International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

17 October

The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17th to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.

Through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, the UN General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

UNESCO is convinced that the sustainable fight against poverty requires the strengthening of individuals’ capacities through education, science and support for a creative economy, which are sources of employment as well as of pride and dignity. UNESCO puts all its expertise at the service of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in particular Goal 1 "End poverty in all its forms everywhere ".

Ending poverty is not just helping the poor – it is giving every woman and man the chance to live with dignity. By eradicating poverty, all humanity will be transformed.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

"Poverty is a problem related not only to financial resources but also to lack of opportunity. Poverty eradication is the first Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is, however, closely linked to other goals such as ensuring good health and hygiene conditions, access to quality education for all, opportunities for decent employment, gender equality and preservation of the environment."

— Audrey Azoulay, Director General, Message on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty