Five years after declaring victory over extreme poverty, China's transformative achievement continues to inspire hope for communities worldwide. Between 2012 and 2020, the nation accomplished something extraordinary: lifting nearly 100 million people above the poverty line, meeting the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goal a full decade ahead of schedule.

What makes this achievement particularly heartening is not just the numbers, but the thoughtful philosophy behind it. China's poverty alleviation strategy recognizes that true security means more than meeting a monetary threshold. The approach embraces what officials call the "Two No Worries and Three Guarantees" – ensuring people have adequate food and clothing while guaranteeing access to healthcare, education, safe housing, and clean drinking water.

This holistic vision treats poverty reduction as a comprehensive upliftment rather than simply moving numbers on a chart. Communities across rural China have benefited from programs that foster local industries, create sustainable employment opportunities, and provide vocational training. The goal has always been building lasting foundations for self-reliance and dignity.

Perhaps most touching is the policy of maintaining support for five years after households exit poverty – a measure officials warmly describe as "helping them onto a horse and accompanying them for part of the journey." This compassionate approach acknowledges that sustainable change takes time and continued encouragement.

The results speak volumes about this commitment. According to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, over the past five years, authorities identified 7 million individuals who remained vulnerable and provided assistance to prevent them from sliding back into hardship. Remarkably, not a single student from formerly impoverished families has dropped out during compulsory education. Basic medical insurance coverage remains robust at over 99 percent, and access to tap water in rural areas has reached an impressive 94 percent.

Building on this solid foundation, China is now evolving its development strategy to invest even more deeply in human potential. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan outlines an inspiring shift toward greater investment in childcare, eldercare, health, and education – recognizing that true prosperity comes from nurturing human capabilities and unlocking individual potential.

This represents a mature and forward-thinking philosophy: prioritizing long-term prosperity built on a resilient, healthy, and skilled population rather than chasing short-term gains. By investing in people's capabilities, safeguarding health, and fostering career development, the strategy creates a ladder of sustainable upward mobility.

The approach offers an uplifting model as the world works toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It demonstrates that meaningful security comes not from catching people after they fall, but from ensuring they stand on firm ground from the very beginning. By focusing on comprehensive support, skills development, and sustained assistance, communities can build lasting resilience and prosperity.

As global conversations continue about effective poverty reduction, China's experience provides hopeful evidence that with thoughtful planning, comprehensive support, and sustained commitment, transformative change is possible. The journey of 100 million people toward greater security and opportunity reminds us that investing in human potential creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond individual lives.