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 ca
mpaign is to remind the Governments globally that we can unite to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
Vision of 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.
Since the planting season in New Zealand is almost over, a written commitment from Schools, Universities and Businesses to plant trees before early October 2009 will suffice. A written commitment should be submitted to us by 16th October 2008.
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.
How can school kids join 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.
Schools can organise their own STAND UP event in their school grounds. School kids need to assemble in the grounds and STAND UP for a couple of minutes when the School Principal or Chairperson could read out the pledge.
And also participate in the TAKE ACTION campaign to ensure we realise the 7th MDG.
