193 'protesting snowmen' catch attention of WEF delegates

Image
Press Trust of India Davos
Last Updated : Jan 23 2015 | 9:10 PM IST
Campaigners at the WEF in Davos have created a field of 193 "protesting snowmen", each representing a nation, to demand action on poverty, inequality and climate change.
The unique initiative drew the attention of A-listers like billionaires Bill Gates, Richard Branson and singer Will.I.Am, among others.
The action/2015 campaign launched earlier this month, backed by over 1,000 organisations, with the goal of securing ambitious outcomes from key summits in the final months of 2015. It is underpinned by the belief that because of these summits, 2015 can be a transformative year in tackling poverty, inequality and climate change.
"These protesting snowmen send a very serious message in a light-hearted way. Like them, unless we seize the opportunities of 2015 they will simply melt away without a trace.
"The amazing support action/2015 has received this week from A-listers to locals shows the growing demands to make 2015 a transformative year on poverty, climate change and inequality," said Brendan Cox, Director of Policy at Save the Children and spokesperson for action/2015 in a statement.
Throughout the week hundreds of people supported the campaign by stopping by to see the snowmen or taking a #snowmanselfie including Chris Martin, Will.I.Am, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Amina Muhammed.
"According to new research, almost a billion extra people face a life of extreme poverty if leaders duck key decisions on poverty, inequality and climate change due to be taken at two crucial summits in New York and Paris later this year, with billions more continuing to face a life of hardship," the statement said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 23 2015 | 9:10 PM IST

Next Story