Drought in Kenya [Stefano de Luigi / "Zoom-in on Poverty" Global Photo Contest]

The photo also won the second prize in the Contemporary Issues Singles category of the World Press Photo Contest 2010.

Clark said the contest offered a timely insight into the status of world poverty through compelling photographs that portray some of the major causes, solutions and achievements made in poverty reduction to date.

She said that behind each photo, there would be stories often difficult and heartbreaking, with reference to photos of women and underage girls lured into the sex industry and photos of severely malnourished children.

But besides hardship, Clark said, the photos also represent triumph.

"They remind us how far the world still has to go to eradicate poverty, and of the need to put people at the center of our thinking and actions – to ensure that economic growth is inclusive, and to give all people the opportunity to participate in the developmental process."