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The world continues on a path of remarkable technological change in the communications domain. Witness the nature of public and online debate over elections held in countries as far apart as the United States, Moldova and Iran; while the inroads made by new media and social networking options have given millions immediate access to the latest-breaking developments from an array of communications sources.
“Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter have entered the lexicon of people from all walks of life,” remarked Kiyo Akasaka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. “At the UN, we are deeply conscious of the need to bridge the divide between those who do and do not always have the benefits of the latest technology, but also to participate in the dialogue that is taking place among those who are engaging via new modes of public discussion.”
In this densely-packed information environment, the UN's Department of Public Information (DPI) tries to bring attention to stories that have important implications for people in different parts of the world although they may not have become a hot topic of conversation on social networking sites or grabbed big media headlines. As part of this effort, DPI has just released a new list of Ten Stories the World Should Hear More About.
As in previous years, there are stories of compromises reached and crises averted, of problems that continue to plague some areas of the world (deepening insecurity in the Central African Republic, the plight of indigenous peoples in Colombia), and of those who continue to struggle to eke out a living (the long-term ripple effect of the food crisis). In addition, there are stories of advances made in human rights protection (the Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) and of international cooperation and consensus reached (on regulating space debris and cracking down on illegal container traffic).
This list does not reflect the full range of issues on the United Nations agenda nor is it intended to encompass the Organization's priorities.
For those seeking additional information about the specific stories, DPI has provided web links and contact details for UN focal points. On general issues related to the project, as well as requests for interviews, additional photos or B roll footage, please contact Anjali Das, tel.: 1 212 963 0072.