Why poverty? Part 1

Why is that despite all our advancements, technological progress and increasing wealth, the twin scourges of extreme poverty and inequality still blight the lives of vast numbers of people in the 21st Century?

Joined by the former British prime minister Tony Blair, Oby Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian government minister, Vandana Shiva, a scientist and grassroots activist from India and the South African author Moeletsi Mbeki, Zeinab Badawi hosts the BBC World Debate from Johannesburg.

Watch the discussion - Why poverty?

Part 1 The causes of poverty

Part 2 The need for opportunity

Part 3 The prospects for Africa

Part 4 The importance of agriculture

Part 5 Possible solutions

The World Debate is broadcast on BBC World News and BBC World Service.