ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT CALLS FOR REDOUBLING OF COMMITMENT TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN MESSAGE MARKING INTERNATIONAL DAY
Press Release
GA/SM/7
OBV/16
ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT CALLS FOR REDOUBLING OF COMMITMENT TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN MESSAGE MARKING INTERNATIONAL DAY
19971017 Following is the message of the President of the General Assembly, Hennadiy Udovenko (Ukraine), on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed today:Marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty symbolizes the determination of the international community to wipe the blot of poverty off the face of the earth. This blight, which affects almost a quarter of the human race, is not only an affront to human dignity but is also a major and direct contributor to social tension, civil strife, and even international tension.
Indeed, there is a very close link between peace and stability on the one hand, and economic and social progress on the other. This vital linkage is a cornerstone of the Charter of the United Nations, and yet, sadly, it is often overlooked.
Unparalleled affluence coexists with extreme poverty in all parts of the world. Inequalities between countries is unprecedented. Growth in both the advanced industrial world and in many developing countries is bypassing those in abject poverty. Globalization and its benefits are not widening the beneficial ripple effects to draw the poor up.
It is true that some progress is being made, especially in parts of Asia, although less so in Latin America and in countries with economies in transition. There is, hence, a reason for hope. But persistent poverty still continues to characterize large parts of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in particular. Indeed, if targeted action is not forthcoming, poverty may actually increase. There is no shortage of declarations and resolutions adopted at different forums. However, we need actions that are commensurate with these pledges.
As the World Summit for Social Development affirmed, the primary responsibility to combat poverty is with national governments, but the United Nations system itself must strive harder to encourage and strengthen subregional and international efforts to eradicate poverty.
- 2 - Press Release GA/SM/7 OBV/16 17 October 1997
Such efforts certainly would be more effective if the international economic environment were more propitious, and if the wealthier countries were to enhance their support for poverty eradication. It is regrettable, therefore, that official development assistance (ODA) seems to be in decline, and, despite recent actions, the debt burden on developing countries continues to mount. Developing countries' terms of trade also remain disadvantageous. This makes the fight against poverty an uphill task for many countries. That is why the participation of all national and international actors is required to accomplish this task.
What is principally required is to achieve a robust, economic growth that would favour expansion of employment and increase allocation of funds to the key areas of health, education, nutrition and housing. It is particularly important to pay attention to the enhancement of the position of women in general in the countries stricken by poverty.
I want to emphasize, in particular, the importance of progress in rural areas for combating poverty. A large proportion of the poor still depend on agriculture, and strengthening their productivity remain a key ingredient in poverty eradication. High priority must, therefore, be given by the United Nations system and by development partners to this area of concern.
Gladly, in recent years, the United Nations has given serious attention to the eradication of poverty, particularly during the World Summit for Social Development. Last year, the General Assembly declared the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006). It symbolized a long-term commitment of the international community to the cause of poverty eradication. The theme chosen by the General Assembly for this year is "poverty, environment and development". This issue was extensively discussed at the special session of the General Assembly, which took place last June and was specifically devoted to the problems of development and environment. But that session concluded that much remained to be done in this area.
Let us, therefore, use this occasion to redouble our commitment to exert efforts both at the national and the international levels to eradicate poverty. Let us make poverty an anachronism for future generations. I look forward to working with Member States during this session of the General Assembly to enhance our action in the field of poverty eradication.
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