The Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) is supporting the Pobresa zero (Zero Poverty) movement, a campaign lasting 10 days during which NGOs, social entities, labor unions, universities, schools, and markets are promoting more than 20 actions to commemorate International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17).

This year, poverty trends, which had been declining for the past 30 years thanks to international efforts, once again started to grow in worrying ways as the pandemic began. Because of this, under the slogan of “the crisis is not a pretext,” the end of poverty and inequality for people everywhere is demanded. To accomplish this, the importance of measures and actions beyond local and national levels is highlighted.

A manifesto is presented on the movement’s website, www.probresazero.org, which makes a specific call for all sectors of civil society to get involved in the fight against poverty and inequality in an effective and urgent manner. Likewise, throughout the week, various acts are going to be held, such as webinars, talks, and debates. Standing out among these are multiple concentrations of people in cities throughout the Valencian Community. The first of these concentrations is taking place in Alicante on Friday, October 15, beginning at 6 p.m. local time in the Plaza de Luceros. Then, on Saturday, October 16, also at 6 p.m. local time, similar events are also being held at the Elche City Hall, and in Castellón and Valencia as well.

The UMH Area of Development Cooperation and Volunteerism is fully committed to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and with these types of activities. Through its support for campaigns, such as Pobresa zero, this area aims to contribute to the eradication of poverty and, therefore, to the development of a more just and egalitarian world and society.