"Together, let us listen to people — and stand up for their hopes and aspirations. That is how we will build a world free of poverty."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Children in Nobouday housing slum close to Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Kibae Park
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries — a need that has become a development priority.
At the Millennium Summit, world leaders committed themselves to cutting by half by the year 2015 the number of people living in extreme poverty — people whose income is less than one dollar a day.
17 October presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the center of the Day's celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of 17 October also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.
The theme of the 2011 observance is "From Poverty to Sustainability: People at the Centre of Inclusive Development". With global attention focused on the upcoming Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), it is critical to draw attention to the importance of poverty eradication for building sustainable futures for all. People living in poverty face increasingly difficult challenges as climate change, environmental degradation and rising food prices threaten their livelihoods and survival. The path to sustainable development must ensure that people living in poverty are included in decision-making processes, and that concrete action is taken to respond to their needs and demands.
The 2011 Commemoration at United Nations Headquarters in New York will be held on Monday, 17 October.