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The swinging sounds of Bob Marley's Stand Up song joined children's voices in livening up the Rotunda, the circular entry hall of the UN headquarters in Vienna, at lunchtime on 16 October.
Over 100 pupils with their teachers from four Viennese schools - many of them dressed in red for the occasion - joined staff members to participate in this year's Stand Up Against Poverty event at the Vienna International Centre, adding their voices to the millions Standing Up Against Poverty around the globe.
UNIS Director Maher Nasser reminded participants of the importance of reaching the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate extreme poverty, improve maternal health, achieve global primary education and work towards a sustainable environment (among others). He then read out the Stand Up pledge and invited participants to tie ribbons into symbolic knots to remind world leaders of the promises made at the Millennium Summit in 2000. Spontaneously, the school children formed a large circle around the Rotunda and let a 'wave' of arms travel around it several times before squatting and then Standing Up in unison to show their support for the campaign.
Interview (mp3) with UNIS Vienna Director Maher Nasser on the "Stand up, Take Action" initiative and the UN Millennium Campaign, conducted by Claus Pirschner, Radio FM 4.
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The Austrian non-governmental organization and platform for development and humanitarian aid Global Responsibility, with the support of the United Nations Millennium Campaign, organized an event at the Vienna Museumsquartier on 17 October, featuring the Brazilian musician Celia Mara, SambAttac and the Austrian hip-hop artist Skero (Texta). Over 400 people visited the concert and called for action from world leaders and governments to meet their promises and show their support for ending extreme poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
More information on this event.
More info on the Stand Up Campaign
