NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Star Cleopatra Fitzgerald® attended the 34th Commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Although the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is officially observed annually on October 17, the commemorative event was held on October 16 and 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.

In support of the event's message, Fitzgerald wore a red United Nations Gender Equality lanyard as a symbol of peace, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The gesture reflected the broader vision expressed throughout the commemoration that reducing inequality, promoting human rights, and advancing gender equality are important components in the global effort to eradicate poverty and build more just and inclusive societies.

The event was well organized and featured a diverse program of speakers and musical performances. Throughout the commemoration, participants spoke about themes of justice, collective solidarity, human dignity, and the recognition of adequate housing as a fundamental human right. Speakers highlighted the close relationship between housing, health, education, employment, and overall well-being, emphasizing that access to safe and affordable housing is essential for individuals and families to live with dignity and security.

Several presentations focused on the consequences of homelessness and housing insecurity. Speakers explained how inadequate housing can trap individuals and families in cycles of poverty, reinforce inequality, and negatively affect mental and physical health. Many stressed that access to decent work, affordable housing, clean water, electricity, heating, and adequate nutrition should not be viewed as privileges but as basic necessities that support human development and social stability.

Participants also discussed the growing challenges affecting housing worldwide, including population growth, conflict, displacement, urbanization, environmental degradation, climate change, natural disasters, poor governance, and social exclusion. Speakers described how war, insecurity, human rights violations, heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and forced migration continue to displace vulnerable populations and increase pressure on housing systems. Despite these challenges, solidarity and cooperation remain powerful tools for supporting affected communities and promoting long-term solutions.

Personal testimonies added a human dimension to the discussion. One speaker reflected on the difficulties of raising seven children while struggling with inadequate housing, illustrating how stable shelter serves as a foundation for family security and well-being. Others discussed that individuals experiencing poverty should not be criminalized or penalized because of their circumstances. Instead, governments and institutions were encouraged to develop practical policies, opportunities, and support systems that help individuals secure stable housing and improve their living conditions.

Fitzgerald notes that housing should not be forced but remain available as an option for those who seek it. Housing environments should be safe, secure, and free from violence, criminal activity, drug abuse, prostitution, corruption, and other conditions that endanger residents or undermine community well-being. Unsafe housing conditions can leave residents vulnerable to coercion, forced prostitution, trafficking, and other criminal activities, making resident safety a fundamental housing priority. People should seek assistance and request access to available housing programs or emergency shelters, NYC 311 Services, 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, Community-Based Non-Profit Networks and social services.

A particularly inspiring address was delivered by Patrick Lubin, who spoke about the importance of peace of mind and personal security. He remarked on the challenges faced by individuals living in environments affected by crime, substance abuse, and instability, while reaffirming that all people deserve safe and dignified living conditions. Speakers repeatedly said that housing should not be denied because of unemployment or financial hardship and that no individual should be forced to live in unsafe housing conditions.

Discussions also included the role of the Sustainable Development Goals in addressing poverty and inequality. Speakers underlined the need for fair public policies, resilient infrastructure, affordable clean-energy solutions, technological innovation, and strengthened global cooperation. They noted that creating safer communities requires addressing corruption, reducing exclusion, and ensuring access to opportunities that empower individuals and families.

Former French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont reflected on the principles of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, describing how the values of the French Republic align with broader international efforts to promote dignity, equality, and solidarity. His remarks pinpointed the importance of political commitment, social progress, and respect for economic, social, cultural, and civil rights in advancing the vision of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He spoke about the role of public servants, community leaders, private initiatives, and concerned citizens in promoting human dignity and addressing the persistent gap between wealth and poverty.

The event was moderated by Bani Dugal and Thani Brown and was made possible by a coalition of organizations including ATD Fourth World International, the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN-Habitat, LP4Y, MAIN, and the Bahá'í International Community.

Following the formal program, attendees gathered outside in the United Nations North Garden, where several significant sculptures and memorials are located, including the commemorative stone dedicated to victims of extreme poverty, where attendees paid their respects in a moment of collective silence. Then, participants listened to additional remarks and joined together in a unity song, bringing the commemoration to a meaningful conclusion while reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, equality, and the eradication of poverty worldwide. The gathering served as a reminder that addressing poverty requires collective action, policies, and a continued commitment to ensuring that every individual can live in safety, dignity, and hope.

UN Video of the event for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1r/k1rmw9tiuo

Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a multi-trademark brand, politician, multi-media journalist, multi-award winner, celebrity, music artist, and interfaith minister. She ran for NYC Mayor in 2021. She is on various celebrity platforms as a celebrity and as a political speaker. Fitzgerald's hobbies are varied. She is self-employed and works on several of her own brands in diverse fields from the performing arts to politics to journalism. The sports she has participated in at parks and school were varied: soccer, handball, frisbee, volleyball, tennis, basketball, football, hockey, defense classes, ballet, dancing, and so forth. It helped her gain skills, teamwork, and enjoyment.

Education:

Attended Hunter College in person and graduated with honors from The City College of New York in Political Science, which she also attended in person.

She has attended all types of schools in diverse locations across NYC.

Fitzgerald graduated from the Institute of Metaphysical Humanistic Science.

Moreover, she is a Lead Certified Paranormal Investigator, Ufologist, and Cryptozoologist. Cleopatra has a PhD summa cum laude in Metaphysical Humanistic Science, specializing in Ufology. At Hunter College, she completed various classes in politics, theater, and acting. She has certifications in Human Rights and Anti-Trafficking.

Is currently studying the psychology of sexuality, the development of sexuality in a context where women have autonomy over their bodies, are free from sexual coercion or exploitation, and can make informed decisions about reproduction and family size, women not as sex objects but with other characteristics. Fitzgerald is also studying Intelligence and homeland security. Utilizing intelligence and homeland security measures to protect national interests while upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens' rights.

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