Understanding to act :
Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988)
In 1956, he was assigned chaplain to 250 families in a emergency housing camp “The families in that camp have inspired everything I have undertaken for their liberation. They took hold of me, they lived within me, they carried me forward, they pushed me to found the Movement with them.”
“I Bear Witness to You”
Joseph Wresinski’s Address Text available in german, portuguese. Joseph Wresinski’s Address October 17, 1987 Human rights Plaza, Paris. You, the millions and millionsof children, women
Commemorative Stone in honour of victims of extreme poverty
“WHEREVER MEN AND WOMEN ARE CONDEMNED TO LIVE IN EXTREME POVERTY,
HUMAN RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED.
TO COME TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT THESE RIGHTS BE RESPECTED IS OUR SOLEMN DUTY.”
F. Joseph Wresinski
International Charter for 17 October
Extracts of the Charter available in German With the growing recognition given to the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, there is a need
History of October 17
From 1987, the date of the first gathering, to the present day… On October 17, 1987, in reply to Father Joseph Wresinski‘s appeal, 100,000 defenders
Education Kit:
Engagement Tools:
Press Release: Villarceaux Declaration
AS BILLIONAIRES’ WEALTH SOARS, INEQUALITY REACHES ALARMING LEVELS – LARGE PARTS OF HUMANITY SUFFER HUNGER AND MISERY — THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR OCTOBER 17 SOUND
Concept Note for October 17, 2026
The Concept Note from the International Committee for October 17 is ready!
It is the result of a consultation conducted in February with the network of individuals, groups, associations, and organizations that make up the Forum Against Poverty.
International Poster for October 17, 2026
A consultation was launched in February, inviting people who face poverty and exclusion every day, as well as those standing in solidarity with them. As a result of this consultation, a main theme and sub-theme have been chosen for 2026.
Summary of the 2026 Consultation
Every year, October 17 marks an international mobilisation to give a voice to those who struggle every day against poverty. The theme chosen for this day does not result from a decision made by a small group: it emerges from the words of hundreds of people, including people experiencing poverty, from all around the world.
17 October: Message from the President of the International Committee
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.
2025 Consultation Summary
Every year, on 17 October, there is an international mobilisation to amplify the voices of those who fight daily against poverty. The theme chosen for this day does not come from a small committee, but from hundreds of individuals around the world, including people living in poverty.
Media (photos/videos):
Dignity Voices
30 Podcasts to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty An amazing path that we can retrace
A Cry for Peace
Bernard Monnet, Fourth World activist and member of the International 17 October Committee speaks at the public day during the 2022 meeting of the International
Presentation of the International Committee October 17
Aye Aye Win, President of the International 17 October Committee, explains in this video what the Committee is all about and what its main mission is.