BRAC, the world’s leading non-governmental organization originating from Bangladesh, is scaling up its globally acclaimed `Ultra-Poor Graduation` (UPG) program to reach even more nations across Asia and Africa. The organization recently announced plans to implement this evidence-based poverty alleviation model in ten new countries, aiming to empower millions who live in extreme poverty. The Daily Star reported that BRAC’s approach, which combines asset transfers, skill development, and financial inclusion, has been hailed by researchers as one of the most effective strategies to lift people out of the poverty trap permanently.
The UPG model is distinct because it moves beyond simple hand-outs. Instead, it provides a "graduation" path where beneficiaries—often widowed or marginalized women—are given livestock or small business tools alongside intensive coaching and training. This ensures that they not only earn an immediate income but also build the resilience needed to avoid falling back into poverty. BRAC International data shows that over 90% of participants in this program have successfully maintained their improved economic status years after the initial intervention. The World Bank has previously referred to this as the "gold standard" of poverty alleviation programs.
Currently, BRAC is expanding its operations in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Philippines, collaborating with local governments to integrate the graduation model into national social safety nets. The vision of BRAC’s founder, the late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, was to treat poverty as a multifaceted issue involving the lack of opportunity and self-confidence. By addressing these psychological and social barriers, BRAC helps individuals reclaim their dignity. The organization has set an ambitious target to reach 20 million people by 2030 through this specific intervention.
As the global economy faces challenges from climate change and political instability, innovative models like BRAC`s are more necessary than ever. Development experts argue that the sustainability of the graduation model lies in its ability to adapt to different cultural and economic contexts. BRAC is no longer just a Bangladeshi NGO but a global leader in humanitarian innovation. By sharing its expertise with international partners, BRAC is proving that extreme poverty can be eradicated if the right tools and support are provided. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
