That an increase in the number of people living in absolute poverty, both in developed and developing countries. Scenes of homeless and hungry people are not new even in the streets of California and New York. The enormity and complexity of the issue of poverty could endanger the social climate, undermine all our efforts for economic development and even threaten political stability of the entire world.

The last few years have witnessed an increase in the number of people living in absolute poverty, both in developed and developing countries. Scenes of homeless and hungry people are not new even in the streets of California and New York. The enormity and complexity of the issue of poverty could endanger the social climate, undermine all our efforts for economic development and even threaten political stability of the entire world. Thus poverty eradication should be an over riding necessity.

The following issues need to be addressed in this context:

	Address the disproportionate impact of poverty on women, feel is the most important issue.
	Provide for universal access to basic social services
	Empower people living in poverty
	Improve access to sustainable models of livelihoods, entrepreneurial opportunities and productive human resources.

A development model needs to be designed such that it provides employment opportunities to the community. Combined with education and capacity building efforts, we can realize the goals for these areas and also provide sustainable livelihoods.

A good example of a development project in this area would be the small hydropower development scheme that train and employs people from the nearby community for producing and maintaining activities and uses the generated energy to set up local industry, which provides employment opportunities. One of the greatest challenges faced by mankind is the reduction of human miseries on the one hand and to increase happiness on the other. It is a collective challenge. It is a collective goal for all of us. We must chase that goal. As consultants we need to provide the solution for the miseries and how to increase happiness.

Dr. Sunil Abrol
Director General, CDC