The United Nations Millennium Campaign and Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) today announced that a Guinness World Record breaking 116.9 million people – nearly two percent of world population – took a stand against poverty at events in 131 countries on 17-19 October.Over 50,000 people in the UK took part in more than 300 solidarity events, organised by grassroots groups, churches, schools, universities and development NGOs.
Glen Tarman, spokesperson for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty said “The massive numbers involved in Stand Up and Take Action show that millions of citizens worldwide believe that the economic crisis is no excuse for politicians in power to abandon the poor. Now more than ever, leaders must be accountable and act urgently to deliver trade justice, better aid, debt cancellation and climate legislation.”
Salil Shetty, Director of the UN Millennium Campaign added “History has shown us that mass mobilisations have the power to change the course of history, and we will not s top mobilising and advocating for action until the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are achieved.”
