International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024; October 17th.

FORUM: ''Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.'' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024. This day provides a platform for people experiencing poverty to voice their concerns and recognizes their crucial role in combating poverty. Importantly, the chosen theme will underscore the necessity for collaborative efforts to eradicate poverty and discrimination, ultimately paving the way for a sustainable future where the needs of all are met without compromising the well-being of future generations. In our efforts to move forward, let us use dignity as our compass, so the attainment of fundamental human rights and social justice is at the heart of national and global decision making. Using dignity as our compass will also help shape a global economy that prioritises the wellbeing of the people and planet over maximisation of corporate profits and ensure social justice, peace and prosperity. In moving forward, strong partnerships are needed. In this regard, Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection, and Global Coalition for Social Justice to reduce and prevent inequalities should be supported. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Dignity4All, #PovertyDay, #17october, #EndingPoverty, #GlobalGoals, #SDG1.

EVENTS: This year marks the 37th anniversary of the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty and the 32nd edition of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. During the day; We will honor the millions of people suffering from poverty and their daily courage and recognize the essential global solidarity and shared responsibility we hold to eradicate poverty and combat all forms of discrimination. More information about initiatives, events and activities to mark October 17 around the world can be found at UNDESA and overcoming poverty website.

New York Commemoration: On October 17th from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm, to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024 under the theme “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment.” The event will put a spotlight on a widespread but often ignored aspect of poverty: social and institutional mistreatment. This hidden violence, which includes stigma, discrimination, and the denial of basic rights, causes deep harm to individuals and communities already struggling with poverty. .People gather around the world to listen to those in poverty, and to reaffirm the collective commitment to end poverty. This event emphasized the need for collective action to ensure these rights are respected. Since then, people of diverse backgrounds have united annually to express solidarity with those living in poverty. Replicas of a commemorative stone, unveiled during the initial gathering, serve as focal points for these global observances, including one at the United Nations Headquarters. Download Flyer, Get the Agenda Programme!

On october 17th 2024; A Global Policy Dialogue entitled ‘‘New Pathways to End Poverty Amid Converging Crises’’ starting at 10:00 AM - The UN DESA will host a Global Policy Dialogue on 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The dialogue will be divided into two panels that will draw on the key findings and recommendations of the World Social Report 2024 and to ensure transformations at the necessary scale and speed, particularly in relation to achieving SDG 1, No Poverty. This dialogue is made possible by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund and is free to join. It will be in English with captioning available in 20+ languages in Zoom. Register to participate!

Press conference for the Launch of the World Social Report 2024 starting at 12:30 pm EST UN Press Briefing Room, S-237 - Multiple converging crises are undermining social progress around the world, hitting the most vulnerable people and societies the hardest. This must be a critical wake-up call for global action. The World Social Report 2024 makes the case for comprehensive changes that both national and international actors can make to effectively eradicate poverty, foster inclusive and job-rich growth, while promoting equality of opportunity and universal access to quality services. The new World Social Report 2024 from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) illustrates how shocks hit the most vulnerable people and societies the hardest, with both short- and long-term impacts on social development. Developing countries, particularly those in special situations such as least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States (SIDS) are among the worst affected. Advancing social development during recurrent and converging crises requires investment in building resilience and coping capacities at the national level, and supportive collective actions at the global level. National development strategies that seek to eradicate poverty; ensure inclusive, job-rich growth; and promote equality of opportunity and universal access to quality services, among others, must now be reviewed to ensure they can succeed in accelerating social development in the new crisis context. At the same time, the cascading effects of crises across systems highlight the need for strengthened global action to reduce systemic risks and enhance resilience. To further support the UN in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid these interconnected crises; Get the flyer and watch the livestream!

PUBLICATION: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative are glad to present the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2024 report entitled’’Poverty amid conflict.’’ The MPI uses the most recent comparable data available for 112 countries—21 low-income countries, 87 middle-income countries and 4 high-income countries. These countries are home to 6.3 billion people, about 92 percent of the population in developing regions, and of these 1.1 billion people are poor. Global MPI values, incidence and intensity of poverty, and component indicators are disaggregated for 1,359 subnational regions as well as by age group, rural-urban area and gender of the household head. In Table 6, we publish harmonised estimates for 86 countries, which provide results for trends over time. Forty have harmonized data for two points in time, 36 countries have trends data for three points in time, six have data for four points in time, three (Ghana, Mexico and Peru) have data for five points in time and Nepal has trends data for six points in time. Read the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2024.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024; October 17th.


Poverty is a global plague, affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world. But poverty is not inevitable. It is the direct result of the choices that societies and governments make — or fail to make. This year’s theme reminds us that people mired in poverty contend with societal discrimination and systemic barriers that make it more difficult to access vital services and support. Ending global poverty — and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — requires governments shaping institutions and systems that put people first. It demands that we prioritize investments in decent work, learning opportunities and social protection that offer ladders out of poverty. And it calls on us to fully implement the new Pact for the Future by supporting an SDG Stimulus and reforming the global financial architecture to help developing countries invest in their people. Eradicating poverty is an essential foundation for humane, dignified societies that leave no one behind. On this important day, let’s re-commit to making poverty history.

United Nations Secretary-General.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 

Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment 

Thursday, October 17th, 2024 ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ,  1:15-2:30 pm Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty UN Garden, North lawn 3-3:30 pm 

Part one ECOSOC Chamber 

1:15: Introduction of Co-Mc’s by Maryann Broxton, Main Representative of the United Nation, International Movement ATD Fourth World.

 1:19: Introduction and welcome by Co-Master of Ceremony, Ms Stacy White, ATD Fourth Word Activists, and Ms Clara Ceravolo, UNICEF 

1:24: Ms. Wenyan Yang, Chief, Global Dialogue for Social Development Branch, UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) reading of Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ statement on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

. 1:26: Mr. Charles Katoanga, Director, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), UN DESA offers remarks on the theme of the day. 

Keynote speakers 

1:30-1:41 Ms. Asha Mohamed, ATD Fourth World Activist, Tanzania offers a statement. Mr. Alain Meylan, ATD Fourth World Activist, Switzerland offers a statement. Mr Tyler Byrd, Housing Advocate and Activist, New York, offers a statement. 

1:43-1:48 Musical performance ALBA Musik performs “Rise up” by Audra Day 

1:50 - 2:18 Guest speakers Ms Nancy Santos, Assistant Director, Project Access, Roxbury Community College, Boston, offers a statement. Ms. Rashmi Banga, Chief, Development Research Branch in Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN DESA Mr. Olivier Richard, Head of the Climate and Development Team, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations offers reflection on keynote speakers statements and theme of the day. 

2:25-2:30 MC’s thanks speakers, direct attendees to the Poverty Stone, UN Garden, North Lawn for the second part of the commemoration, and invites attendees to reception at ATD Fourth World House at 4:30pm. 

Part two 

Poverty Stone, UN Garden, North Lawn 

3pm: ALBA Musik performs original song, “Paradoja" (Paradox) 

3:06pm: Mr Donld Lee, President, ATD Fourth World offers a statement on the spirit of the day. 3:11pm: School children reading the Poverty Stone inscription in the six UN languages 

3:20p: Moment of silence. 

3:21: Laura Inesta, Bella Meese, and Asher Holland perform “Hallelujah” by Rufus Wainwright. 3:26pm: Gesture 

3:29pm: Co-MC’s thanks speakers and attendees, invites people to attend the reception at the ATD Fourth World House, Group photo by stone. 

4:30-7:30: Reception at ATD Fourth Word House, 172 First Ave (between 10th and 11th St), New York.

CELEBRATING PROGRESS, DRIVING PRIVATE SECTOR SOLUTION

Press Conference: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) on the launch of the World Social Report 2024 - Social Development in Times of Converging Crises: A Call for Global Action.

    

 Speakers: Shantanu Mukherjee, Director, Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN DESA, and Wenyan Yang, Chief, Global Dialogue for Social Development Branch (GDSDB), Division for Inclusive Social Development, UN DESA. 

 New Pathways to End Poverty Amid Converging Crises: A UN DESA Global Policy Dialogue.

   

 The new "World Social Report 2024" from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) illustrates how shocks hit the most vulnerable people and societies the hardest, with both short- and long-term impacts on social development. This session, held on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, will feature conversations with experts and people with lived experience of poverty to showcase ways to ensure transformations at the necessary scale and speed to improve lives. Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment | Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies - UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024.

   

 People living in poverty face negative attitudes. They are stigmatised, discriminated against, judged for example by their appearance, accent, address (or lack of it), blamed for their situation, and treated with disrespect. The maltreatment is more pronounced for people who face other forms of prejudice as well, including gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. SDG 16 aims to achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. People everywhere should be free of fear from all forms of violence including the sustained violence of poverty. Freedom from the violence of poverty will be achieved only if discussions and actions around poverty eradication are no longer carried out without the people the most directly impacted. 

 Taking firm steps towards just, peaceful, and inclusive societies include: 

 1/ putting in place conditions for people with lived experience of poverty to share their knowledge and for that knowledge to be recognised and valued;

 2/ supporting actions to enable the people living in poverty to regain confidence and agency to act and 3/ recognising the contributions that people experiencing poverty bring to society and their invaluable experiential knowledge of policy and practices related to poverty. To correct the collective failure of poverty, we call on everyone to take these firm steps and act together to promote effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions that will appropriately, effectively, and respectfully respond to the needs of the people left furthest behind

World Food Day 2024; October 16th.

FORUM: ”Right to Foods for a better life and a better future, Leave no one behind.” World Food Day 2024. The world’s farmers produce enough food to feed more than the global population yet, hunger persists. Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world due to repeated weather shocks, conflicts, economic downturns, inequality, and the pandemic. This impacts the poor and vulnerable most severely, many of whom are agricultural households, reflecting widening inequalities across and within countries. Food is the third most basic human need after air and water – everyone should have the right to adequate food. Human rights such as the right to food, life and liberty, work and education are recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and two legally binding international covenants. Over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet. Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, which now exist in most countries, cutting across socio-economic classes. Yet today, too many people suffer from hunger and are unable to afford healthy diets. More vulnerable people are often forced to rely on staple foods or less expensive foods that can be unhealthy, while others suffer from the unavailability of fresh or varied foods, lack the information they need to choose a healthy diet, or simply opt for convenience. ‘Foods’ stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility and safety. A greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available in our fields, fishing nets, markets, and on our tables, for the benefit of all. Hunger and malnutrition are further exacerbated by protracted or prolonged crises that are driven by a combination of conflict, extreme weather events and economic shocks. Agrifood systems, as a whole, are vulnerable to disasters and crises, particularly the impacts of climate change but at the same time, they are generating pollution, degrading soil, water and air, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. By transforming agrifood systems, there is great potential to mitigate climate change and support peaceful, resilient and inclusive livelihoods for all. It’s time to work together and create a better, more sustainable future for all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldFoodDay, #16october, #Leavenoonebehind, #FutureofFood.

EVENT: On October 16th; The FAO will hold a high-level event to celebrate the World Food Day 2024 under the theme ”Right to Foods for a better life and a better future, Leave no one behind.” The celebration will shine a spotlight on food as a human right. The campaign aims to raise awareness worldwide about the need for everyone to have access to a variety of nutritious, affordable, safe, and sustainable foods. Register to participate!

The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific will host an event in Bangkok, Thailand to mark World Food Day under the global theme of “Right to foods for a better life and a better future, leaving no one behind.” Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, who is FAO’s Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, will preside over the event, which will be opened by Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative. The event will take place on 7 October, a few days prior to the global observance of World Food Day on 16 October.

Right to Foods for a better life and a better future

World Food Day this year talks about “the Right to Foods” to underscore how everyone, everywhere, should have access to a variety of diverse and nutritious foods that are affordable and safe. A greater diversity of nutritious foods should be grown in our fields, made available in our markets and on our tables, for the benefit of all. The Asia-Pacific Regional World Food Day event will draw attention to the right to foods, discussing the issues of achieving food and nutrition security in the world’s most populous region, while sustainably managing natural resources and the impacts of climate change. It will also highlight the voices of youth from Asia and the Pacific, recognizing four young innovators who are mobilizing communities, and harnessing technology and digital solutions towards an agrifood systems transformation.

Keynote speaker:

Luke Tay - Singapore Futures Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

KEY FACTS

• Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world.
• Some 2.5 billion adults and 37 million children under the age of five are overweight.
• Yearly, 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die from eating contaminated food.
• Some 22.3% children under the age of five are too short for their age and 6.8% are too thin for their height.
• Some 890 million adults are living with obesity.
• Indigenous Peoples represent more than 19% of the extreme poor.
• Over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet.
• Conflict and violence are primary causes of hunger. Nearly half of all people suffering acute hunger in 2023 were caught in conflict – almost 135 million people in 20 countries.
• The world’s smallholder farmers produce around a third of the world’s food.
• Worldwide, women are 1.3% more likely to be moderately or severely food insecure than men.
• Climate change disproportionately affects the rural poor and their agricultural yields and productivity.
• Globally, 13% of food is lost during harvest and transport, and 19% is wasted at the retail and consumer stage
• More than 1.6 billion women and children across all world regions are deficient in one or more vitamins or minerals.

ACTIONS

Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, civil society organizations, the media, and the public, including many young people. They promote worldwide awareness of hunger and spark action for the future of food, people and the planet.


What can you do?

Only when everyone enjoys the human right to adequate food will we be able to achieve other human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a blueprint for a more equal and just future for all people everywhere. And we all have a role to play. As consumers, we can exercise rights and call on governments to tackle inequality and poverty, make healthy food choices to increase their availability, reduce food waste and protect the environment. Read more

What does FAO do?

FAO provides countries with technical assistance on policy and legislation, strengthens governance and monitoring mechanisms, develops capacities and promotes multi-stakeholder policy dialogue to transform agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all. They also provide humanitarian and resilience building assistance to the most vulnerable, crisis-hit people and their communities, providing time-critical agricultural support to almost 57 million people in 2023. A food secure and nutritious world for all requires massive investment, innovation, science, technology and wide collaboration between a range of actors including governments, the private sector, academic and research institutions and civil society.

Make World Food Day YOUR day!

Farmers

• Practice sustainable agriculture that enhances biodiversity and manages natural resources responsibly.
• Produce more diverse foods.
• Advocate for policies that empower small-scale producers, family farmers and women.
• Reduce food loss.
• Follow regulations and good practices to make sure foods produced are safe

Private Sector

• Make more nutritious and diverse foods available at affordable prices.
• Support small-scale food producers and family farmers.
• Promote corporate social responsibility through ethical, sustainable production and inclusive business models.
• Apply all standards and good practices to make sure foods produced are safe.
• Market foods responsibly and avoid promoting unhealthy foods to children.

Academia & Civil Society Organizations

• Hold governments accountable by collecting data, identifying areas for improvement, and measuring progress towards targets and goals.
• Collaborate with policymakers to base policies and strategies on data and evidence.
• Promote healthy diets and sustainable agrifood systems.
• Transfer the latest knowledge and technology to farmers and decision-makers through partnerships and trainings.

All Of Us

• Raise your voice to influence decision-making.
• Choose local and seasonal foods to support biodiversity.
• Embrace healthy diets and lifestyles.
• Understand food labels to make healthy food choices.
• Learn ways to identify food safety issues and to keep food safe.

 Join an event or an activity nearby you and and show how you are taking action.

‎Food Heroes · ‎About · ‎Communication Toolkit · ‎Poster contest

LIVETREAM: The Heads of the Rome-based UN agencies and other special guests will speak at the ceremony on the theme Right to 'foods' for a better life and a better future, which will feature special messages from Pope Francis and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as the presentation of FAO awards. Watch the livestream!

International Day of Rural Women 2024; October 15th.

FORUM: “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.” International Day of Rural Women 2024. Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and climate change. Women are responsible for half of the world’s food production while working as environmental and biodiversity stewards. As farmers, women have learned how to cope with and adapt to climate change, for example, by practicing sustainable agriculture in harmony with nature, switching to drought-resistant seeds, employing low-impact or organic soil management techniques, or leading community-based reforestation and restoration efforts. Indigenous women have been at the forefront of environmental conservation by bringing invaluable ancestral knowledge and practices, and rural women have been leading global and national climate movements that have spotlighted the need for action for the sake of this and future generations. Given their position on the frontlines of the climate crisis, women are uniquely situated to be agents of change — to help find ways to mitigate the causes of global warming and adapt to its impacts on the ground. However, reports prove that climate change has a more pronounced impact on women, primarily indigenous and peasant women, whose agricultural dependence, living conditions, and marginalization expose them to a greater degree of changes due to climate, loss of diversity, and pollution. Let’s promote their work as food providers and protectors of the environment. Let’s demand their participation in decision-making within their communities. Let’s promote rural areas where women can have the same opportunities as men. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Womenwithrights, #ruralwomenday, #MujeresRurales, #MujeresConDerechos, #15October, #RuralWomen, #InternationalDayOfRuralWomen.

EVENTS: Global Commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women 2024, on October 15th.

From 1-17 October 2024” will be held the “17 Days of Activism for the Empowerment of Rural Women Leaders and their Communities.” The “Rural women, women with rights” campaign, convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is a collaborative work initiative that joins efforts, articulates networks, and disseminates knowledge and positive experiences to promote the full autonomy of women in the rural world. Since 2016, this campaign has articulated government entities, civil society organizations and United Nations agencies around regional and national political advocacy actions, in favor of the empowerment of rural women. The Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF) wish to inform you that the secretariat has decided this year to skip our annual “Call to action – 17 Days of Activism 2024”, and share with you the publication: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Towards a Rescue Plan for People and Planet. If you desire to join us subscribe to the Registration Form for the 17 Days Campaign.

FAO Asia-Pacific: On October 17th, from 11.00 am - 12.30 pm ICT (GMT+7) you are invited to join the event "entitled “Breaking the barriers: Gender equality, water and financial inclusion in agrifood systems in Asia and the Pacific.” to discuss gender equality, water and financial inclusion in agrifood systems in Asia-Pacific. Register to participate!

FAO Latin-America: On October 1st, starting at 11:30 am, the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean will be held a virtual-event from the FAO Santiago de Chile to commemorate the International Day of Rural Women 2024. The objectives are to share the reflections and community proposals of rural women and their organizations in order to close the gender gaps associated with poverty and food insecurity through the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity in the agrifood systems of Latin America and the Caribbean. The dialogue will feature organizations, networks, and regional coalitions of rural women and leaders, especially those formed by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and/or young women. In addition, governments from the region, academia, civil society organizations, UN system agencies, and actors involved in the development of COP16 on biodiversity, among other key players, will be invited to contribute to closing the equality gaps between rural women and men. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women and their organizations represent one of the key actors in transforming traditional agrifood systems into sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models by 2030. However, rural women continue to face multiple gender inequalities that affect their access to productive resources, such as land, tools, or technological innovation, among others. This makes it difficult for them to be recognized as producers and beneficiaries of various forms of support and incentives, including training, financing, and state assistance, which prevents the full consolidation of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems. Additionally, rural women face a significant burden of unpaid care work, both in the family and community spheres, closely related to the caregiving roles that our societies define as feminine. As a result, rural women face greater job insecurity, are often situated in the least profitable segments of value chains and have limited access to contributory and non-contributory social protection, greatly increasing the feminization of poverty, the incidence of food and nutritional insecurity among them, and reducing their resilience to crises, events, and shocks associated with climate change. Globally, female-headed households experience an average annual income loss of 8% due to heat stress and 3% due to flooding, compared to male-headed households. Additionally, a 1°C increase in long-term average temperature is associated with a 23.6% reduction in farm income and a 34% reduction in total household income for female-headed households, compared to male-headed households. Despite the notable increase in many biodiversity-friendly practices, such as agroecology, organic farming, sustainable forest management, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and the ecosystem approach to fishing and aquaculture, biodiversity is decreasing at the genetic species and ecosystem levels. For example, plant diversity in farmers' fields is decreasing in some countries, and more than one-third of fish stocks are overexploited. Women and other vulnerable social groups tend to rely more on biodiversity for their livelihoods, as crops and livestock breeds constitute their only source of food and income. Therefore, they are disproportionately affected by biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, climate change, and natural disasters. With the primary objective of supporting the initiatives of rural women and their organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the Rural Women Empowerment and Environmental Sustainability Acceleration Programme, a regional initiative that will transformatively support the economic, social, and political empowerment of rural women while contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. In light of this adverse scenario, and with an focus toward the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), FAO, UN Women, and UNFPA are inviting rural women's organizations to participate in a dialogue focused on identifying the main challenges, strengths, and solutions to close gender gaps related to poverty, food insecurity, and biodiversity conservation in the agrifood systems of Latin America and the Caribbean. Get the invitation and Watch the virtual event!

STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Rural Women 2024; October 15th.

UN Women statement for the International Day of Rural Women 2024; October 15th.

The International Day of Rural Women recognizes the critical roles and contributions of rural women, including Indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and nutrition, and eradicating rural poverty. These are vital for protecting and securing our common future. The 2024 International Day of Rural Women invites all stakeholders to celebrate rural women’s essential role in building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for the land.

There is much to protect against and to restore. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation have had significant impacts on the rights, resilience, and resources of rural women and girls. UN Women’s latest research estimates that globally, under a worst-case scenario, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty and 236 million more women and girls into food insecurity by 2050. Ecosystems, natural resources, and livelihoods are being depleted, and rural women’s ability to safely secure resources, such as healthy food, clean energy, and water, has diminished. Clean cooking fuels and technologies remained out of reach for nearly half of the world’s rural population (45.6 per cent) in 2022 and 1.8 billion people worldwide still rely on supplies off-premises for their drinking water. It is primarily women and girls who remain responsible for collecting biomass like wood for heating and cooking, and for collecting water in seven out of ten households.

It is time to promote rural women’s livelihoods, leadership, rights, and resilience as set out in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ahead of its 30th anniversary next year. In doing this, we need to scale up investments, especially in rural areas, including in access to electricity and piped water systems. These are critical to alleviate women’s and girls’ unpaid care and domestic workloads and to support their daily work of building communities and restoring ecosystems.

It is equally urgent that we eliminate the discriminatory laws and practices that impede rural women’s rights to land and natural resources as has been called for in the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women. Despite the fact that rural women nurture life on the planet, their control over the land they cultivate is restricted or denied, while they earn just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in agricultural production. These inequalities are compounded by women’s limited access to infrastructure, services, and social protection, which restricts their ability to bounce back from environmental shocks.

Let us replicate high-level commitments such as the Inter-American Decade for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents and Girls in Rural Settings of the Americas and the African rural women’s mobilization of the Kilimanjaro Initiative across all regions of the world to ensure that no rural woman is left behind.

And as we speed towards the three Rio Convention Conferences of the Parties this year, let us unite in promoting rural women’s rights, amplifying rural women’s voices, and taking concrete action to support their indispensable role in forging a more equitable, just, and sustainable world for all people and the planet.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024; October 13th.

FORUM: “Empowering the next generation for a resilient future.” International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Increasing disasters, many of them driven and exacerbated by climate change, threaten the well-being of children and youth. According to UNICEF, approximately one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts, including climate-related disasters. In 2022, the number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan and Bangladesh was the highest in over 30 years . Beyond the risk of death and injury, children in the aftermath of a disaster face cascading impacts such as disruptions in schooling, nutrition, and healthcare and protection issues. To protect children from disasters, countries must consider their vulnerabilities and needs when designing national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. It is equally important that children and youth be empowered and provided “the space and modalities to contribute to disaster risk reduction,” as called for in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. This also aligns with the calls to action of the Political Declaration of the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, which called for “the full, equal, meaningful and inclusive participation” of youth and the promotion of "a culture of disaster prevention.” Empowering children, especially through education, can enable them to protect themselves and to become agents of change in their families and communities by sharing what they learned. This is particularly relevant in the context of the global push to expand early warning systems under the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative. To achieve the goal of the Sendai Framework of reducing global disaster risks and losses, the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, which falls on 13 October, will highlight the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future. The theme is aligned with the Summit of the Future, planned for September 2024, where ‘youth and future generations’ will be one of its five priorities. The observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 calls on countries to harness the education sector to reduce the disaster risks of school-aged children, especially by investing in two key areas: 1. Protect children and youth through safe schools and education facilities: children are entitled to be safe in their schools and this starts with ensuring schools are disaster-resilient and are part of disaster early warning systems. 2. Empower children and youth to be safe through age-appropriate education to understand and act on the risks they face. This includes building their preparedness to take early action in response to early warnings. Empowered children become agents of change for more resilient communities. 3. Endorse and implement the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030 , developed by the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES), which is chaired by UNESCO and UNICEF. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #ResilienceForAll, #DRRday, #13October, #SendaiFramework, #DisasterRiskReduction, #AreYouReady24, #SafeChildrenSafeSchools.

EVENTS: On October 13th, a webinar will be held to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Partners are encouraged to publish and share success stories around the calls to action. Examples include: • Publicizing national endorsements of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework. • The retrofitting or construction of schools to be resilient to disasters. • Insertion of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in school curricula. • School-organized disaster evacuation drills. • Creation of engaging learning materials and activities, such as cartoons, comics, competitions, songs or films, aimed at educating children about disaster risks. • Teacher-led demonstrations of the UNDRR-created ‘Stop Disasters’ video game.Get the list of Upcoming events!

Activities for kids: See the latest materials including children's books, textbooks, lesson plans, activities, games, and online resources on disaster prevention and school safety. Explore materials!

Colouring Pages: These colouring pages can be printed and used in pedagogical activities with children to raise awareness on disaster preparedness. Print and color!

Interactive maps: Explore the most Significant Disasters, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Tropical Storms!

Watch the Regional Dialogue: Empowering the next generation for a resilient Future.

PUBLICATION: This guide “Engaging Children and Youth in Disaster Risk Reduction in Resilience Building.” offers specific advice on implementing a feasible, people-centered approach to supporting and engaging children in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. Read the guide!

The UNDRR has released the results of the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters, which is the first global look at how persons with disabilities perceive current national and local disaster risk reduction measures since 2013.

STATEMENTS

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024, October 13th.

Climate disasters are hurting countries and economies like never before.

Ever-rising greenhouse gas emissions are supercharging extreme weather events across the planet.

I saw first-hand the devastation unleashed by the recent floods in Pakistan.

These increasing calamities cost lives and hundreds of billions of dollars in loss and damage.

Three times more people are displaced by climate disasters than war.

Half of humanity is already in the danger zone.

The world is failing to invest in protecting the lives and livelihoods of those on the front line.

Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are paying the highest price.

Entire populations are being blindsided by cascading climate disasters without any means of prior alert.

People need adequate warning to prepare for extreme weather events.

That is why I am calling for universal early warning coverage in the next five years.

Early warning systems – and the ability to act on them – are proven life-savers.

This is shown clearly by a new report today from the World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction.

The report reveals that such services are woefully lacking for those who need them most.

At the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, I will launch an action plan to provide early warning systems for all within five years.

I urge all governments, international financial institutions and civil society to support it.

This new report is yet another reminder that real and concrete action on loss and damage must be global priority.

Delivering on loss and damage at COP27 will be an important litmus test for rebuilding trust between developed and developing countries.

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, I call on all countries to invest in early warning systems and support those who lack capacity.

Extreme weather events will happen.

But they do not need to become deadly disasters.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Statement of the Head of UNDRR on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024; October 13th.

For this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are calling on countries to do more to protect and empower children and youth through education.

First, we have to ensure that every single school that is built - in our efforts to achieve universal education - every single school that is built has to be built in a manner that it can withstand disasters that are likely to occur in the areas that they are built. And where we already have schools, we have to begin to retrofit them so that they can withstand the hazards that they are exposed to.

The second ask we have is that all children must have access to the best possible information and knowledge on different aspects of disaster risk management.

They should be aware of the hazards that they are exposed to.They should be fully equipped with knowledge to deal with those hazards to keep themselves safe in the face of those hazards and take this message home to their families as well so that they can challenge their parents.

They can challenge their elder ones.To invest in resilience, to be aware of the risks that they are exposed to and to take necessary steps.

The third ask we have is that all countries endorse the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022 to 2030, which supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.I would like all countries to sign off on that program and make sure that by 2030 we have 100% coverage in terms of school safety across the world if we do that, we will be really acting with a sense of responsibility towards ourselves, towards our society and towards our future generations.

UNDRR head Mr. Kamal Kishore.

LIVESTREAM: GAR Special Report 2024 - The Disaster Forensic Approach.

International Day of the Girl Child 2024; October 11th.

FORUM: "Girls’ vision for the future." International Day of the Girl 2024. This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future. Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures. Yet, recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs. With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. And when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching: families, communities and economies are all stronger, our future brighter. It is time to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress towards a future in which every girl can fulfil her potential. Together with state governments and civil society partners, the UNICEF envisions a world where girls have space to shape government policy and spending to inform the rules and norms by which businesses should operate, and to direct the priorities for new research and innovations. These examples should not be novelties, but the norm. Participate to the IDG global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #GirlchildDay, #11october, #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild.

EVENT: In recognition of the gaps in the full realization and protection of girls' rights, and in light of commitments made for girls in the Beijing Platform for Action's landmark Section L- The Girl-Child almost 30 years ago, this year's International Day of the Girl event will focus on the theme of Girls' Vision for the Future. 

Agenda Programme
Artistic Performance - Step Team from Boerum Hill School for International Studies
Welcome & Opening
Townhall Part I - Girl Advocates 

1. How can girls in all their diversity be encouraged and included to participate in all aspects of society, including education, economic opportunities, and civic engagement?
2. What practical measures can be implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of girls both online and offline?
3. How can mental health education and support for girls become a global priority for governments?

Townhall Part II - Open questions from the floor
Closing Remarks and Video

Contributing to the collective path forward to ensure all girls everywhere are able to thrive, the 2024 Girls' Speak Out at UNHQ will provide an opportunity for girls to hold direct dialogue with Member States and UN Agencies through a girl-led town hall discussion hosted by the Working Group on Girls and Sponsoring Partners: The Permanent Mission of Canada, The Permanent Mission of Türkiye, The Permanent Mission of Perú, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women. Watch the Livestream!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day of the Girl Child 2024; October 11th.

The potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. But as we creep closer to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the world continues to fail girls.

Girls account for more than 70 percent of new adolescent HIV infections. They are almost twice as likely as boys to miss out on education or training. And child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls globally married before the age of 18. Across the world, hard-won gains for gender equality are being erased by a war on the fundamental rights of women and girls, endangering their lives, restricting their choices, and limiting girls’ futures.

The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’.

Girls already have a vision of a world where they can thrive. They are working to turn that vision into action, and demanding their voices be heard. It is high time we listened. We must provide girls with a seat at the table, through education, and by giving them the resources they need and opportunities to participate and lead.

The courage, hope and determination of girls are a force to be reckoned with. It is time for the world to step up and help transform their vision and aspirations into reality.


António Guterres

LIVESTREAM:  Girls' Vision for the Future - International Day of the Girl 2024.

World Mental Health Day 2024; October 10th.

FORUM: “It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace.“ World Mental Health Day 2024. Voices of the workplace is an initiative that aspires to provide a platform to unite diverse communities worldwide through lived experiences, solution-focused plans, action-oriented ideas, and impactful narratives. This year, under the World Mental Health Day 2024 theme ‘Its Time to prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’, we aim to highlight the importance of mental mental health. Share your stories, solutions, and actionable ideas on how workplaces can better support mental well-being. The campaign is dedicated to advocating for mental health within the workplace. Our objective is to engage a global audience—including employees, employers, organizations, and stakeholders—in grassroots advocacy to promote mental well-being at work. We aim to highlight the essential role of mental health in professional environments, advocating for workplaces where mental health is prioritized, protected, and promoted. The WHO continues to work with its partners to ensure mental health is valued, promoted, and protected, and that urgent action is taken so that everyone can exercise their human rights and access the quality mental health care they need. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WMHD, #10October, #MentalHealth, #WorldMentalHealthDay.

EVENTS: On October 10th, a webinar will be organized to mark the World Mental Health Day 2024 to promote awareness of Mental Health in people all over the world. We invite all stakeholders to join the movement towards global mental health awareness and change. Have a glance at the different events and initiatives being conducted by stakeholders across the world that are featured under the ambit of the Global WMHD Campaign 2024. Our world is filled with different challenges and one person, one organisation cannot tackle them alone. Let’s embrace the power of collaborative action to help raise global mental health awareness. Explore the Worldwide events!

EXHIBITS: Embrace the power of expression through our Voices of the Workplace and Express through Arts initiatives, as we endeavor to illuminate a plethora of narratives and experiences. Lean more about the exhibits!



STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the WHO Director General on World Mental Health Day 2024. the statement of the Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use department Director, the message from the President of the World Federation for Mental Health on World Mental Health Day 2024; October 10th. The WFMH Secretary-General statement, the WFMH President elect, the WFMH Immediate Past President, the WFMH Regional Vice President Africa and the WFMH Director at Large.

World Post Day 2024; October 9th.

FORUM: “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.“ World Post Day 2024. Today, more than 5 million postal employees are entrusted with a variety of essential and personal items, from messages, gifts and goods, to money and medicines. This trust has been cultivated through a steadfast commitment to safety and security. Posts have tirelessly worked to improve the safety of roads, providing training programmes for delivery drivers, and implementing security measures to keep dangerous goods out of the supply chain, safeguarding workers and customers alike. Furthermore, during times of disasters or conflicts, Posts have extended a helping hand, organizing supplies and emergency services for those in need; often, they are the first to assist in these situations. Posts can leverage this existing trust-based relationship to help bridge a gap facing billions: the digital divide. By connecting their expansive physical network to the digital sphere, Posts are embarking on a massive digital transformation to offer secure online services in this Fourth Industrial Revolution. The UPU has been a dedicated partner in building a safe and connected global network that serves nearly eight billion people each day with modern and secure services, and it is a key part of this transformation. It’s time to bring awareness to the Post's role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #UPUCongress, #WorldPostDay, #PostalDevelopment #9October.

EVENTS: October 9th, The World Post Day 2024 Global Celebration will be held at UPU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. As a result, the UPU's member countries are encouraged to organize their own national activities to celebrate the event, including everything from the introduction or promotion of new postal products and services, to the organization of open days at post offices, mail centres and postal museums. Countries will participate in the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition, and the national winners will be announced. To mark the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union, the UPU will held a high-level event to focus on the theme “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations“. Get the agenda Programme!

STATEMENTS: Read statement by the Director General of the UPU International Bureau on World Post Day 2024; October 9th.

As we celebrate 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), we recognize its importance as one of the earliest examples of multilateralism. Founded with the goal of creating a unified postal system, the UPU has brought together countries to support global communication, cultural exchange, and access to essential services. What started with 22 nations now includes 192 member countries, showing the strength of international cooperation.
Over the years, the UPU has adapted to challenges like wars, crises, and rapid technological changes. It has remained a strong symbol of global unity, ensuring communication is accessible to everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Today, the UPU leads efforts to modernize and improve postal services. It provides a space for countries to share knowledge, find new solutions, and address modern challenges. The UPU's spirit of cooperation helps turn obstacles into opportunities, making sure postal services evolve with the changing world.
Where once we viewed the rise of digital communication and the decline in traditional mail volumes as a threat, we now see a wealth of possibilities. The UPU's extensive network has adapted to support a broader range of services – including e-commerce, financial, social and digital services – ensuring inclusive access for people worldwide, including in the most remote areas in order to leave no-one behind.
Instead of viewing competition as a challenge, the UPU welcomes partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. This inclusive approach strengthens our ability to address global challenges, like climate change, which requires cooperation across borders.
As we look to the future, the UPU’s mission remains clear: to connect and empower people around the world. By staying committed to multilateralism, innovation, and inclusivity, the UPU will continue to support global communication and serve future generations for the next 150 years.

Director General of the UPU International Bureau.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:Member countries can choose to produce stamps including stamp sheets, first day covers, and cancellations using the new World Post Day design. To facilitate the production, technical sheets and open files are provided in several languages. Many postal administrations are issuing special souvenirs such as Notebooks, Mugs T-shirts and badges. Explore the World Post Day 2024 poster in English – French – Arabic– Portuguese – Russian– Spanish – Chinese. Get the communication materials!