Message of Solidarity 2025
October 17 is a day of togetherness and hope. On this day, our global family of “we the peoples”, children and adults, the young and the elderly in all our beautiful diversity from every corner of our planet — from tiny villages to big cities, will gather together. On this day we remember and honour the millions of lives that have been lost because of extreme poverty and to pay tribute to the living — for the courage, determination and succeeding to stay alive despite everything working against people in poverty. On this day of October 17– we stand together to break the silence of poverty. We speak out loudly and clearly that extreme poverty is not a personal failure but a systemic one — failure of policies and practices that allow widespread destitution to exist alongside extreme wealth.
Our theme for 2025 is ensuring respect and effective support to families. We must
- End social and institutional maltreatment of people living in poverty and properly address structural discrimination and inequalities.
- Shape institutions that put people first — move away from a culture of distrust, intrusive surveillance and control towards one of trust, respect, and collaboration.
- Acknowledge the efforts that parents already make for their children and work together to support families with transformative policies and practices that will help people break free from persistent poverty.
Starting with the birth of a child, let us ensure that every birth is registered, that everyone is seen and legally recognised. Let us work together so that we put the furthest behind first and that every human being is cared for in the best possible way throughout the life journey from the cradle to the grave – given the chance to do our best for ourselves, our families, our communities and our planet. Whatever the challenges before us TOGETHER we can and we will overcome!