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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Join the fight against poverty on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: donate, volunteer, and spread awareness to give hope to those in need.

Saturday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 17

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for October 17, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This day was established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness and inspire action against poverty around the world. It's a time to reflect on how far we've come and also an opportunity to work together towards ending poverty once and for all. As we recognize this special day, let us take a moment to appreciate what we have and be grateful for our blessings, while also striving to help those less fortunate. Let's create a world where everyone has access to basic needs such as food, shelter, education and healthcare.

TIMELINE

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Timeline

UN insistent on Eradicating Poverty

The United Nations (UN) is formed, including in its charter the commitment to promote social progress and better standards of life, implicitly encompassing poverty eradication as a goal.

World Bank's Poverty Focus

The World Bank shifts its focus to addressing poverty by promoting sustainable economic growth in developing countries.

First Poverty Commemoration

Father Joseph Wresinski, a leading advocate for the underprivileged, organizes a gathering in Paris to honour victims of poverty, hunger, and violence, sparking the idea for an International Day.

UN Official Day for Poverty Eradication

The United Nations General Assembly officially designates October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Poverty Millennial Goal

The UN establishes the Millennium Development Goals, including a target to halve extreme poverty and hunger around the world by 2015.

Sustainable Development Agenda

The UN introduces the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 1: "End poverty in all its forms everywhere" by 2030.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Volunteer at a local charity

Find a local organization that is devoted to helping those in poverty and volunteer your time. It will be a rewarding experience and it will help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

DONATE

Donate to a poverty relief fund

Donating money to a relief fund can help support those in need and provide tangible help to those in poverty. There are plenty of funds that focus on helping the poor, so search for one that resonates with you.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Raising awareness of poverty can help spread the message and bring more attention to such an important issue. Share information about poverty, its causes, and its effects on social media or talk to friends and family about what you have learned.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Organizing a fundraiser can be a great way to raise money for those in poverty. Have a bake sale or car wash, or organize an event such as a concert or art show, and donate the proceeds to a poverty relief fund.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Educating yourself on the issue of poverty is important if you want to make an impact. Read books and articles, watch documentaries, and listen to stories from those affected by poverty. This will help you understand the issue better and motivate you to take action.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is Important

It motivates individuals to take action

Celebrating International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is also a way for individuals to get involved and make a difference. Through donations, working with charitable organizations or even volunteering time, everyone has a role to play when it comes to helping those in need.

It raises global awareness about poverty

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an important reminder to the world that poverty still exists on a global scale. The day helps spread awareness and understanding of its underlying causes, which can eventually lead to change in public policies and attitudes towards this issue.

It encourages international collaboration

The day helps to bring people together from all over the world with similar goals - to eradicate poverty. Countries work together by exchanging ideas and developing strategies that can be implemented on a global level in order to help end extreme poverty in our lifetimes.

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