News Updates

UN in Nepal puts spotlight on poverty with Guinness World Record Attempt

October 17, 2007



17 October, Kathmandu- Around two hundred people gathered at the United Nations office in Kathmandu this morning to remind world leaders about their commitment to end extreme poverty by 2015, and to join millions of people around the world attempt to set an official Guinness World Record for the most number of people to STAND UP Against Poverty.

The Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Gillian Mellsop read out the pledge: ?leaders of poorer countries ? make it your first responsibility to save the lives of your poorest citizens?..? she said.

A number of events are being organised around the valley by the NGOs to show solidarity in the global call to end poverty. It?s the first time that the UN Millennium Campaign is being marked on this scale in Nepal. A local NGO called Art of Living-Nepal organised an event to mark the `Stand Up Against Poverty? at Hanuman Dhoka Square. Around 10,000 people stood up for this purpose.

Note to editors:

For more information about the Stand-up Campaign: www.standagainstpoverty.org/
? The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted by 189 countries in 2000. The eight goals commit rich and poor countries to work together to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, ensure all boys and girls complete primary school, promote gender equality, improve the health of mothers and children, reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, protect the environment, and create a global partnership for development by ensuring rich countries give more and better aid, debt relief and trade opportunities to poorer countries.

? Campaign background and dates
This year the campaign concept has been expanded to "Stand Up and Speak Out-- against Poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals."In order to be counted for the Guinness world record, events must take place in the 24-hour period between 9 pm GMT on 16 October and 9 pm GMT on 17 October.