On 16 October, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Moscow, jointly with the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Russian Federation and the Sholokhov Moscow State University of Humanities, organized a “Stand Up” campaign event at the University’s premises. Mr. Karl Kulessa, UNFPA Representative in Russian Federation, focused his opening remarks on the MDGs and the situation of women, in particular.

After Mr. Kulessa’s address, the “Stand Up”  video was projected on a large screen for the audience. Then the university students, active members of the Center of the Youth Programmes, introduced the attendance to projects implemented by volunteers, such as distance education for persons with disabilities and assistance to the families with disabled children.

The culmination of the event was the Bob Marley’s song “Get Up, Stand Up” performed by students, and the “Stand Up” action itself. At the end, students signed the pledge which they were going to send to Russian Parliamentarians.
 
On 17 October, another “Stand Up” event was organized at the Vykhino Campus of the Sholokhov Moscow State University of Humanities University. UNIC Director opened the event with remarks outlining the essence of the poverty issues.
 
According to the preliminary count and the “Stand Up” campaign coordinator in Europe, the registered number of participants in Russia was more than 4,500 persons in various parts of the country, including cities such as Moscow, Barnaul, Severodvinsk, Tumen, Novosibirks, Michurinsk, Togliatti.

More than 400 people including Ministers, Constituent Assembly member, the diplomatic corp, UN Agency heads, media and civil society gathered on 16 October 2009 at the office of the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

The President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav read the Stand Up pledge. The participants were invited to stand up, while the President read the pledge against poverty: "we are standing up today to express solidarity with people all over the world to fight against poverty and inequality. We want an end to poverty and inequality. We want to create a society where mothers don't die while giving birth. Children will have the right to quality education. No one will die due to diseases. Overall environment justice and sustainable development will be ensured by conservation and proper use of natural resources. The decisions made by the policy makers will not be for their personal gain but for the benefit of the poor and marginalized people as well", he said.

He further added: "We are committed to build a just society through a new constitution. Let's all commit to achieve the millennium development goals not only for today but for every day".

Speaking on behalf of the government of Nepal, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission reiterated the government's commitment to end poverty in the country. He said that the government has taken efforts to streamline poverty alleviation in the national development planning process to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

On the same occasion, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN System in Nepal, Mr. Robert Piper, addressed the gathering and highlighted the conscientious efforts of the UN System in adding value to the Government of Nepal's efforts in meeting the MDGs.

At another event held at the open theatre, eight Constituent Assembly members representing all parties, read the Stand Up pledge and proved that some issues are beyond and above politics.

Around 5,000 people enjoyed a musical program while urging their leaders to keep up to the promise of achieving the MDGs.

The swinging sounds of Bob Marley's “Stand Up” song joined children's voices in livening up the Rotunda, the circular entry hall of the UN headquarters in Vienna, at lunchtime on 16 October 2009.

Over 100 pupils with their teachers from four schools in Vienna, many of them dressed in red for the occasion, joined UN staff members to participate in the “Stand Up Against Poverty” campaign event at the Vienna International Centre, adding their voices to the millions standing up against poverty around the globe.

UNIS Director Maher Nasser reminded participants of the importance of reaching the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate extreme poverty, improve maternal health, achieve global primary education and work towards a sustainable environment.

Mr. Nasser read out the “Stand Up” pledge and invited participants to tie ribbons into symbolic knots to remind world leaders of the promises made at the Millennium Summit in 2000. The school children formed a large circle around the Rotunda and let a 'wave' of arms travel around it several times before squatting and then standing up in unison to show their support for the campaign.

Celebrations in Vienna continued until 17 September 2009 with a free concert of Brazilian music in the Museumsquarter organized by the NGO Global Responsibility.

On 16 October, students from the Buyuk Kolej and the Sabanci primary and junior high schools, together with representatives of the United Nations Association in Turkey, Youth Section, demonstrated their support to the “Stand Up Against Poverty” campaign at the event organized at ANKA Mall, one of Ankara’s largest shopping centers.
 
The event was jointly organized by the Turkish Foundation to Fight against Soil Erosion, Forestation and Preservation of Wild Life (TEMA), the Buyuk Kolej high school and the Sabanci high school with the support of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Ankara and United Nations Association in Turkey to promote both the United Nation’s “Stand Up Against Poverty” campaign and the World Food Day.
 
The UNIC Ankara Information Officer, Mr. Ahmet Parla, delivered a speech at the event emphasizing the importance of public support for UN initiatives to create a better world for all.