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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: A Global Call for Change



October 17th marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In a world consumed by wealth and technological advancements, it is disheartening to acknowledge that poverty still affects a significant portion of the global population. Today serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by millions of people worldwide. 

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1992, but its origins can be traced back to a call to action in 1987 over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.


Poverty in the 21st CenturyPoverty is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond just the lack of material resources. There are six types of poverty:

Absolute or extreme poverty refers to the most severe form of poverty, where individuals and families struggle to meet even the most basic human needs, such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Estimates for 2022 indicate that around 682 million people (8.5% of the world population) are living in absolute/extreme poverty.

Relative poverty refers to a comparison of one's standard of living to the societal average, which can result in feelings of exclusion and social disadvantage.

Situational poverty is often temporary and caused by specific life events like job loss, illness, or natural disasters. 

Generational poverty is a cycle that persists through multiple generations within a family, making it challenging for individuals to break free from the systemic barriers they face. 

Rural poverty predominantly affects those living in rural areas, where limited access to education and job opportunities can perpetuate economic disparities. 

Urban poverty affects those in densely populated urban areas, where high living costs and inadequate housing options can lead to concentrated pockets of deprivation.


Global Efforts to Eradicate Poverty The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for international efforts to combat poverty. Goal 1 specifically aims to "end poverty in all its forms everywhere" by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector, along with the active participation of individuals around the world.

Several key strategies are vital in the fight against poverty. Firstly, guaranteeing universal access to quality education is pivotal in breaking the poverty cycle, and equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure better employment prospects and enhance their lives. Secondly, the establishment of social safety nets, encompassing programs like unemployment benefits and food assistance, provides a critical buffer for vulnerable populations during economic hardships. 

Thirdly, addressing gender disparities in education, employment, and resource access is paramount in poverty reduction, as empowering women and girls is both a moral imperative and a strategic step toward eradicating poverty. Additionally, advocating for sustainable development practices ensures that economic growth benefits everyone by safeguarding the environment for future generations. Lastly, supporting grassroots initiatives and community-based development projects can profoundly impact poverty reduction, as local communities often possess unique insights into their own needs and challenges.


Real Life Efforts - Savannah Energy Savannah Energy is the leading African‑focused British independent energy company. Currently operating in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. Underpinning their work are five core values: sustainability, entrepreneurialism, excellence, integrity and teamwork. These represent the essence of Savannah and fundamentally improve their culture.

Savannah Energy recently made a significant announcement in May regarding its subsidiary, Savannah Energy Niger Solar Limited. They have made an agreement with the Niger government to develop two solar photovoltaic power plants in the region. When installed the capacity will range between 50 and 100 MW, these two solar power plants hold the potential to collectively generate up to an impressive 200 MW of clean energy. These solar projects have been strategically designed to meet Niger's energy needs, aiming to enhance the country's grid-connected power capacity by over 20%. In addition to bolstering energy resources, they are also expected to play a critical role in environmental conservation by preventing approximately 260,000 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions.

The Republic of Niger currently grapples with substantial social, economic, and demographic challenges. To combat these issues, the Government of Niger has laid out two key strategic objectives. The first of these is the "Social and Economic Development Strategy," which seeks to combat poverty and inequality through various channels, including social development, demographic transition, and accelerated economic growth at all levels. 

Savannah Energy's ambitious projects in Niger align perfectly with this strategy, as they promise to significantly boost the on-grid power supply and extend access to energy to a larger segment of the population, thereby contributing to the country's development goals.


Conclusion The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty serves as a reminder of the global commitment to combating one of humanity's most pressing challenges. Poverty is not an insurmountable problem, but it requires concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels to address its root causes and consequences.


  1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

  2. https://unesco.org.uk/events/international-days/international-day-for-the-eradication-of-poverty/#:~:text=The%20observance%20of%20the%20International,that%20these%20rights%20are%20respected.

  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights#:~:text=The%20Universal%20Declaration%20was%20adopted,failed%20to%20vote%20or%20abstain.

  4. https://www.continued.com/early-childhood-education/ask-the-experts/what-different-types-poverty-23759

  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights#:~:text=The%20Universal%20Declaration%20was%20adopted,failed%20to%20vote%20or%20abstain.

  6. https://devinit.org/resources/poverty-trends-global-regional-and-national/#:~:text=Global%20poverty%20trends,-The%20global%20share&text=Estimates%20for%202022%20indicate%20that,population)%20living%20in%20extreme%20poverty.

  7. https://www.savannah-energy.com/sustainability-3/promoting-socio-economic-prosperity/

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