By Donald Lee, President ATD Fourth World International

This article is based on remarks at the replica of the commemorative stone at the United Nations Headquarters New York on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

October 17 is a special day for everyone, everywhere.

When we come together each year on October 17 in commemorations around the world we honor and respect the spirit of the day.

October 17 is the day when we gather for peace and human dignity in the spirit of the declaration engraved on the original commemorative stone on the Trocadero Plaza in Paris.

It is also a day for action when we — people from all walks of life alongside people with lived experience of poverty — gather to renew our commitment to the Call to Action issued by Joseph Wresinski on October 17, 1987.

October 17 is the day when we recognize that people living in poverty are active defenders of human rights. We recognize their daily commitments, undertaken with others, to defend and respect the dignity of every person.

The day includes speeches, testimonies, and other contributions from people living in extreme poverty, as integral parts of any gathering or initiative. These contributions provide a better understanding of poverty, and the actions needed to end poverty in all its forms.

Therefore, people with lived experience of poverty are at the heart of every commemoration on October 17.

The day is not used as an opportunity to promote elected officials, political parties, organizations, personalities, or policies.

October 17 is the day that promotes and demonstrates mutual understanding, solidarity, and the shared responsibility of all individuals and groups from different backgrounds, working in close collaboration with people living in poverty.

Our gatherings on the day provide opportunities for people from vulnerable communities and other citizens to connect and engage in meetings and dialogues that might not occur in daily life. These interactions are united by a shared commitment to eradicating extreme poverty.

It is a time of dialogue and reflection for all who come together, as well as a learning experience for those unfamiliar with the situation of people living in poverty.

The day demonstrates that change is possible through new and enduring meeting opportunities it creates between people living in poverty and their supporters. These connections encourage and generate new responsibilities and commitments toward eradicating poverty.

October 17 is the day when we come together to ensure that governments honor the commitments they have made to end poverty. World leaders recognize that we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 unless we take drastic steps.

In the spirit of October 17, we must get people everywhere engaged and committed to the eradication of poverty so that we can realize the goal of poverty eradication.

We must make every effort to broaden and deepen the existing coalitions between people from all walks of life.

Let us reach out to an ever-widening circle of friends and allies in our communities and workplaces, as well as in universities and public and private institutions to spread awareness of the urgent need to end poverty in all its forms. We must ensure our voices are heard by our governments and all stakeholders.

Let us come together in solidarity to build a world without poverty.

Thank you.