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We celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.
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ERADICATION OF POVERTY
Photo credit, from top to bottom: John Moeses Bauan, Hermes Rivera, Jordan Opel.
On October 17, 1987, 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.
The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to that day. The demonstrators 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.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
“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
Home → What’s On → Events → International Days → October 17
International days are celebrations and calls to action. They are for everyone to participate in. This is how you can take part in an International Day in three simple steps.
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Why are International Days important? They provide unique opportunities to transmit UNESCO values to the world.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS
International days also provide a unique opportunity to engage citizens on global issues, to mobilise political will and resources to address these problems, but also to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity as well as remember some of our darkest times as they guide us towards building a better world.
The United Nations International Days are for everyone, all around the globe. Because they are open, you can have an important role to play in them. NGOs, universities, schools, press and more will be putting together campaigns, events, and calls to action worldwide to provide further opportunities to engage, learn, and transmit the values and knowledge associated with each International Day. They serve as an important vehicle to connect the local to the international.
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter. They work to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.
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