The ‘White Band’ campaign was formally launched in Nepal amidst a function organised to mark the third `White Band day against poverty’ at Patan Museum, Patan Durbar Square on Saturday.

Chief guest Shalil Shetty, director of the UN Millennium Campaign, launched the White Band by putting it on the wrist of pop singer Lochan Rijal, who was recognized as the White Band Goodwill Ambassador of the Youth MDG Campaign in Nepal.

Addressing the function, Shalil Shetty emphasized the need for young people to be actively involved in the millennium campaign to realize the MDG’s (Millennium Development Goals) by 2015. Sharing his experience, Shetty said young people can help governments better reflect their ideas and aspirations in their plans and strategies to achieve the MDGs.

Basudev Neupane, an activist with the Global Campaign Against Poverty, shared his inspiration on how youths could bring about positive change in the society. He further added that Nepal being the country of young people should lead the campaign and incorporate stakeholders from all sections of the society to make it a success.

Singer Lochan Rijal said now he had added responsibility with him as the Goodwill Ambassador of the White Band Campaign. He said he would spread the message across the country through his songs and music.