Haigazian Students Speak Out against Poverty and Inequality

Haigazian University
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Mexique Street, Kantari, Beirut
P.O.Box. 11-1748
Riad El Solh 1107 2090
Tel: 01-353010/1/2
01-349230/1

Haigazian University Students Stand Up and Speak Out against Poverty and
Inequality

Beirut, October 17, 2007- On the occasion of the International Day for
the Eradication of Poverty, Haigazian University students, staff and
faculty stood with millions around the world, to show their commitment
to the fight against poverty and inequality.

This symbolic gesture started with a word from the Student Life
Director, Antranig Dakessian, who presented the Millennium Development
Goals, set by the UN to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy,
environmental degradation and discrimination against women. "The
Millennium Development Goals are challenges that have triggered the
attention of the aware masses and particularly the youth of the
universe", Dakessian said.

The President of the University Rev. Paul Haidostian, talked about the
justice in the world and economic justice in the Middle East.

"Economic justice is rarely a topic of discussion in our midst, and in
the political circles of our countries. It has proven to be unpopular
and uncomfortable to say that the rich, the rich countries, foundations,
companies, individuals have much to do and give in order to solve the
problems of poverty, and that the strong have much to give away to
empower the weak", Haidostian said.

He also highlighted on the ethical standards for combating poverty. "The
rich cannot use or abuse their positions of privilege and think about
supporting the poor as a means to more control of wills and minds. They
should rather see in economic justice a manifestation of life in its
best reality as God intended it to be", Haidostian concluded.

At the end of the program, students, faculty and staff, stood up and
joined in solidarity with people from over 100 countries and pledged,
"today, and every day, we will stand up and speak out against poverty.
We will continue the fight against poverty and inequality and to hold
our leaders to their promises. We are asking not for charity but for
justice. We are millions of voices standing in solidarity to say, no
more excuses – end poverty now".