The International Day for The Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for The Eradication of Poverty is commemorated on 17 October 2021. What once was a singular protest in 1987 at the Trocadero in Paris became an international day where we represent and uplift those who suffer from extreme poverty, violence, and hunger.

The theme for this year is “Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting All People and Our Planet.” The concept of “building forward” arose as the consequences and harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic were revealed. Due to the pandemic’s economic repercussions, there are 71 to 100 million people living in poverty (World Bank). Although this number is alarming, this is just a small fraction of the 1.3 billion people experiencing poverty across the world.

Despite the worsening economic conditions during the pandemic, those experiencing poverty wish not to go back to the way things were before the pandemic but wish to push forward and create new ways to eradicate poverty. This means “transforming our relationship with nature, dismantling structures of discrimination that disadvantaged people in poverty and building on the moral and legal framework of human rights that places human dignity at the heart of policy and action” (UNDESA).

Mercy Global Action recognizes the work of Mercy grassroots ministries around the world that seek to create sustainable livelihoods and accompany those overcoming poverty. We also acknowledge the importance of the International Day for The Eradication of Poverty as an opportunity to uplift the voices of those experiencing poverty and marginalization as key stakeholders of global policymaking. Our findings in “Hope In A Time of Pandemic” reveal the effects that COVID-19 has had on poverty and exacerbating inequalities. Beyond those negative consequences of the pandemic, our social, political, and economic systems often place profit over people, which not only perpetuate socio-economic inequalities but also perpetuate the degradation of Earth, both of which keep people in poverty. “It is up to us to work together to challenge these systems, to work for transformative change, to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized, and to uphold the rights and dignity of people and the planet” (Hope In A Time of Pandemic).

For more information on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty:

• Register here for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2021 event at the UN.
• If you are interested in finding an event near you, or in organizing your own event, please consult the official website of the World Day for Overcoming Poverty.
• If you would like to see the schedule for the week of Global Eradication of Poverty, please click here.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty occurs as we prepare for the Commission on Social Development’s 60th session, which will take place from 7 to 16 of February 2022. The priority theme of this session is “Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all; eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.”

If you have stories or experiences you would like to share with us related to this priority theme, please let us know, and we can incorporate them into our advocacy!