President Michael D. Higgins marks the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The year 2020 is a year that marks unprecedented times for humanity with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, which continues to unravel the vast socio-economic disparities that exist in communities, domestically and across the world. Today's world is one that is encompassed by an enormous level of economic development, technological capabilities and financial resources, yet millions of people across the world continue to live in extreme poverty. This crisis reminds us that poverty is not just an economic issue, but has multidimensional consequences, representing not only a lack of income, but also denying individuals the basic means to live a life in dignity.
The theme for The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty this year addresses the challenge of achieving social and environmental justice for all. To mark this day, President Michael D. Higgins published a special message where he reflected on the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic on the world’s poorest communities, and called for greater international cooperation “to shield the vulnerable and empower those most in need.”
This powerful quote from President Higgins serves as a timely reminder that in the midst of crisis, solidarity is what is needed most:
“All of us have had to come to rely on the solidarity of others,
in a renewed awareness that no-one will be safe from the virus
until every one of us is”
Watch the full President's speech below.