International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on 17 October, and it is a moment to remember that worldwide, millions of people continue to live in deprivation and to renew our commitment to end poverty together.

History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

This observance began on 17 October 1987, when over 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, the same place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed. They came to honor victims of extreme poverty, hunger, and violence. A commemorative stone was unveiled that day by Father Joseph Wresinski, a lifelong advocate for people in poverty and founder of the movement ATD Fourth World. The stone bears a powerful message about human dignity and the importance of unity in fighting poverty.

In 1992, the United Nations officially recognized this grassroots event by declaring 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Since then, the day has become a global platform to draw attention to the voices of those living in poverty and to encourage public awareness and action. Each year, the day features a different theme, often developed with input from people directly affected by poverty.

Why is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty important?

This day matters because poverty isn’t just about lacking money—it’s about being excluded, unheard, and often misunderstood. When we stop to really think about what it means to live without basic needs, it becomes clear that poverty is a deep social issue. It’s not just about income; it’s about opportunity, access, and respect. Observing this day gives people a chance to reflect on how poverty is maintained by systems, policies, and public attitudes, and why real change means listening to those with lived experience.

Also, this day challenges the harmful idea that poverty is a personal failure. It helps shift the focus onto what kind of society we are building. Are we creating systems that support families in need with dignity, or are we making it harder for them through judgment and bureaucracy? It’s an opportunity to rethink how we see social support, and to put compassion and fairness at the center of it.

Here’s why the day resonates with many:

• It gives space for people in poverty to share their voices
• It challenges harmful stereotypes and judgments
• It pushes for better policies that treat people with dignity
• It reminds us that poverty can happen to anyone under the wrong circumstances
• It builds empathy and solidarity across different communities

How to Observe the Day

You don’t need a big budget or platform to observe this day meaningfully. Start by learning—read stories, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries that center people with lived experiences of poverty. If you have kids or students, use the day as a teaching moment about fairness, justice, and compassion. Even something as simple as starting a conversation at work or at home can be a step toward awareness.

Another good way to observe the day is by supporting local organizations that are doing the hard work every day—food banks, housing support groups, or community clinics. You might also consider writing to a local policymaker, asking what steps they’re taking to reduce poverty in your area. Or just be open to hearing someone’s story without judgment—that alone can be a powerful way to observe the day.

Some easy ways to mark the day:

• Share a thoughtful message on social media
• Donate to a charity that supports people in poverty
• Listen to someone’s story without jumping to conclusions
• Join a local event or online discussion
• Reflect on what dignity means in everyday life

Observance Dates Table