From 7 to 10 June 2016, the committee will hold its sixth session at the international centre of ATD Fourth World, Pierrelaye (France), with a special event at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF ) in Paris on Friday, 10 June.

The theme of the event at the OIF is “Leave No One Behind,” connected to a worldwide campaign planned for 2017 to mark the centenary of the birth of ATD Fourth World founder Joseph Wresinski and the thirtieth anniversary of the World Day for Overcoming Poverty.

The OIF meeting will be held in the presence of Ms. Michaëlle Jean, Secretary-General of the Francophonie, Mr. Donald Lee, President of the International Committee for October 17th, and Mr Cassam Uteem, President of ATD Fourth World. Exchanges with guests (ambassadors, ministers, and non-profits that defend human rights and promote culture) will focus on how the World Day for Overcoming Poverty is a tool in a path toward peace and for achieving the objectives of sustainable development.

The International Committee for 17 October was created in 2008 by ATD Fourth World and Mr. Cassam Uteem, former President of the Republic of Mauritius. This committee works at local, national and international levels to make known the meaning of the World Day for Overcoming Poverty. Its members come from a mix of different geographical, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds. They include officials from national and international public institutions and non-profits, as well as private citizens to whom the world day is meaningful.

First observed in 1987, the World Day for Overcoming Poverty takes place on 17 October. In 1992, it was recognized by the United Nations. The World Day for Overcoming Poverty is a crucial opportunity for society to hear the voices of people on the front lines resisting poverty in their daily lives, and also the voices of others who are engaged in supporting people in poverty. Every 17 October is an occasion for all people to draw courage and inspiration from one another in working toward a world freed from poverty.

The committee meeting will be preceded on 7 and 8 June by the annual General Assembly and Board Meeting of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.

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