Millions join a global stand against poverty in world record setting attempt

In the countdown to World Poverty Day on Tuesday 17 October, millions of people around the world are setting World Record for the most number of people to stand united against poverty in a 24 hour period.

From 10am on Sunday 15 October, millions of people from Asia to Africa and Latin America to Europe will literally “Stand Up Against Poverty” and pledge their solidarity to alleviate poverty and suffering around the world.

“Last year over 30 million people called for urgent government action to help the world’s poorest people. This attempt to set a World Record is part of a growing global movement of ordinary people united against poverty and inequality. We will not give up until poverty is ended”, said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and spokesperson for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

• In Jaipur, India 38 000 cricket fans will mark the India vs England match with a Stand Up event.

• The Islamic cleric, Aa’Gym will lead an event at Islamic boarding schools across Indonesia.

• In Japan will a gigantic white band will be unravelled with thousands expected in Hiroba Square in Tokyo.

• Gigantic ‘Make Poverty History’ men will be floated above Australian skies while crowds gather in stand up events in Sydney.

• Malawian President, Dr Bingu wa Mutharika will lead a rally against poverty. Church congregations across Africa will be dedicated to the ‘Stand Up Against Poverty’ theme.

• In Tanzania, thousands of slum dwellers will join a rally and attend an anti-poverty concert.

Zimbabwe will kick off activities in 80 countries worldwide with ‘Stand Up Against Poverty’ events in churches and football matches across the country, culminating in an anti-poverty music concert in Mbare slums in the capital, Harare.

“Poverty is increasing daily in Zimbabwe, yet our voices go unheard. This weekend, our people will stand united with the poor around the world sending a message to our leaders that we can no longer tolerate the injustice of poverty”, said Fambai Ngirande, National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe.

United by the international symbol of the white band, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) is the world’s largest anti-poverty coalition, whose organisations together represent more than 150 million people globally. In collaboration with the UN Millennium Campaign, millions will ‘stand up’ together and pledge to keep the pressure on governments to end world poverty, inequality and meet and exceed the Millennium Development Goals.