UN Millennium Campaign in New Zealand
Brief Background on the Campaign:
How can we put an end to extreme poverty? How can we conserve our land and seas; and put an end to deforestation? How
can we achieve universal primary education? How can we promote gender equality and empower women? How can we reduce
child mortality? How can improve maternal health? How can we combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases? How to develop
global partnership to enhance global development?
All these questions gave rise to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, which was signed by 189 countries,
agreeing to do everything in their power to end poverty. They pledged to do this by achieving the MDGs, a roadmap to end
extreme poverty by 2015.
We have reached the halfway mark to 2015, the target date for achieving the MDGs. There has been some progress, but
there is still a long way to go. As per the halfway Millennium Development Goals report produced by the United Nations
(2007), we still face challenges in areas such as health and environmental sustainability. More generally, the lack of
employment opportunities for young people, gender inequalities, rapid and unplanned urbanization, deforestation,
increasing water scarcity, and high HIV prevalence are pervasive obstacles.
The main objective of this campaign is to remind the Governments globally that we can unite to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
How is this campaign organised?
The environment wing of United Nations - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global has endorsed and joined
hands with Art of Living (AOL) Global for our Mission Green Earth Stand Up Take Action (MGESUTA08) initiative. Over 150
countries around the world are taking part in this campaign.
The vision for this campaign is, to create healthy, progressive society which has a rich environmental resource for the present and future generations.
TAKE ACTION CAMPAIGN
As a part of the Take Action Campaign, we are planting trees between July 15 – October 16, 2008 and ensure the
realization of the 7th Millennium Development Goal. We have a target of planting 100million trees globally.
STAND UP CAMPAIGN
Last year for this campaign, about 43million people stood up against extreme poverty and we broke the Guinness Book of World Record. This year we are planning on getting atleast 100million around the work to take part in this event between 17th to
19th October 2008.
WHATS HAPPENING IN WELLINGTON?
We have organised several tree planting events in New Zealand and so far in New Zealand alone we have planted 1850
trees! We have a couple more tree planting events coming up in Wellington.
And, as a part of the STAND UP campaign in Wellington, we have organised a huge gathering in Civic Square in Wellington.
Labour Party MPs and Candidates will be there serving soup to atleast 500 people and listening to their
ideas/comments/opinions on the International Day for the Eradication of Extreme Poverty! Over 100 countries around the
world will be taking part in this campaign, and New Zealand can be very proud of having a very proactive government
demonstration that "We think globally and act locally" :) We will have some talks from Political leaders and also have
some music bands on board.
Currently we have the following organisations on-board working with us,
1. United Nations Association of New Zealand
2. Salvation Army
3. Council for International Development
KEY DATES:
20th September 2008:
We are organising a huge tree planting event on 20th September 2008, in Manawa Karioi, Island Bay. Grant Robertson a
Labour Party candidate will be coming down to inaugurate this event. We are also planning on adopting a piece of land in
remembrance of this event.
17th October 2008:
We are organising a huge gathering in Civic Square in Wellington. Soups will be served for atleast 500 people on that
day by our own policy makers and parliamentary dignitaries. Music bands are on board and some key speakers for that day.
How can you help us?
We believe that we can jointly work and make a difference in our world. We want as many kiwis as possible to take part
in this event for a noble cause. Are you able to help us spread the work and demonstrate to the world and our world
leaders on the significance of accomplishing the Millennium Development Goals?
Many peoples dream for a decent food, shelter, health, education and lifestyle is dependent on whether we are there to
support this cause. Let us make their dream come a reality and let us work towards creating a more beautiful place to
live.
For more information, please contact Meena Satishkumar, UN Millennium Campaign Committee, 021 517 041,
meena.satishkumar[at]artofliving.org.nz, www.standagainstpoverty.org.
ENDS