Introduction – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 every year to spread awareness about people who are living in poverty. This day provides an opportunity to help poor people who fight against poverty. The government of countries should take steps to eradicate poverty worldwide. Poverty is one of the main problems all around the world especially in South Africa and Asian countries.

The increase in population is also responsible for raise unemployment that enhance poverty worldwide. Now the spread of coronavirus in 2019 rapidly increases poverty among people all around the world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the large number of jobs are reduced that lowers the income of people and are pushed into poverty. Raising the prices of commodities are also responsible to enhance the large number of people who are pushed into poverty. So, the government of countries worldwide should take steps to eradicate poverty by increasing opportunities for jobs, reduce price rises, and many more. The war between countries is also caused poverty all around the world. During the war, all the companies, houses, shops, and many more are destroyed that a large number of people are pushed into poverty.

Theme – The theme of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in the year 2021 is ‘’Building forward together. Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet’’ to observed this global day worldwide.

History – In the year 1987, Firstly, International Day for the Eradication is observed in Paris, France when 100,000 people are gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadero for honoring victims of violence, poverty, fear, and hunger. This day was introduced by the founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, Joseph Wresinski. The United Nations officially declared that International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 annually in the year 1992 after four years death of Joseph Wresinski.

Significance – As per World Bank, there are about 88 to 115 million people are pushed into poverty and most of the extreme poor are found in Sub-Saharan and South Asian countries when the rate of poverty is high in the year 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the year 2021, the large number of people are pushed into poverty has increased from 143 to 163 million.