Article by Lecturer Assistant Amir Husni Matar Titled: The Role of Sustainable Development in Combating Poverty Poverty is considered one of the most prominent economic, social, and political phenomena. It has become a major concern for many economists, policymakers, and international and local organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. It is now among the most important topics discussed in seminars and conferences. Poverty is defined as the inability to meet the minimum essential needs for living. It reflects a lack of access to monetary and quasi-monetary income needed to consume goods and services such as food, housing, clothing, and transportation. In addition, poverty includes psychological and social deprivation, such as low self-confidence, psychological stress, social isolation, and social embarrassment. Causes of Poverty: 1. The nature of income and wealth distribution. 2. Corruption in its various forms and levels. 3. Population growth. 4. The nature of resource management. 5. Family size and structure. 6. High unemployment rates. 7. Uncontrolled population growth and the marginalization of certain social groups. 8. Low income levels. Sustainable Development: Sustainable development refers to development that aims to reduce the severity of poverty among the world’s poor by ensuring a safe and lasting quality of life, while limiting the depletion of natural resources, environmental degradation, cultural imbalance, and social instability. The Role of Sustainable Development in Combating Poverty: Sustainable development seeks, through planning processes and the implementation of development policies, to improve the quality of life of individuals in society economically and socially. This is achieved by focusing on the qualitative aspects of growth rather than merely quantitative ones, in a fair, acceptable, and democratic manner. The concept of a decent standard of living and quality of life includes integrated components, particularly economic aspects such as an individual’s ability to meet essential living needs. From this perspective, sustainable development cannot achieve its objectives unless it ensures a decent standard of living for citizens. Sustainable Development Policies and Programs to Reduce Poverty: Poverty is one of the greatest challenges facing sustainable development. Since human well-being is the central goal, sustainable policies aim to provide decent living opportunities for present and future generations. These policies focus on improving living conditions and empowering poor communities to break the cycle of poverty. They often combine economic opportunities with social support, alongside the essential role of education and training. Key policies adopted to reduce poverty include: 1. Transition toward a green economy. 2. Sustainable economic growth. 3. Social and solidarity economy. 4. The role of fiscal policy in reducing poverty.