17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet

In a world that is experiencing remarkable technological, economical and financial expansions,  there are still millions of people who suffer from extreme levels of poverty in the world. Poverty is not just merely about the lack of economic resources, but it also highlights the inability to satisfy basic needs such as health, education and access to clean water and sanitation.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, the efforts made regarding the elimination of poverty reversed. There was an increase in poverty levels by 8% in 2021. New extreme poverty groups are being found in South Asian and sub-Saharan countries. Moreover, even during the pre-pandemic, around 10% of the world population was suffering from extreme levels of poverty without the ability to satisfy at least their basic needs.

The measures taken towards the eradication of extreme poverty have been functioning at a rapid pace, however, there is much concern over the never-ending extreme poverty levels in Africa and other least developing countries all over the world. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ensures “not leaving anyone behind” and places great importance on reaching out to the ones that are “furthest behind”.

Each and every human being should be given equal rights to access economic resources, as well as to basic services like education and health. Discrimination in these aspects is not deemed fair. The success of all efforts made towards the eradication of poverty is attained by achieving full equity in these aspects.

Today, the 17th of October highlights the efforts of responsible people all over the world towards the eradication of poverty.