First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

In December 1995, the General Assembly proclaimed the First United Nations Decade for
the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006).

In December 1996, the General Assembly declared the theme for the Decade as a whole to be “Eradicating poverty is an ethical, social, political and economic imperative of humankind.”

Information on the Decade

Proclamation (A/RES/50/107)
Theme and objectives (A/RES/51/178)
Framework for Actions (A/51/443)
Implementation of the Decade (A/RES/52/193)
The International Year and further action (A/52/573)

The report examines the relationship between growth, employment and poverty, arguing that employment is the missing link in the growth and poverty reduction equation. It also discusses the key elements of employment strategy, including generating adequate levels of productive employment and work, enhancing productivity, choice of technique, sectoral shift and labour market interventions.