By REBECCA TORR
Published: 17th October 2007
BAHRAINIS are being urged to join the fight against poverty as the world marks International Day for the Eradication of Poverty today. United Nations Information Centre director Nejib Friji said members of the public must do their part and cited Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa as an example.
“Getting rid of poverty is not only the responsibility of governments, it’s up to everyone to make a difference,” Mr Friji told a Press conference held at UN House, Manama, yesterday.
“We are pleased that the Bahrain Prime Minister stood up against poverty in a manifesto to the Press, which we hope will be an example to others.
By REBECCA TORR
Published: 17th October 2007
BAHRAINIS are being urged to join the fight against poverty as the world marks International Day for the Eradication of Poverty today. United Nations Information Centre director Nejib Friji said members of the public must do their part and cited Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa as an example.
“Getting rid of poverty is not only the responsibility of governments, it’s up to everyone to make a difference,” Mr Friji told a Press conference held at UN House, Manama, yesterday.
“We are pleased that the Bahrain Prime Minister stood up against poverty in a manifesto to the Press, which we hope will be an example to others.
“We thank the Premier for this and hope the message will reach not just the media, but all leaders and NGOs and people around the world.
“We believe Bahrain will be one of the first countries to make a difference in eradicating poverty.”
The Premier yesterday called on governments, civil societies and private sector organisations to work together to alleviate poverty.
He said donors and banks should increase voluntary aid to developing countries to speed up programmes.
“We must no longer confine ourselves to paying lip service to painful situations prevailing in most developing countries,” the Premier said earlier.
“Poverty should not be an acceptable reality. We must act, and act promptly, by providing infrastructure and affordable housing through partnership between public and private sectors.
“This Day demands we strive to find practical solutions to save those suffering in silence and to keep alive our dream to implement the Millennium Declaration by 2015.
“As we assume our responsibilities as an international community, we must urgently seek innovative measures to augment resources to empower the poor.”
Everyone can stand against extreme poverty today by participating in a UN global campaign that calls for an end to extreme poverty by 2015, said Mr Friji.
All you need to do as individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil societies, companies schools, universities and others is physically stand up together to symbolise the fight against poverty.
On October 17 last year, 23.5 million people in 24 hours, including 20,000 from Bahrain, stood up against poverty, setting a new Guinness World Record and even more are expected this year.
Everyone can be counted in the Stand Up Speak Out initiative by registering for the Guinness challenge by midnight tonight at www.standagainstpoverty.org.
“I urge all Bahrainis from all public and private sectors, women’s groups, labour organisations and universities to stand up against poverty in a civilised and peaceful manner,” said Mr Friji.
“We want everyone to join the millions around the world in a manner that will spur on and mobilise and help governments and non-governmental organisations to get rid of the scourge of poverty.”
The Art of Living has joined the UN campaign and plans to spread its message to at least 100,000 people in malls, schools and societies.
They will be giving away 5,000 wristbands, 5,000 caps, 1,200 T-shirts and 40 banners throughout the day at various malls across the country.
Bahrain University Middle East Partnership Initiative (Mepi) Alumni Network and AMA University and AMA Model United Nations will also be holding Stand Up and Speak Out Against Poverty and Inequality events.
NGOs, university representatives and the Bahrain Journalists’ Association will join UN officials at the UN House at 5.30pm today where they will reiterate their pledge to stand up against poverty.
