We see poverty as a shared human challenge, not a circumstance of place or class.
And, we act on the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope.

A man with dreadlocks in a red and navy striped polo shirt is kneeling and handing a boxed Nike shoe to a young boy. The boy is receiving a toy set in a mesh bag from the man. Several children and adults are gathered around, some standing, some sitting, with a table of toys and supplies behind them.

Shockley

Solutions:

the real work

The Forum’s driving engine is built on communities implementing Shockley Solutions — practical, replicable commitments created by IPF founder Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley, who herself rose to defeat poverty through perseverance and purpose.

Each Shockley Solution is a model grounded in dignity and respect — a hand up, not a handout — defined by action, time-bound, measurable, and accountable to one simple question:

What did you do

that you said you would do

to end poverty,

and, did you share what worked

so others can rise too?

A woman with short gray hair giving a speech at a podium with flags of different countries, including the United States, South Africa, Italy, and Brazil, in the background.

Purpose and Proof

Through this unwavering commitment to purpose and proof, the International Poverty Forum is building a global movement that transforms lives, communities, and nations — creating a world where poverty no longer defines possibility, but fuels progress for all.

Two women engaged in conversation on a stage with a floral arrangement in the foreground, three glass awards on a table between them, and a large backdrop with colorful handprints and text reading 'INTER POVE' in the background.

Volunteers distribute shoes to children in a rural area for a charitable event supporting a shoe distribution program in Antigua. Children hold new shoes, and boxes of shoes are on tables.

Three people standing together indoors, smiling for the camera. They are dressed in business casual attire.

“The IPF brings a light to critical issues facing cities across the globe, and Atlanta is honored to be a host city on more than one occasion to the assembly and its guests.”

- Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta