India Stand Up Take Action 2009
The United Nations Millennium Campaign in India aims to raise the public awareness on the MDGs 1-7 through developing partnerships and strengthening capacities among civil society organizations, parliamentarians, local authorities, youth, media and the private sector. The Campaign has supported many innovative citizens and civil society initiatives that have built up sustained pressure on the government to deliver on their promises. The Wada Na Toda Abhiyan is (Do Not Break Your Promise Campaign), seeks to strengthen synergy between the advocacy efforts of the United Nations organizations working in India on key development issues through the United Nations Development Assistance Framework.
In India more than 23 million people stood up and took action during Stand Up Take Action 2009!!
Minar Pimple, Deputy Director, UNMC (L) and partner NGOs with signature cheque carrying the representation of 173 million citizens in the Stand Up campaign
Download OneWorld-WNTA radio spot on Stand Up 2009
Various events held during Stand Up Take Action 2009
Coming together in support of the MDGs, citizens lit candles in the Indian capital at India Gate to mobilise public action against poverty. Led by Salil Shetty, Director, United Nations Millennium Campaign, the campaign saw participation of numerous dalit students and members of various civil society organizations standing up and demanding livelihood opportunities for people living in slums.
- People taking the pledge/ Photo credit: Mahipal singh Rawat/ OWSA
Bringing together people of different faiths
While praying for a better world, hundreds of people from different faiths came together at the Sacred Heart Cathedral to pledge against poverty. Standing up against poverty, they reiterated their support and solidarity with those who live in poverty and deprivation.
Activities across the country
In Bihar, the Hunger Free Bihar Campaign along with partners held a People's Summit to mark the Stand Up event. Participants included NREGA job card holders, farmers, labourer, and social activists from all over the state.
In Rajasthan, Jaipur based NGO Centre for Community Economic Development Consultant Society worked to mobilize many people during the Stand Up Campaign.
Launch of the campaign
- Minar Pimple (R), Deputy Director, UN Millennium Campaign and Ashok Bharti from Wada Na Todo Abhiyan sign the pledge/ Photo credit: Kushal Saini/ OWSA
On September 30, United Nations Millennium Campaign launched the Stand Up Take Action 2009 in New Delhi urging citizens and civil society to hold government accountable for their promises.
Campaigners from across India picked different MDGs on which they based their creative Stand Up actions. The burning issues of hunger, health and education bear special significance in the Indian context given the backdrop of drought and price rise.
