What is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty?

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed globally on October 17th to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people living in poverty and to promote actions aimed at eradicating poverty worldwide. Established by the United Nations, this day highlights the importance of global solidarity and the need for sustainable efforts to address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. It serves as a platform for the voices of those living in poverty, emphasizing their rights and the importance of their participation in shaping policies that impact their lives.

The day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in initiatives that reduce poverty, enhance access to resources and opportunities, and promote social justice. It is a call to action for building inclusive, resilient societies where everyone can thrive.

History and Origin

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1992, following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly. The observance has its roots in the efforts of Father Joseph Wresinski, a French priest who, in 1987, brought together over 100,000 people in Paris to honor victims of poverty, hunger, and violence. His initiative aimed to recognize the dignity of people living in poverty and called for solidarity and action to improve their conditions.

Since then, October 17th has been an international platform to bring attention to poverty and advocate for comprehensive solutions. The day aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, encouraging a global commitment to long-term, sustainable development strategies.

Who Celebrates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty?

• United Nations and International Organizations: The UN and its affiliated bodies, such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP), host events, forums, and campaigns to raise awareness and promote strategies for poverty eradication.
• Governments: Countries around the world participate by organizing national events, implementing policies, and launching initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and promoting social inclusion.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs, charities, and advocacy groups focus on poverty alleviation, organizing workshops, educational campaigns, and community programs to support those in need.
• Local Communities: Community leaders, social workers, and volunteers engage in activities to support and uplift individuals and families struggling with poverty, often organizing events that provide resources, food, and shelter.
• General Public: Individuals and groups participate by supporting campaigns, raising awareness on social media, donating to charities, or volunteering with organizations working to eradicate poverty.

Slogans and Themes

The themes for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty vary each year, focusing on specific aspects of poverty and social injustice. Common themes include “Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting All People and Our Planet” and “Acting Together to Empower Children, their Families, and Communities to End Poverty.” The central slogans often emphasize dignity, inclusion, and solidarity, stressing the importance of ensuring that the voices of those living in poverty are heard and included in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors:
  • Blue, representing hope, solidarity, and the work of international organizations like the UN in eradicating poverty.
  • Green, symbolizing sustainability and the importance of environmentally conscious development efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.
  • Orange, used to represent energy, action, and urgency, calling for immediate efforts to address the challenges of poverty.
• Symbols:
  • Circle of people holding hands, symbolizing unity, solidarity, and the collaborative effort needed to overcome poverty.
  • Open hands, reflecting support, compassion, and the global effort to uplift people from poverty and provide opportunities.
  • Scales, representing the need for equality, justice, and balanced opportunities for all people, regardless of socioeconomic status.
• Patterns:
  • Waves, symbolizing the ongoing and global nature of poverty and the movement towards its eradication.
  • Network motifs, representing the interconnectedness of global communities and the shared responsibility to eliminate poverty.
  • Growth and upward arrow patterns, illustrating progress and the positive impact of sustainable development in lifting people out of poverty.

Most Used Hashtags

• #EndPoverty
• #PovertyEradication
• #StandUpForPoverty
• #SocialJustice
• #SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
• #NoPoverty
• #GlobalSolidarity

How to Celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

• Attend or Organize Awareness Events: Participate in workshops, panel discussions, or community gatherings focused on poverty eradication and social justice, or organize your own event to educate others about the importance of the day.
• Support Local Charities and NGOs: Volunteer your time or donate resources to organizations working to support people in poverty, such as food banks, shelters, and community centers.
• Engage in Advocacy and Social Media Campaigns: Use social media to share information about the impact of poverty, using the official hashtags to connect with global efforts and advocate for policy changes.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Read about poverty’s root causes, such as inequality, lack of education, and systemic discrimination. Share this knowledge to raise awareness and encourage community support for those affected.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Support initiatives that align with sustainable development goals, like eco-friendly farming or fair-trade products, to help build resilient communities that can overcome poverty.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an opportunity to come together in solidarity and take meaningful action toward ending poverty. By learning, advocating, and supporting efforts to uplift communities, we can collectively work toward a more equitable and inclusive world where poverty is no longer a barrier to opportunity and dignity.