NYC Gazette

Sabina Alkire, D.Phil, the 2024–25 Vincentian Chair of Social Justice, emphasized the need to address poverty amid rapidly changing global structures. Her lecture, titled “Policy and Poverty: Why is the MPI Necessary?” was held on March 11 at the D’Angelo Center. Dr. Alkire is known for developing the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which measures poverty by evaluating multiple deprivations experienced by individuals.

During her presentation, Dr. Alkire expressed hope that discussions on multidimensional poverty could inspire effective use of data and metrics to address poverty efficiently. She remarked, “Whether we work abroad, or whether we work in the United States, I hope that this discussion about multidimensional poverty might give some ideas of how data and metrics can be used to count the cost, or to find shortcuts or high-impact pathways of action.”

Dr. Alkire also highlighted the importance of self-reflection and collaboration in addressing poverty: “Rather than blaming others for conditions of poverty, it is hopeful that we can find our own mistakes, but also find new ways of collaborating and breaking down barriers and going forward.”

She stressed the role of poverty metrics as a communication tool necessary for adapting to changing partnerships with those affected by poverty. According to Dr. Alkire, a multidimensional approach assesses if individuals experience significant deprivations simultaneously.

Addressing why policy matters in academia and beyond, she said: “Why do we think about policy? I think it’s obvious, given our motivation because we are in a university and very proud of papers at conferences, but beyond that, people who work on poverty need to do something different—which is to make sure that our academic work is linked to action.”

Prior to her lecture, a luncheon allowed students and faculty members an opportunity for deeper engagement with Dr. Alkire's insights on multidimensional poverty.

Jocelyn Bryant, an Anthropology major, shared her appreciation: “It was just nice to talk with somebody with so much expertise and who is so composed.” Emma Maceachan from Global Development and Sustainability commented on Dr. Alkire's focus on solutions: “It’s refreshing to hear Dr. Alkire speak about solutions to these issues.” William Bouley noted insights on artificial intelligence's potential role in MPI application.

Rev. Patrick J. Griffin praised Dr. Alkire’s practical approach: “Dr. Alkire’s latest lecture focused on how the MPI enables governments to deal in a practical manner with the issues of poverty in their own contexts.” He added that good policymaking can effectively respond to real distress by measuring needs and taking action.