International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17th is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of October 17th as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and the 30th anniversary of Father Joseph Wresinski’s Call to Action. On 17 October 1987, Father Wresinki unveiled a commemorative stone in front of over 100,000 people at Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris that reads: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.” His words serve as a reminder to work to eradicate poverty in all forms around the world.

This year’s theme is Answering the Call of October 17 to End Poverty: A Path Toward Peaceful and Inclusive Societies. This theme is evident in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). SDG 1 is to end all forms of poverty globally, including impoverished vulnerable populations such as those with severe disabilities, the elderly, children and the unemployed. Many of the successive SDGs focus on factors impacting impoverished populations, such as ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) and reducing inequality within and among countries (SDG 10). Learn more about the SDGs here.

Learn more about International Day for the Eradication of Poverty here.

The Aid and Development Forum will host the 3rd Aid and Development Africa Summit on 27-28 February 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Summit will unite humanitarian and development leaders, decision makers and advisors committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. Learn more about the Summit here.

Image Source: UN Division for Social Policy and Development