World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty History

World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty is aimed at raising awareness and promoting efforts to eradicate poverty worldwide. The day seeks to foster collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and citizens to help create a sustainable future. This observance encourages dialogue and reflection on the root causes of poverty and ways to empower vulnerable communities to improve their living conditions and prospects for development.

The origins of this day date back to 1987, when French humanitarian Joseph Wresinski founded the event in Paris. In 1992, the United Nations officially designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The bloc has established several key initiatives to combat poverty, such as the Europe 2020 strategy, which includes targets to lift at least 20 million people out of poverty and social exclusion by 2020, and the European Pillar of Social Rights, which aims to ensure social security and equal opportunities for all citizens.

World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty is observed through various events and initiatives that bring attention to the issue of poverty and promote measures to address it. These activities may include conferences, workshops, awareness campaigns, and fundraising events. Governments, NGOs, and local communities work together to engage in policy discussions and share best practices. Educational programs and cultural events also play a crucial role in promoting awareness and solidarity around the issue. The World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty takes place annually on October 17.

Top 2 Facts for 2026 World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty in the EU

• This year’s observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty falls as the world embarks on a bold new path towards a future of dignity for all guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
• Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty. – Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988) founder of ATD Fourth World

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World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty Top Things to Do

• Poverty is economic, social, political and cultural in nature so instead of donating food and clothing, donate something that can help the social and cultural aspect of poverty in your community. Go through your things and donate old toys, books, sports equipment and household items to a local charity.
• Learn about economics, a social science that studies the way that people choose to use their resources. Understanding the basics of economics can help you further understand world poverty and what you can do to help.Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang is a good introduction to the different schools of thought.
• Watch a film or documentary which covers inequality across the spectrum - the very rich, the very poor and those in the middle. Our favourite picks: Living on One Dollar (2013), The Big Short (2015), Slumdog Millionaire (2008) or Give Us The Money. (2012).
• Reflect on your daily life. Take time to appreciate food, water, shelter, clothing, education, your computer/phone, social activities and sports. Remember that nearly half of the world's population live on less than $2.50 a day.
• Research relative poverty in your city or country to find out what your government has determined to be an average level of life for you and your fellow citizens. Relative poverty, which is determined by a person's average economic surroundings, differs from country to country and changes over time.