to address extreme poverty, and this is largely due to the work of countries like Brazil, India and China tackling poverty and reducing inequality in their countries," Hulme said.

On October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is commemorated.

The UN initiative was first introduced in 1993 to promote the importance of eliminating poverty in the world.

"On this day we recommit to think, decide and act together against extreme poverty - and plan for a world where no-one is left behind. Our aim must be prosperity for all, not just a few," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement published on the organization's website Friday.

The Brooks World Poverty Institute Director also acknowledged the importance of learning from various countries, which have experience in fighting poverty.

"The rest of the world, including Northern countries like the US and the UK should therefore be looking at countries that have worked to reduce that poverty , and what lessons could be shared with the rest of the world," Hulme said.

Speaking about the ways of eradicating the problem, the expert stressed the significance of raising global awareness of poverty.

"We need NGOs, governments and charities to work with the public so that poverty becomes as unacceptable as apartheid," Hulme stressed.