In the coming weeks, we propose to publish on the Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty website a few articles on the participation of people in extreme poverty. This participation can be the driving force for profound and lasting change, benefiting society as a whole.
In the final report of the World Summit for Social Development, organized under the auspices of the UN in Copenhagen in March 1995, it is written (see Annex II, paragraph 24):
“[…] People living in poverty and vulnerable groups must be empowered through organization and participation in all aspects of political, economic and social life, in particular in the planning and implementation of policies that affect them, thus enabling them to become genuine partners in development.”
By inviting some of its correspondents to contribute to the selection of the theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the Forum’s coordinating team is convinced that it is contributing to this effort to promote participation of people in the communities where Forum members act, in partnership with the poorest individuals. However, in 2024, the participation of people in extreme poverty in this consultation process accounted for less than 15% of the responses received.
This is one of the reasons why the ambition remains intact within the Forum for the Eradication of Poverty: to “Leave No One Behind” in its fight against poverty and to constantly seek those who are still missing.
Indeed, we are convinced that a truly democratic society cannot do without those who have lived through extreme poverty. It is through the respect and dignity regained by these individuals that our societies can truly become more just, more compassionate, and more responsible. By respecting their fundamental rights, we will respect the rights of everyone.
Moreover, as Joseph Wresinski, founder of the ATD Fourth World International Movement, stated in a document published in 1983:
“[…] without the participation of the most underprivileged, we know from experience that reforms intended to fight against social inequality will be ineffective, or confiscated by other social classes.”
Therefore, in the coming weeks, we propose to publish on the Forum for the Eradication of Poverty website several articles on the participation of people in extreme poverty. We will provide two examples, either from the Forum members or from those participating in the Forum’s activities (such as the consultation), highlighting the importance of the real participation, in proper conditions, of people with lived experience of extreme poverty. These articles and other sources of information will be available in the “engagement tools” section of our website before the consultation begins in February.
Courage! The dignity of the poorest pushes us forward.