We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty -Mother Teresa

Poverty destroys the lives and spirit of people; it kills more children, young persons and adults than any war. Every day people living in extreme poverty are challenged and threatened by lack of food, shelter and access to essential amenities.

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on the 17th of October yearly since 1993. It promotes people’s awareness of the need to exterminate poverty and destitution worldwide particularly in developing countries.

The first observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17th October 1987 in which more than 100,000 people gathered in Paris, France to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. On that day individuals and organizations globally observed the day as an opportunity to restore their dedication in working together towards eradicating poverty. In December 1992, the UN General Assembly officially declared 17th October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

This year the theme of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is, “Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty”. The theme focuses on the insistent need to eliminate discrimination and segregation based on poverty, ethnic origin, gender, age, disability or economic and social status. Eliminating these barriers means that all people especially those living in poverty are included in decision making and acted as partners for sustainable development.

We, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), believe that young people should be engaged to be the agent of change representing the voice of the people who are in need. Youth is the key towards tackling the quandary of our impecunious peers, and advancing their economic status within society. Acknowledging on that matter, we always encourage young people to be actively involved in expressing their thoughts and ideas for the betterment of policy particularly those related to eradication of poverty directly or indirectly. Areas such as youth employment and entrepreneurship have been our main focuses in creating more job opportunities not only for young people but also for those living in poverty.

As the world commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we call on youth and stakeholders from all countries to actively work to support the world most vulnerable and to ensure their full participation in building an inclusive post-2015 development agenda.

Happy International Day for the Eradication of Poverty!

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one -Mother Teresa

There is sufficient land to grow food in the world for everyone, yet we continue to be caught in food crisis.

Family farming is inextricably linked to national and global food security, both in developing and developed countries. Family farming is the major form of agriculture in the food production sector which is run by family and includes all family-based agricultural activities. It is greatly linked to several areas of rural development.

World Food Day was initially held on 16th October 1981. This day is, then, celebrated on the 16th of October every year around the world in honor of the date when the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations was founded in 1945. It is also the Food Engineer day and has been observed in more than 150 countries, raising awareness of the issues pertaining to Hunger and Poverty.

We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness. -Petra Nemcova

Disaster reduction is the conception and practice of reducing disaster risks through efficient efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. Reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improving preparedness and early warning for adverse events are all examples of disaster reduction.

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Natural Reduction is annually observed on the 13th of October to raise the profile of disaster risk reduction. It is a day dedicated to the efforts of the stakeholders in reducing the disasters related risks through raising awareness. It also encourages people and governments to participate in building more resilient communities and nations.

Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong. -Mahatma Gandhi

In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of people around the world who have taken part in nonviolent supporting action. It is clear, however, that there is considerable debate about the precise meaning of nonviolence.

Nonviolence is an undeniable force that works in the social field that brings people together, often by courageously resisting prejudice and refusing to inflict suffering.

International Day of Non-Violence is held annually to promote the ways to stop violence through education and public awareness. The 2nd of October was selected to coincide with prominent Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. This day is recognized in India as Gandhi Jayanti.