Welcome to the United Nations
The theme for this year is "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies".
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, commemorated on October 17th each year, originated in 1987 when a massive gathering in Paris proclaimed poverty as a violation of human rights. This event emphasized the need for collective action to ensure these rights are respected. Since then, people of diverse backgrounds have united annually to express solidarity with those living in poverty. Replicas of a commemorative stone, unveiled during the initial gathering, serve as focal points for these global observances, including one at the United Nations Headquarters.
The United Nations officially recognized October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 1992, encouraging all member states to actively promote efforts to alleviate poverty. This day provides a platform for people experiencing poverty to voice their concerns and recognizes their crucial role in combating poverty. Importantly, the chosen theme underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts to eradicate poverty and discrimination, ultimately paving the way for a sustainable future where the needs of all are met without compromising the well-being of future generations.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Message
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Commemoration Event in New York, 17 October 2024
ECOSOC Chamber at the UN Headquarters
You're invited to the 32nd Commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) on Thursday, October 17th, from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm at the United Nations Headquarters. This year's theme is “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment.”
New Pathways to End Poverty Amid Converging Crises: A UN DESA Global Policy Dialogue
The new "World Social Report 2024" from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) illustrates how shocks hit the most vulnerable people and societies the hardest, with both short- and long-term impacts on social development. This session, held on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, will feature conversations with experts and people with lived experience of poverty to showcase ways to ensure transformations at the necessary scale and speed to improve lives.
New World Social Report 2024 on "Social Development in Times of Converging Crises: A Call for Global Action"
The World Social Report 2024 calls for global cooperation to promote a human rights-based approach to social protection, ensuring continuity during times of crisis and well-regulated insurance markets with expanded coverage tailored to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable populations. Placing people at the center of development, it underlines the importance of accelerating climate change mitigation, ensuring global financial stability, and preventing pandemics and spillovers of violent conflicts.
Download the full report here.