Star Cleopatra Fitzgerald Attends UN Poverty Eradication Event

Star Cleopatra Fitzgerald® attended the 34th Commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 16, 2026. The event, though officially observed on October 17, brought together international organizations, diplomats, advocates, community leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss poverty, human dignity, social justice, and the fundamental right to housing. Fitzgerald wore a red United Nations Gender Equality lanyard as a symbol of peace, inclusion, and equal opportunity, reflecting the commemoration's vision that reducing inequality, promoting human rights, and advancing gender equality are essential to eradicating poverty and building just societies.

The well-organized program featured diverse speakers and musical performances that underscored themes of justice, collective solidarity, and the recognition of adequate housing as a human right. Speakers highlighted the close relationship between housing, health, education, employment, and overall well-being, emphasizing that safe and affordable housing is essential for dignity and security. Presentations focused on the consequences of homelessness and housing insecurity, explaining how inadequate housing traps families in cycles of poverty, reinforces inequality, and harms mental and physical health. Participants discussed global housing challenges including population growth, conflict, displacement, urbanization, environmental degradation, climate change, natural disasters, poor governance, and social exclusion. Personal testimonies added a human dimension, with one speaker reflecting on raising seven children while struggling with inadequate housing. Others stressed that individuals experiencing poverty should not be criminalized; instead, governments should develop practical policies and support systems. Fitzgerald noted that housing should remain an option for those who seek it and must be safe, secure, and free from violence, criminal activity, drug abuse, prostitution, corruption, and other dangers. She encouraged people to seek assistance through NYC 311 Services, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Emergency Intake Centers, Homebase Prevention Offices, NYC Housing Connect and HPD Portal, Domestic Violence Crisis Hotlines, Family Court Help Centers and Legal Aid Clinics, Human Resources Administration (HRA) Job Centers and SNAP Offices, Administration for Children's Services (ACS) and Family Support Centers, Department for the Aging (DFTA) Network, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Resources, and community-based non-profit networks.

A particularly inspiring address was delivered by Patrick Lubin, who spoke about peace of mind and personal security, remarking on the challenges faced by individuals in environments affected by crime, substance abuse, and instability while reaffirming that all people deserve safe and dignified living conditions. Former French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont reflected on Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, describing how the values of the French Republic align with international efforts to promote dignity, equality, and solidarity. The event was moderated by Bani Dugal and Thani Brown and made possible by a coalition including ATD Fourth World International, the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, UN DESA, OHCHR, UN-Habitat, LP4Y, MAIN, and the Bahá'í International Community. Following the formal program, attendees gathered in the United Nations North Garden to pay respects at the commemorative stone dedicated to victims of extreme poverty and joined in a unity song. The gathering served as a reminder that addressing poverty requires collective action, policies, and continued commitment to ensuring every individual can live in safety, dignity, and hope. For more details, the UN Video of the event for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is available.