US Citizens Call Upon President Obama to Help Achieve the Millennium Development Goals During Events Across the United States on September 17-19 in Advance of the UN Summit to End Poverty
September 14, 2010 – This weekend, September 17-19, citizens in the United States will join millions around the world to turn up the volume calling upon heads of state gathering at the United Nations from September 20-22 to demonstrate leadership in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
People are gathering around the world to amplify their support for the MDGs – a set of goals to end extreme poverty and its root causes by 2015. Together with their global brothers and sisters, Americans will unite by singing, chanting, blowing whistles, playing drums, banging pots and pans and ringing church bells to draw attention to the MDGs. In towns and cities around the world, these sounds will be part of the three day mobilization "Stand Up, Take Action, Make Noise for the MDGs" and will make peoples' commitments to the Goals visible, vocal and impossible for world leaders to ignore.
"President Obama, his Administration, and numerous members of Congress fully support the achievement of the MDGs and understand that helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable is a critical component of US foreign policy, said Anita Sharma, Regional Coordinator for North America at the UN Millennium Campaign. "A recent poll showed that nearly 90 percent of Americans surveyed also believe that the US can and should do more. They will be among the millions participating in 'Stand Up and Take Action' on September 17-19 to send a clear message to President Obama and other heads of state gathering at the United Nations the following week that the time is now to realize these Goals."
Note to editors:
"Stand Up" events being organized across the United States include:
In New York City, thousands are expected at Lincoln Center on Sunday, September 19, where exhibitions will show promises and progress to end poverty, as well as speakers and performers. (Lincoln Plaza, 12:00 – 4:00pm; Contact: Leanne Rios – Leanne.Rios@undp.org)
In Washington DC, on Friday, September 17, just two blocks from the White House, citizens will come together with local musicians, drummers and bands to amplify their voices in support of the MDGs. (Farragut Square, 17th St and I St NW; 12:00 – 2:00 pm; Contact: Cara Gold – Caraegold@gmail.com)
In Chicago, hundreds will gather on September 17 to rally in support of the MDGs and demand that President Obama play a leadership role in the MDG Summit. (Daley Plaza, 5:00– 6:00 pm; Contact: Anne Porowski – aporowski@aol.com)
At Arizona State University in Phoenix the week of September 13 – 17, students and the community are participating in student lead activities that both educate and support the MDGs. (Memorial Union, Tempe Campus all week; Contact: Marek Wosinski – dr.marek@asu.edu)
In Kansas City, people will gather in solidarity to listen to speakers and to make noise in support of the MDGs at Truman Library. (Truman Library; Contact: Darren Ross – darros_78@live.com)
In Miami, students, faculty and the community will make noise and celebrate the success to date of the MDGs. (University of Miami; Contact: Alix Gordon – alixg1@aol.com)
In San Francisco, a series of events will take place throughout the weekend, beginning September 17, when citizens meet on the steps of City Hall to demand that the commitments to the MDGs will be fulfilled. (1:00 – 1:30 pm; Contact: Brian Webster – brian.e.webster@gmail.com)
Across the United States, more than 100 congregations will take part in Jubilee Sunday when religious leaders give sermons calling to an end to extreme poverty. (Contact: Melinda St. Louis - melinda@jubileeusa.org)
Last year, more than 173 million people participated in "Stand Up," setting a new Guinness World Record. "Stand Up and Take Action" is organized globally by the United Nations Millennium Campaign, in collaboration with a wide range of partners.
For event listings, photos, sounds from Stand Up events and more information, visit www.standagainstpoverty.org or http://www.meetup.com/Stand-against-poverty/ .
Media Contact for b-roll, interviews and further information:
Leanne Rios
+1 202-862-6301
Leanne.Rios@undp.org
About the UN Millennium Campaign
The UN Millennium Campaign was established by the UN Secretary General in 2002. The Campaign supports citizens' efforts to hold their governments to account for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Development Goals were adopted by 189 world leaders from rich and poor countries, as part of the Millennium Declaration which was signed in 2000. These leaders agreed to achieve the Goals by 2015. Our premise is simple: we are the first generation that can end poverty and we refuse to miss this opportunity. For more information, visit www.endpoverty2015.org.
