Kathmandu, July 29, 2009 – Joined by partners and media, the UN Millennium Campaign in Nepal yesterday launched the logo of “Stand Up” 2009 – the annual mobilization where citizens gather to demand that world leaders eradicate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The objective of the media unveiling was to launch the logo in Nepali with the slogan “Stand Up, Take Action: Eradicate Poverty for Lasting Peace.” The mobilization will take place on October 16-18, 2009. This will be the Campaign’s fourth year in Nepal, with a marquee event on October 16 in Tundikhel, the open air theatre in the heart of the city.

Speaking at the event, Minendra Rijal, Minister for Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary and Cultural Affairs, stressed the need to form local bodies to effectively deliver government services to the people so that poverty is reduced in Nepal. He also said that the absence of local bodies was hampering the government’s institutional capacity to address various problems like the recent diarrhea outbreak that has claimed more than 200 lives. He said that this absence will have a negative impact on achieving the MDGs in the country.

Gagan Thapa, member of the Constituent Assembly (CA) and a youth leader, urged international organizations to train the CA members on the MDGs. He said that national achievements in various sectors should be reviewed in light of the MDGs and the vision of the Millennium Declaration. Thapa said the government was not committed to development, making it difficult to meet the Goals. He suggested utilizing the strength of students and youth organizations to help make people aware of the MDGs.

Another speaker, Sharmila Karki, General Secretary of the NGO Federation of Nepal and a partner of the UN Millennium Campaign, said the NGOs were linking poverty eradication with peace, human rights, democracy and writing the Constitution. She explained the importance of “Stand Up” to the guests, saying that the Campaign urged the government to keep their commitment to meet the MDGs on time. The NGO Federation has been organizing “Stand Up” events for the past three years.

Minar Pimple, the Millennium Campaign’s Deputy Director and Head of Asia, observed that leaders sign declarations and covenants, but soon forget them.