“Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons: Towards a Society for All Ages", is the theme of the international day this year.

The day, commemorated around the world, recognizes the contributions of older persons, examines issues that affect their lives and highlights the role of older persons in economic and social development.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing/un_meetings.html

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

19 October

This year, in recognition of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the 2009 observance of the International Day focuses on the plight of children and families living in poverty and the need to fulfill children's rights in partnership with them and in keeping with the Convention.

This year’s observance highlights the role of the convention in securing children’s rights, in particular the right to survival and full development, the right to protection from abuse and exploitation and the right to participation in family, cultural and social life. Participation also means that children have the right to express their opinions and have those opinions heard and acted upon when appropriate.

The observance will present an opportunity for children to speak out against poverty and dialogue with others. We will hear from children, young people, parents, and people working with them on their actions to implement policies which strengthen both children and their families in tackling poverty and exclusion.

The 2009 observance will take place on Monday, 19 October at United Nations Headquarters in New York, as the official day on 17 October falls on a Saturday.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlDay/2009intlday.html