NEWS campaigns
Key events
The Big NoiseLaunched in April 2002, the Big Noise is a worldwide petition that calls for governments to help end unfair trade practices. By the end of 2005, some 17.8 million signatures have been received. Desmond Tutu was the honorary 1 millionth signee to the petition in 2003. Other celebrities who have lent their names to the petition include the Dalai Lama, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and musicians Bono and Coldplay; specifically Chris Martin who would, before performing on stage, draw an equal sign (mistaken by many to be a tattoo) on his hand. However, this could also be a reference to the Human Rights Campaign. The petition was also coupled with a popular photo campaign, where celebrities were "dumped" with various crops and foodstuffs to highlight the practice of dumping, which some perceive to be unfair. Colin Firth, Thom Yorke, Jamelia, and Haile Gebrselassie were a few of the celebrities to take part in this venture.