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The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty arrives every October 17, urging global action to address this pervasive crisis. Acknowledge the suffering of millions affected by hunger, violence, and homelessness, and participate in the worldwide campaign to end poverty. Discover ways to contribute to a more equitable future.
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History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
On October 17, 1987, more than 100,000 people came together in Paris, France, to honor those who were suffering in the shackles of poverty. The gathering was at the location where the Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948.
On that day, people had also come together for the unveiling of a commemorative stone by Father Joseph Wresinski, a humanitarian. The commemorative stone declared that poverty was a violation of human rights and it was everyone’s duty to come together to work against it.
In December 1992, the United Nations adopted a resolution to observe a day where poverty would be in focus. In honor of the gathering and unveiling at Paris in 1987, the United Nations selected October 17 as the date to observe International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This day was set aside to encourage all countries to work actively to remove poverty by taking steps towards sustainable development. It was also an opportunity to allow the poverty-stricken to be heard.
The UN recognized that the poor are the experts of their own situations and know what they need. This day is meant to be an opportunity to work with people living in poverty to identify long-term solutions to their immediate problems.
Poverty can be eradicated. It is not an impossible task, and including poor people in the conversation is the first step. That, combined with the promotion of growth and employment opportunities, addressing gender inequalities, and improving public facilities, will help to eradicate poverty from the world.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty timeline
Father Joseph Wresinski unveils a stone that declares poverty a violation of human rights.
The U.N. passes a resolution to observe October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This committee is formed to promote and observe the day to eradicate poverty in the best way.
2018 to 2027 is declared as the third decade to eradicate poverty by accelerating global actions.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty FAQs
When is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty?
In 2026, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty falls on Saturday, October 17. It’s a crucial day for global reflection and action against poverty.
How many people live in extreme poverty globally?
According to the World Bank, approximately 685 million people lived in extreme poverty in 2022, surviving on less than $2.15 a day. This figure highlights the immense scale of the challenge.
What is the history of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty?
The day originated on October 17, 1987, when over 100,000 people gathered in Paris to honor victims of poverty, hunger, violence, and fear. This demonstration was organized by ATD Fourth World, founded by Father Joseph Wresinski.
What is the theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty?
Each year, the UN announces a specific theme to guide the day’s events and advocacy. Recent themes have focused on dignity for all, building forward together, and ending persistent poverty.
How to Observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Join the online campaign
Use the hashtag #EndPoverty to add your voice to the worldwide campaign and amplify the voices of the poor who are trying to make their needs heard.
Organize an event
Reach out to homeless shelters and people in your community to organize an event where people living in poverty can explain what they need. Invite your community leaders to this event and work with them on a plan to help the poor in your area.
Volunteer with an organization working with poor people
Lend your time to an organization or a soup kitchen working with the less privileged so you can give back to your community on this day.
5 Facts About Global Poverty That Will Make You Jump To Action
736 million people worldwide are extremely poor
As of 2016, millions of people live on less than $1.90 a day.
Global poverty is on the rise
Worldwide instability has pushed millions of people into poverty over the last few years.
Climate change is increasing poverty
Environmental disasters are causing people to end up poverty-stricken.
A temporary basic income can help
Giving people a basic income for a short period of time can help them get back on their feet.
Two-thirds of the world’s poor are children
Many children whose parents succumb to poverty are orphaned, leaving them even more vulnerable.
Why International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is Important
This is a global problem
All around the world, people are living in extreme conditions of hunger and fear, and these problems need multi-faceted solutions.
Poor people need to be heard
The people who have the problem are always the experts on that issue. This day offers an important opportunity to resolve poverty by making sure people who experience it can offer their solutions.
Poverty is solvable
If we all work together to address the social and environmental issues that cause poverty, then we can eradicate poverty from the world completely.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 17 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 17 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 17 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 17 | Thursday |
