DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION LAUNCHES NEW UNITED NATIONS INTERNET HOME PAGE
Press Release
PI/972
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION LAUNCHES NEW UNITED NATIONS INTERNET HOME PAGE
19960919 The Department of Public Information (DPI) is launching today the new United Nations Home Page on the Internet World Wide Web. The enhanced and improved United Nations Web Site contains a redesigned Home Page, as well as a host of new information materials set up under five thematic categories: peace and security; economic and social development; international law; human rights; and humanitarian affairs.A series of quick access points will lead the user to detailed information on a number of topics including the various bodies of the United Nations, news items, documents and audio-visual services. In addition, a hot- linked map of United Nations Web sites around the world will provide connections to United Nations offices and agencies in various locations, including Geneva, Paris, Vienna and Tokyo.
United Nations news items and documents are available online in DPI press releases, including the Daily Highlights, which is available online before the printed version. The Journal and the daily list of documents are also featured on the Web site. Permanent missions in New York, members of the media and individuals with access to the Internet around the world can now access those documents within minutes of posting.
The Publications and Sales area of the site has been augmented to include detailed listings of available sales publications, as well as placing orders online. More maps, statistical data and crosslinks make the entire site more organized and user-friendly. In order to maximize on-line connect- time for users, efforts have been made to downsize graphics wherever possible, so that the pertinent information can be retrieved as quickly and easily as possible, even with a relatively low-speed connection.
All available databases have been incorporated in the enhanced search function, enabling the user to conduct a range of searches from system-wide to very specific. The "help" facility has been expanded to provide additional on-line help on the search function.
The United Nations entered the information superhighway on 24 June 1995 with the pilot project on the World Wide Web. Since then the project has greatly enhanced the range and scope of materials made available. A new area
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in French has been added to the Web site and links to some United Nations sites in Spanish are in place.
The entire Home Page has been designed in-house by an interdepartmental working group with staff from various departments cooperating to edit and process material for the site. The DPI coordinates and maintains the Web site with the technical cooperation of the Electronic Services Division of the Office of Conference and Support Services.
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