The Poverty Reduction Section (PRS) of the UN ESCAP programme came into operation on 1 January 2003 through the merger of the Rural Development and Human Settlements Sections to become part of the newly established Poverty and Development Division (PDD).
It takes a broad view of poverty, distinguishing three related dimensions: poverty of income and assets – sustained or sustainable livelihood; poverty of access to essential services, and poverty of participation and power.