Lao PDR

UNDP News

17 October 2007

Concert Against Poverty:
Lao join world record attempt to stand up against poverty

Government ministers, children, diplomats, teachers, development workers, journalists, bankers, grandparents, street vendors, students, musicians – people from every section of Vientiane's diverse community - stood up together at a concert this evening (Wednesday, 17 October) to call for an end to poverty.

The Concert Against Poverty was organized by the United Nations in the Lao PDR and the Lao Government to mark the 20th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and featured two of Laos' most popular bands, the Cells and the Punky Dolls. The concert was aimed at increasing awareness of poverty and the urgent need to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) among Lao youth.

His Excellency Minister Onneau Phommachanh, Minister to the PMO and President of the National Committee for Rural Development and Poverty Reduction opened the concert to an excited crowd at the French Language Centre. The Minister reiterated the Lao Government's strong commitment to alleviating poverty and achieving the MDGs. He noted that during the past five years the government's investment in poverty alleviation activities reached 565.42 billion kip. These funds have been directed to building basic infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, rural electricity, schools, public health centers, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.

Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, congratulated the Lao Government for the excellent progress it has made in combating poverty in this country. But she noted that it is not the responsibility of the Government alone. “Poverty eradication requires all of us – the government, development stakeholders, the private sector, civil society and the general community – to honour our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals and to work together towards a world without poverty. It is our responsibility and our duty”, Ms Rana said during her brief but motivational speech. She encouraged the crowd to “stand up in solidarity with those who are less fortunate than us and join together to fight poverty”.

This plea was taken to heart with lead singer of the Cells, Sak, leading the crowd in a global world record attempt at the most people standing up at one time around the world against poverty. Getting everyone in the audience to raise their hands, Sak, had the enthusiastic audience shout “End poverty now!” and “Achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015!” During songs, both bands reminded the audience of the different ways to alleviate and avoid poverty, particularly emphasizing the importance of education.

The 650-strong crowd at the event is a clear indication that, at least in the Lao PDR, people from every section of the community are prepared to stand up and be counted on this important issue!

For a short video clip from the Cells performance during the Concert Against Poverty, click here.