Brief history

The first time we celebrated the International Day to End Poverty was on the 17th of October, 1987. That Saturday, more than 100,000 people came to the Trocadero in Paris, France. There, the United Nations signed the Declaration of Human Rights to help people who were poor, hungry and in danger. We put a stone there to remember them. Now there are lots of copies of the stone. They are in different places around the world. One is in the garden near the United Nations building. Every year, the United Nations has a party there to remember the poor people. Many people come to show how much they care about them. In 1992, the General Assembly made it an official day to do things to help poor people.

How to celebrate

The International Day to End Poverty is a day to do things to help end poverty. So, the best way to celebrate is to go to an event in your town or city that is about the International Day. If there is no event in your area, you can volunteer at a homeless shelter. A shelter knows about the importance of the day and will probably have a special event. You can do some of these things:

Speak Up

Advocate for change by reaching out to local policymakers. Draft a letter, make a call, or schedule a meeting to discuss how community-level changes can support children in poverty. Your voice matters and can help influence policies that improve children’s lives.

Knowledge is Power

Spend the day learning and sharing facts about child poverty. Understanding the issue is the first step toward solving it. Share interesting facts and statistics on social media or talk about them over dinner. It’s a great way to spread awareness and spark conversations.

Give a Little Help a Lot

Why not open your heart and give money? It's a good way to be happy. Choose an honest organization and give something to help someone's life. Every little thing helps and your kindness can give food, education, and health to people who need it.

Lend Your Time

Put your sleeves up and help! There are local organizations that help people who are poor. You can teach, be a friend, or help someone who needs it. Your time can make a big difference. The day is a reminder that we all need to work together to make the world better for everyone. No child should grow up poor.

Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Interesting facts

• 736 million people worldwide are extremely poor. As of 2016, millions of people live on less than $1.90 a day.
• Global poverty is on the rise. Worldwide instability has pushed millions of people into poverty over the last few years.
• Climate change is increasing poverty. Environmental disasters are causing people to end up poverty-stricken.
• A temporary basic income can help. Giving people a basic income for a short period of time can help them get back on their feet.
• Two-thirds of the world’s poor are children. Many children whose parents succumb to poverty are orphaned, leaving them even more vulnerable.