Widening Global Income Gap Threatens 'Lost Decade' for World's Poorest Countries

• Income gap widening between poorest and richest countries for the first time this century, reversing development progress • 75 poorest countries at risk of "lost decade" of development without policy changes and international aid • More than half of poorest countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa; face food insecurity, debt distress, and disinvestment
• Ambitious domestic policies needed to drive investment; significant financial support from global community also essential • Stronger international coordination crucial on issues like climate, debt relief, trade to avoid prolonged economic stagnation