
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!