Zurich/Switzerland, Oct. 27, 2008—More countries than have ever participated in an international event, campaign or other initiative are now part of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign. This is the latest record-breaker for New7Wonders, which already hosted the first-ever worldwide election in which more than 100 million votes were cast. Over one billion votes are predicted to be cast in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign.
434 nominees from 223 countries
There are 434 nominees now competing for a spot amongst the 21 Finalists, to be announced in July 2009, and ultimately for the honor of being one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature. As of January 1, 2009, only one national nominee per country will continue to the next stage—the one with the most votes.
223 countries is more countries than there are:
- competing in the 2008 Olympics (204);
- with a Google search site (165);
- where Coca-Cola is sold (194);
- with a McDonald's (111);
- participating in the 2010 World Cup (206);
- in the United Nations (192).
A platform empowering the globe’s citizens, across all boundaries
In recognition of the campaign’s unprecedented reach, New7Wonders Founder and President Bernard Weber says, “New7Wonders is proud of connecting more people than any other initiative in history. The response of people on all continents and from all socio-economic groups shows the desire to come together for a positive cause. In times of economic turmoil, this underlines that people are more than mere consumers, investors or debtors—they are global citizens celebrating our shared planet.”
New7Wonders aims to foster global dialogue through the New7Wonders campaigns.
The Official New 7 Wonders of the World were declared in Lisbon on 07.07.07 thanks to more than 100 million votes from around the world.
The first stage of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign ends on Dec. 31. The 21 Finalists, chosen from the Top 77 nominees based on global voting, will be revealed in July 2009. The Official New7Wonders of Nature will be declared in 2010.
The New7Wonders Foundation is a Zurich-based non-profit organization.
Contact: Tia B. Viering: tia@n7w.com, Tel: +32-2-503-4767 or +32-473-79 57 53 (mobile)
