NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS SYMBOL IS CHOSEN FOR INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY (1996)

Tomorrow, October 17, is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and next year is observed as the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. A logo has been adopted for the Year which will be used on all information products and material relating to the Year. (Copy overleaf.)

The logo was created by Jose Castineira of the Design Section of the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). It uses three figures interacting in a way that suggests both assistance and self-empowerment. They may be interpreted to represent either three distinct individuals or the emergence of a single person out of poverty into a state of security, dignity, strength and well-being.

Evoking an impression of movement or evolution, the logo design emphasizes that development is, above all, people-centred. It also suggests a linkage between ending poverty, empowering people and reinforcing peace in our world.

Brown and green are the colours of the logo design and related text. Brown, as the colour associated with the earth and also with cities, is the basic colour. Green, the colour of vegetation and growth, supplies the supportive hue. This colour combination suggests the importance of agricultural development in the eradication of extreme poverty, most of which is rural.

This logo echoes the one for the World Summit for Social Development, also created by staff of the DPI Design Section, which featured three interlinked figures climbing towards the sun. Poverty was one of the three main topics of the Summit, and the eradication of poverty one of the major commitments made by the 117 heads of State and Government who attended.

Last year, the General Assembly requested that a logo for the Year be chosen (resolution 49/110), and that the designer(s) be awarded a symbolic prize at the ceremony marking the launch of the Year. This is to take place in December.

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