[Public Opinion Briefing Vol. 37-2] 77% of citizens in developed countries say they are willing to pay additional costs to eradicate global poverty

[Public Opinion Briefing Vol. 37] Global Hunger and the Responsibility of Developed Countries

[Topic 1] Global citizens: "Developed countries should take the lead in solving global hunger"

[Topic 2] 77% of citizens in developed countries: "Willing to pay additional costs to eradicate global poverty"

[Topic 3] Korea's responsibility for global hunger is significant; responsibility may weaken if income deteriorates

77% of citizens in developed countries say they are willing to pay additional costs to eradicate global poverty

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This survey also investigated the willingness of citizens in 7 OECD member countries and Russia, a priority accession country, to pay their allocated contributions for global poverty reduction. Citizens in major developed countries participating in the survey indicated a willingness to open their wallets to address global hunger issues. To more accurately gauge the willingness of citizens in each country to share costs, specific allocated amounts were estimated and their willingness to pay was surveyed.

Calculating the costs each OECD member country would have to bear, Turkey would contribute the least at $10 per capita, while the United States would contribute the most at $56 per capita. Korea's contribution is set at $23 per capita. This is the result of allocating the estimated annual additional cost of $39 billion required by the World Bank to halve hunger and extreme poverty by 2015 among the 30 OECD member countries and Russia, a priority accession country, based on their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios, and then dividing the national contribution by the total adult population of each country (See [Table 1]).

[Table 1] Contribution Amounts for Aid from 8 OECD Countries

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Based on these allocated amounts, a survey was conducted among citizens of 8 OECD member countries asking, "Are you willing to pay the per capita contribution allocated to your country for the eradication of global poverty?" In all surveyed countries, a majority of citizens responded that they would be willing to pay the costs. Korea ranked third, following France (86%) and Italy (84%). All developed countries (including the UK at 79%, Germany at 76%, and the US at 75%) expressed a strong willingness to provide aid, indicating not only a sense of responsibility for global hunger but also a commitment to practical action. Considering this consensus among OECD member countries on addressing hunger, international efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty are expected to gain further momentum. However, Russia, a priority accession country but not a full OECD member, showed only a 54% willingness to pay, suggesting a potential reluctance to embrace international responsibilities associated with OECD membership ([See Figure 2]).

[Figure 2] Willingness to Pay for Global Poverty Eradication in 8 OECD Countries (%)