Millions unite in appeal to PM Modi to commit to a better world order

New Delhi: Action/2015, the biggest campaign currently running world over, around humanity and environment preservation, today announced launch of a postcard campaign across India, wherein millions will send appeals to the prime minister, urging him to commit to deliver a post-2015 world order that is equal, just and secure for the people and the planet. Extensive online activities under the banner of #heatisON and #action2015 will be kicked off simultaneously to mobilize public and influence the leadership.

The massive action/2015 May mobilization campaign is being held to raise awareness about 2015 being a critical year for the people and the planet. Three crucial UN summits - UN conference on Financing for Development in July, the UN General Assembly in September and conference on Climate Change in December this year will result in formulation of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be a commitment by world leaders to end all forms of poverty, discrimination, and inequality and a crucial step towards a safer planet.

The postcard campaign will help the public by letting their voices be heard in the PMO, and will be followed by a series of press conferences at across states to share campaign highlights. (Visit facebook.com/action2015India for further details on the campaign and postcard activity)

Speaking for action/2015, Amitabh Behar, Indian anti-poverty activist said: “If we get this wrong, we could see the number of people living in poverty increase for the first time in our generation. But if we get it right – tackle poverty, inequality and climate change – we could be the generation to completely eradicate extreme poverty.”

action/2015 was announced by Malala when she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, and is today a coalition of over 1000 organizations in over 120 countries, rising in action worldwide in May 2015. Earlier this year, 31 global influencers including Aamir Khan, Bill Gates and several Nobel Laureates signed the open letter to world leaders positioning action/2015 agenda.

Announcing the campaign Malala Yousafzai had said, “People globally want an end to injustice, poverty and illiteracy. Our world is interconnected and youth are ready and mobilized more than ever to see real change take place. Together, we are demanding our leaders take action in 2015 and we must all do our part.”

In India, the campaign was launched in January 2015, in 15 states, wherein thousands of children and activists met political leaders and decision makers ranking from Lt. Governor to District Collectors all over India, including a meeting with Ms. Najma Heptulla, Hon’ble Union Minister of Minority Affairs. Several Indian celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Lisa Hayden among 12 others took to twitter and pledged support for action/2015.

The Indian coalition has been very strong and active with members like GCAP India, World Vision, Save the Children, NACDOR, Oxfam, Nine is Mine Campaign, World Vision, CSEI, Action India, NACDOR, National Social Watch, Climate Action Network, Restless Development, NCDHR, Youth Ki Awaaz, VANI, The YP Foundation and Pravah and many more.

Fifteen years ago, world leaders from 189 nations including India met and accepted 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), established by the United Nations to be achieved by 2015. The end of 2015 set the inception of a new set of goals known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are currently being drafted.