Each year on 17th October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed to promote communication and understanding between those experiencing poverty and the wider public. Ending poverty in all its forms is the first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The theme for 2024, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” draws attention to two often overlooked aspects of poverty that many impoverished individuals face.
The origins of World Poverty Eradication Day date back to 17th October 1987, when around 100,000 people gathered in Paris to honour victims of hunger, violence and poverty. This event sparked a global movement to eradicate poverty. A memorial stone unveiled at the gathering continues to serve as a focal point for international ceremonies, including those at the United Nations headquarters. On 22nd December 1992, the UN General Assembly, through Resolution 47/196, officially designated 17th October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The United Nations General Assembly declared the United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018–2027) in Resolution 72/233, with a focus on the theme “Accelerating Global Actions for a World Without Poverty”. This theme was reviewed during the General Assembly’s 73rd session, reflecting the global commitment to poverty alleviation.
Extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day, affects nearly 700 million people worldwide. This hardship is most concentrated in rural areas, conflict-affected regions, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. If current trends persist, an estimated 575 million people will remain in extreme poverty by 2030 and 84 million children will be denied access to education. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a major setback in poverty reduction efforts, pushing an additional 71 million people into extreme poverty, the largest increase in decades.
The 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty serves as a reminder and a call to action for the global community. Despite progress, millions of people continue to live in poverty, and challenges such as climate change have made poverty eradication even more difficult. Nevertheless, with strong international collaboration, innovative strategies, and a focus on inclusive growth, substantial progress toward ending poverty is possible.
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