NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS POPULATION EXHIBITS, DISCUSSIONS, PUBLICATIONS, VIDEO

19 June 1997

Press Release

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS POPULATION EXHIBITS, DISCUSSIONS, PUBLICATIONS, VIDEO

19970619 FOR SPECIAL SESSION ON AGENDA 21

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will present an interactive multimedia exhibit, sponsor a panel discussion, offer three new publications, and make available a 10-minute video on environmental and populations issues, as part of its contribution to next week's special session of the General Assembly on the implementation of Agenda 21 -- the programme of action of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)

On Monday, 23 June, at 2:45 p.m., UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Nafis Sadik will deliver opening remarks at the unveiling of the multimedia interactive exhibit entitled, "Population and Our World". It will allow viewers to explore aspects of population, reproductive health and the environment.

The exhibit consists of five modules, each of which is made of panels with backlit photographs, information and interactive games. They also include displays having moving parts. The modules were conceived as "hands- on/walk-through" displays, designed to enable viewers to make hypothetical choices, regarding population size, for example, and to see their environmental impact. The exhibit will be located in the neck area in the first basement of the United Nations Secretariat.

On Tuesday, 24 June, between 6:15 and 8 p.m., there will be a panel discussion on "Population, Women and Environment", featuring high-level government officials and leaders of non-governmental organizations. Its purpose is to increase understanding of the interaction of population pressures, poverty, gender discrimination and environmental degradation, and their effects on sustainable development. The panel will discuss practical ways of implementing policies and programmes to address those issues in a holistic manner. It will meet in Conference Room 3.

On Wednesday, 25 June, Dr. Sadik will address the plenary session of the General Assembly.

The UNFPA will be issuing three new publications for the occasion of the special session. They are: "Population in the 21st Century: UNFPA and Agenda 21"; "Population and Sustainable Development: Five Years after Rio"; and

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"Environment for People: Building Bridges for Sustainable Development". Copies of those and other related UNFPA publications will be made available at the exhibit opening and the panel discussion.

The Population Fund has also produced a 10-minute video news release for the broadcast media. It contains statements on environmental and population issues by prominent leaders, including Bella Abzug, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Women's Environment and Development Organization, and Claes Nobel, Chairman of United Earth. It also includes some video coverage of the 1992 Environment and Development Conference. Copies of the video are available to the electronic media.

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