About this Event
REGISTRATION HAS NOW ENDED for those who do not possess a UN groundspass (general public).
If you already have a UN groundspass (UN Permanent Missions, UN agencies, CSO representatives), you are welcome to join the Commemoration.
If you have any urgent request, please write to [email protected]
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The International Movement ATD Fourth World, UN DESA, the International Committee for October 17, and the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations warmly invite you to stand with us as we commemorate the 34th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 16th, 2026.
The Commemoration will be held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, and will be followed by observance at the Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty at United Nations Gardens North lawn.
This year, under our umbrella theme "United for Peace and Human Rights," we come together around a vital focus: "Safe Homes for All."
Extreme poverty, displacement, and housing commercialization continue to deny more than 2.8 billion people a secure place to live. But a home is never just four walls; it is a space of warmth, safety, peace, and human dignity where families can build their lives without fear. Together with Activists, community members, and global leaders, we will affirm that housing is a fundamental human right and demand policies built with families, not for them.
PROGRAM
CONFERENCE ROOM 4 1:15-2:30pm
- Welcome and introduction by Masters of Ceremony: Bani Dugal & Thunny Brown.
- Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, UNDESA.
- Short video message from around the world
- Saskia Jacobs, ATD Fourth World Activist, Belgium.
- Patrick Lubin, ATD Fourth World Activist, New York.
- Musical performance, “Somewhere” from West Side Story by Laura Iniesta Mingot and McQuay Morton on piano.
- Jean Kabonyi, ATD Fourth World Activist, Democratic Republic of Congo (video message).
- Julissy Acosta, ATD Fourth World Activist, New York.
- Claudia Fuentes Julio, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- Remy Sietchiping, Deputy Director of the UN-Habitat Liaison Office in New York.
- Marcelo Lafleur, senior Economist Affairs Officer, UNDESA.
- Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations for the closing remarks.
UN Garden, North lawn, Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty 3:00-3:30pm
- Welcome by Masters of Ceremony: Bani Dugal & Thunny Brown.
- Donald Lee, ATD Fourth World President
- Reading of inscription on Stone in six UN languages
- Minute of silence
- Musical performance, “Siyahamba” (choir)
- Symbolic gesture
- Closing
To join us in person at the United Nations:
Pass Pickup & Entry Instructions
- Time: On Friday, October 16, between 12:15 PM and 12:45 PM.
- Where: UN Visitors Entrance (46th St & 1st Ave). Volunteers will be on-site to distribute passes.
- ID Requirement: You must show a valid government-issued photo ID (Passport, State ID, or Student ID). The name on your ID must exactly match the name provided during Eventbrite registration.
Note: A nominative UN pass and matching photo ID are strictly required to enter the building.
Important Information
- Within United Nations premises, all persons are required to comply with safety and security regulations, as well as the rules and procedures of the organization. Any act that disrupts the normal functioning of the organization’s programmatic activities, such as public displays of any form, including, but not limited to, clothing, banners, placards or other written or visual means, as well as vocal/audio sounds, gatherings, or demonstrations of any kind, including passive, is not allowed.
- All individuals present on the United Nations premises are expected to fully cooperate with United Nations security officers at all times. Refusal to comply with applicable regulations may result in temporary detention or removal from or denial of access to the premises in accordance with Section 10 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement and ST/AI/2019/5, entitled “Authority of United Nations Security Officers”.
Agenda
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
ECOSOC Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters in New York
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
United Nations Garden North Lawn
Info: Observance at the Commemorative Stone in Honor of the Victims of Extreme Poverty
Event venue & nearby stays
United Nations Headquarters, 405 East 45th Street, New York, United States
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