Antananarivo, 16, 17 October 2011. UNIC Antananarivo celebrated the International day for eradication of poverty and participated to the stand Up event.

On 16 October, a gospel concert was organized by the gospel groups GNF, HIAKAMPAMONJENA and NTC at Andrainarivo.

The concert was especially dedicated to the young Malagasy in order to sensitize them in their role and their responsibility in the eradication of poverty in Madagascar. But many important persons  from the government, parliament and senate, other guests from international organism  the academia, civil society and the private sector  were invited and present at the event. The theme of the concert was “WHO AM I?” It was chosen because nowadays, many young people don’t know who they are, why they are here and what they can do for humanity. During two hours, the three gospel groups tried to answer to the question and convince the young people that they can do something good in their life, for their family for their neighbor and for their country. 300 During the concert, about 3000 persons stood up and committed to fight against all the forms of poverty in Madagascar.

On 17 October, UNIC Antananarivo with the UN System in Madagascar, diplomatic corps and UN partners were at Sambaina, the Millennium Village to celebrate the International Day for Eradication of Poverty with the local population. A visit of the projects realized in Sambaina to reach the MDGs and to fight against the poverty were visited during the day. Stands on MDGs were also organized for the local population. During her speech, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Fatma Samoura, shared the message of the Secretary General. She also thanked the local authorities and the population for the efforts they are doing to reach the MDGs and to fight against poverty. At the end of her speech, she invited the population, authorities, UN agencies representatives, and diplomatic corps and UN partners to Stand Up and to reinforce their commitment to fight against poverty. The celebration finished by a visit of stands on the realization of the UN agencies to reach the MDGs in Madagascar. About 1200 persons stood up against poverty.

With youth association about 1000 000 young people will stand up on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 to show their commitment to fight poverty.   They will do that during their activities and in the churches.

High media coverage was registered during the events. For Madagascar more than 1,004,200 people stand up against poverty this year.

Flyers on MDGs and messages on the actions against   poverty were distributed.