Basic Information
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on 17 October to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
Observed on: 17 October
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 1993 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. The first observation was made in the year 1993.
The observance of the day gives an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concern heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. It also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.
Activities and Programs on Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Some programs on the day includes exhibition, panel discussions, people gather to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor, concerts and cultural events etc.
There also a wide online campaign in social sites with #EndPoverty to spread and raise awareness about the day and its importance.
The period 1997 – 2006 is observed as the United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.
Theme for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2020 Theme is “Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all“
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2019 Theme was “Acting together to empower children, their families and communities to end poverty”
Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2018 Theme was “Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity“
2017 Theme: Answering the Call of October 17 to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies
2016 Theme: Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms
2015 Theme: Building a sustainable future: Coming together to end poverty and discrimination
2014 Theme: Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty
2013 Theme: Working together towards a world without discrimination: Building on the experience and knowledge of people in extreme poverty
2012 Theme: Ending the Violence of Extreme Poverty: Promoting Empowerment and Building Peace
2011 Theme: From Poverty to Sustainability: People at the Centre of Inclusive Development
2010 Theme: From Poverty to Decent Work: Bridging the Gap
2009 Theme: Children and Families Speak Out Against Poverty
2008 Theme: Human Rights and Dignity of People Living in Poverty
2007 Theme: People Living in Poverty as Agents of Change: 20th Anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
2006 Theme: Working Together out of Poverty
2005 Theme: Achieving the Millennium Development Goals: Empowering the poorest of the poor
2004 Theme: How Poverty Separates Parents and Children
2003 Theme: Successful efforts to reduce poverty around the world