Join us on October 17th!

2025 Theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families is the theme for this year’s commemoration at UNHQ on October 17^th. Family policies must be an integral part of overall development efforts and leveraged in achieving many of the interrelated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (poverty eradication, food security, quality healthcare and education, gender equality, social inclusion, decent work/social protection, just and peaceful institutions.) Families are active agents in development. Therefore, their experiential knowledge and insight must be sought out and included to ensure effective support to lift people out of poverty and create a more just and equitable society.

2025 Program and Speakers

Part 1: ECOSOC Chamber, 1:15-2:30pm

Welcome and introduction of Co-MC’s, Rosetta Savana, ATD Fourth World Activist, New York, Cecilia Schirmeister, Representative of the Baha'i International Community’s UN Office, New York
Statement from the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
Short video of Activists from around the world
Micheline Ciarlo, ATD Fourth World Activist, Canada
Video from Flore Adelaîde Prudence Nodjikomo, ATD Fourth World Activist, Central Republic of Africa
Maharajul Jannat, Community Activist, Boston, Massachusetts
Musical performance, “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, sung by Laura Iniesta Mingot, Alvaro Iniesta on guitar.
Copliana Robinson, Recreational Activities Coordinator, Flagstone Family Shelter, Brownsville, New York
Dr. Najat Maalla M’Jid, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General on Violence Against Children
Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (TBC)
Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations

Transition to the second part of the Commemoration in the North Garden

Part 2: UN Garden, North lawn, Commemorative Stone, 3:00-3:30pm

MC’s welcome guests
Donald Lee, President, ATD Fourth World International Movement
Ambassador Rui Vinhas, Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations
Reading of inscription on the Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty
Moment of silence
Musical performance, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers sung by Todd McNeel Jr.
Symbolic Gesture
Closing and Group photo.

IOC17 logo

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2025

Please join us!