Dubai, October 17: They stood together to be noticed for their fight against hunger and poverty and pledged to eradicate the suffering of fellow humans whose numbers the United Nations estimates to be a billion.
It was a joint effort for a noble cause when 50,000 UAE residents joined millions across the world to raise awareness about Millennium Development Goals 2015, in a three-day campaign that began on Friday. Schools, colleges and corporate entities are expected to join in and contribute to the cause.
“Please join me and Stand Up and Take Action,” urged Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City, and wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
At the Jumeirah Open Beach, more than 180 Dubai residents gathered to show their coordinated commitment to the cause, while at the Formal Park in Abu Dhabi, around 150 residents came together for the event .
“The campaign has brought communities together to give voice to the underprivileged,” said Rugmani Prabhakar, organiser of the event.
The stand-up effort has been in the making since 2000 when 180 countries came up with a pledge to make the world a better place.
Last year, 116 million people around the world participated in the campaign. This year organisers have noticed more enthusiasm despite the economic downturn.
Gaurav Bhatia, a campaigner in Abu Dhabi said residents can make donations of non-perishable food items to the Red Crescent Society, or can visit www.standup.ae to register.
–Agencies