Consultation process on the choice of the theme for the “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
A broad consultation process is undertaken to select the theme for 17 October. It allows the collection of different points of view which are used to develop the concept note that accompanies the chosen theme.
Here is an explanation of the steps of this consultation and the various actors involved in this process.
Step 1: Reflection/Brainstorming – A reflection/brainstorming on the potential theme takes place by the “Thematic Working Group” composed of the ATD Fourth World UN Advocacy Team, the ATD Fourth World International Advocacy Team and the International Committee for October 17. In doing so, the group considered broad suggestions received for a possible theme from the consultation process with the Forum members and some suggestions made by UN partners, themes already covered in previous years and the key themes of key UN events in the year.
Stage 2: International Committee for October 17 with the help of the Forum team prepares a draft questionnaire for consultation. This draft questionnaire is discussed with the theme working group and the International Leadrship Team. The draft questionnaire and the two themes to be put for consultation are finalised.
Stage 3: Consultation process through the Forum – Members of the Forum on Overcoming Poverty are invited to respond to the questionnaire. .
Stage 4: Collation and synthesis – The responses are collected by the Forum team and then synthesised together with the International Committee for October 17.
Stage 5: Theme Discussion – A discussion takes place between the working group, International Leadership Team, Forum and International Committee for October 17 to discuss the responses received from the consultation and decide on the theme.
Stage 6: Final theme title – The theme is presented to the UN Partners. There is usually a final tweaking of the theme title and the theme is adopted at this stage.
Stage 7: Preparation of the Concept note and sharing with the Forum Members.
History of consultations over the last 4 years
2018
This theme was proposed on the basis of discussions with members of the International Committee for October 17, the International Movement ATD Fourth World and a worldwide consultation of members of the Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty. Written comments (25) on this theme were submitted by individuals and groups from 18 countries on 5 continents.
“Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity”
2019
This year, the proposals took into account the 30th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. 74 friends of the Forum, individuals and associations, from 34 countries, shared their thoughts. After presentation and discussion with the UN, the theme finally chosen for 17 October 2019 is :
“Acting together to empower children, their families and communities to end poverty”
2020
Proposals for themes were sent to various people and associations in order to gather their opinions. We received 76 responses from 36 countries. These contributions enriched the proposals and, after presentation and discussion with the UN, the theme finally chosen for 17 October is :
“Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”
you can access the 2020 synthesis here
2021
Following the Consultation on the choice of the Theme for the year 2021, the Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty received 84 responses, either from individuals or from groups/associations, which corresponds to 125 contributions. These responses come from 40 countries. All these points of view enriched the discussions leading to an argument for a proposed theme to be submitted to the UN:
“Building Forward Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting All People and our Planet”