Poverty is an old enemy with many faces and defeating it will require many actors to work together, says Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar.

While officially opening the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at Naduri District School in Macuata Province yesterday, Ms Bhatnagar said reducing poverty was everybody’s business.

“The theme of the 2017 observance is: Answering the call of October 17 to end poverty.

“Government is taking a lead role in creating opportunities to empower the people of Fiji to take ownership and exercise their right to be heard which in turn reduces poverty,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

“The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty presents an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard and a moment to recognise that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.”

Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar (left) making some inquiries with the Fiji Commerce Commission compliance officer Northern Sakiusa Nasoivi during the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at Naduri District School in Macuata Province on October 4, 2017. Photo:SHRATIKA SINGH

“The commemoration also reflects the participation of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute towards the eradication of poverty,” she said.

“Let us make investment in our common future by helping to lift people out of poverty so that they in turn can help to transform our world.

“Poverty as we are aware of is unlike any other social issues.

“It does not differentiate between gender, ethnicity, age or disability.

“It can affect anyone and everybody. Poverty is a common problem that impacts the livelihoods of our people at various levels of our society.”

She said this year marks the 25th anniversary of the commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

There were various Government departments, education institutions, financial institutions and Non-Government Organisations (NGO) showcasing their services at the venue.

Edited by Mohammed Ali

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj