Did you know that observance of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty began in Paris, France? On October 17, 1987, over 100,000 people gathered to speak out on behalf of the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. Their proclamation that poverty is a violation of human rights has been repeated worldwide. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, and on December 22, 1992, the General Assembly at the United Nations declared October 17th as the day to commemorate the eradication of extreme poverty.

The United Nations has 17 Sustainable Development Goals, known as the UN SDGs. The first UN SDG #1, is to “End poverty in all its forms everywhere.” Today, more than 700 million people still live in extreme poverty globally.

Poverty impacts all of us, directly and indirectly, no matter where we live or what our income level is.

Systemic problems driving poverty, such as economic stratification, industry, and government-sponsored environmental degradation, racism, lack of political and legal representation, are in turn exacerbated by poverty itself, leading to a downward spiral of worsening health, education, and economic outcomes. Access to basic resources like clean water, sanitation, and electricity, are disproportionately constrained in poor communities.

SimpliPhi is a leader in creating innovative solutions to issues surrounding poverty by fostering partnerships with both for-and non-profit organizations committed to making the world a better place, leveraging technology and financial reserves for access to renewable energy. SimpliPhi Power believes access to clean and affordable energy is fundamental to economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability – and building our collective future globally.

This ecosystem of partnerships and resources is key for SimpliPhi to continue to deliver on its’ core values, connecting people, planet, and profit to achieve an integrated bottom line. The IDEA – 1% of annual revenue to Deliver Energy Access, is a promise predicated on the UN SDG #17, Partnerships for the Goals, to implement and revitalize global sustainable development.

Access to electricity is a key component in eradicating poverty. Building a sustainable future requires SimpliPhi and its IDEA partners to continue efforts toward being leaders in innovative approaches to product and program development that offer energy independence to ensure that everyone can fully realize their human potential and exercise their right to live free from poverty and its debilitating impact.