DESPITE NEW TECHNOLOGIES, WORLD STILL DEPENDS ON RADIO, COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TOLD AS IT CONCLUDES GENERAL DEBATE

6 May 1999

Press Release
PI/1134

DESPITE NEW TECHNOLOGIES, WORLD STILL DEPENDS ON RADIO, COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TOLD AS IT CONCLUDES GENERAL DEBATE

19990506 United Nations Should Continue To Strengthen Radio-related Activities, Committee Hears

Despite new technologies, the world still depended on radio for much of its information, and the United Nations should continue to strengthen its activities related to that medium, the Committee on Information was told this afternoon as it concluded its general debate.

During its two-week session, the Committee will continue its ongoing examination of United Nations public information policies and activities, as well as progress achieved by the United Nations system in the field of information and communications. Following its general debate on substantive questions, it will prepare and adopt its report to the General Assembly's fifty-fourth session.

The representative of the Netherlands, on behalf of the Western European and Other States Group, said radio still had a vast audience worldwide and the United Nations needed to look carefully at the opportunities radio provided for dissemination of the Organization's message. He noted, however, that the Department of Public Information (DPI) could not continue with its international radio broadcasting capacity pilot project until Member States gave some indication of their willingness to financially support it. However, the Secretariat should continue to look for the necessary finances and to continue to investigate the technical feasibility of the United Nations radio broadcasting capacity through contacts with Governments and broadcasters.

The DPI radio programmes should be carried out by the most effective delivery system and reach all corners of the world, the representative of China said. In a number of developing countries, radio waves could extend far beyond areas reached by other forms of media. His delegation was heartened to note that United Nations Chinese language programmes were delivered to major broadcasting stations in China, however, such efforts were hampered by resource constraints. The DPI should redouble efforts to strengthen its broadcasting capacity through soliciting contributions from Member States and resource relocation within the system.

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On the policy of integrating United Nations Information Centres and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) field offices, the representative of Egypt said the policy had not led to the desired results of presenting a unified image of the Organization or of enhancing information activities. It was clear that the steps taken so far in the integration process showed a need to redress the structural and administrative malfunctions that had resulted. The integration of the Centre in Cairo with the UNDP field office had resulted in weakened performance for a body that could have been a pivotal focus for the United Nations in the region.

A number of delegations called for greater parity of the six official United Nations languages in public information activities. The representative of Spain said multi-lingualism was important when presenting the image and reality of an Organization representing the entire world. The Organization's current expression, practically in a single language, did not represent plurality. Spain belonged to a linguistic group that was second worldwide in the number of Internet users. In that context, Spanish needed to be used, for example, on the Organization's web site, in official DPI press statements, in the texts of the Secretary-General's declarations and in the daily highlights.

Statements were also made by the representatives of: Indonesia, Tunisia, Cuba, Jamaica (for the Caribbean community), Ghana, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Cyprus, Argentina, Philippines, South Africa, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile and the Netherlands.

The Committee will meet again at 3 p.m. Monday, 10 May to continue its twenty-first session.

Committee Work Programme

The Committee on Information met this afternoon to continue its twenty- first session. It was expected to resume its general debate and consideration of substantive questions. It had before it the reports of the Secretary- General (documents A/AC.198/1999/2-8). (For further background, see Press Releases PI/1131 of 3 May and PI/1127 of 30 April.)

Statements

MAKARIM WIBISONO (Indonesia) said that, at a time when media technologies were opening up new vistas and horizons, the vast majority of peoples could not be deprived of the realities surrounding them, nor of the benefits that would accrue from a better quality of life. Ongoing struggles against poverty, pestilence, malnutrition and illiteracy were being waged by millions of people globally. If a more comprehensive mass-media coverage could be provided to those struggles, the world would be better informed and motivated to sustain efforts toward the attainment of common interests in economic progress and social emancipation.

He said that the Internet was the main theme that cut across all the Secretary-General's reports to the current session. His delegation recognized the role of the Internet as a means of information dissemination and communication. The Secretariat should, nevertheless, approach the issue in a cautious manner. The United Nations, after all, was like a chain -- it was only as strong as its weakest link, the developing countries. It was, therefore, encouraging that the role of traditional media was recognized by the Secretary-General. His delegation would like to make sure that imperative became a reality through concerted efforts.

In addition, he said, the Department of Public Information (DPI) should undertake a study on the fundamental impact of Internet technology on its public information activities. As the Internet compressed time and space, the United Nations could achieve direct contact with its constituents through Internet access.

MOHAMED SALAH TEKAYA (Tunisia) said that the opening of this session had coincided with the World Press Freedom Day, which allowed delegations to recognize and promote the principles of a free press. During this new era, Tunisia had stressed the role of free press in its national policies for development. There had been an increase in the number of newspapers, periodicals and broadcast enterprises over the last few years. The free media helped people to confront social and economic challenges, as well as to foster democracy.

Unfortunately, the achievements of modern technology had deepened the gap between developed and developing countries, he said. Developing countries

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were still unable to utilize the achievements of new technology to allow them to attain development and stability. United Nations public information activities should be taken with the speed and efficiency necessary to help the Organization emphasize its achievements. Efficient dissemination of information allowed world opinion to be mobilized in order to support United Nations objectives. United Nations Information Centres were an important source of communications for the United Nations around the world and efforts should continue to strengthen them.

In an era when the world was undergoing profound change, some were beginning to question the role of the United Nations, he added. In light of that situation, improving the image of the Organization was of even greater importance.

RAFAEL DAUSA CESPEDES (Cuba) said the more developments and advances that were made in the information and communication sector, the wider the technological gap between the developed and developing countries. Balance in the information dissemination process continued to be non-existent. Today's reality proved that while there was some talk about speeding up the development of the Internet and the most sophisticated communication means, others were still faced with high levels of illiteracy. The globalization of information and communication, while allowing for better interrelations between different countries, also facilitated the imposition of cultural schemes and information mechanisms that tended to cement patterns that were even more favourable to the interests of developing countries.

He said "if we seriously intend to achieve an information and communications new world order, we should first of all facilitate the technological and scientific advancements for developing countries which allows them not only to be passive users of modern information and communication means, but also to be an active counterpart in the development of these resources". The Organization's information and communications strategies must stress issues of vital interest for the majority of humanity. Cuba agreed that there was a need to diversify and technically develop the resources at the Organization's disposal. It wanted to emphasize, however, that the process could not be conducted at the expense of the reduction of traditional media like radio and television, which continued to be of vital importance for a substantial percentage of the world's population

He said that over 1600 hours of radio aggression originating in the United States were aired weekly in Cuba. Some of those programmes were sponsored by the United States Government which spent over $22 million yearly in electronic warfare against Cuba. Those radio and television broadcasts were not only an attempt against Cuba's sovereignty, but also against the most elemental norms of international law and regulations established by the International Union of Telecommunications' International Board of Registry of Frequencies. Such broadcasts manipulated and distorted his country's reality

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while openly promoting subversive, terrorist and violent acts of every kind. His country once more denounced that type of aggression.

PATRICIA DURRANT (Jamaica), speaking also on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including those States that were members of the Committee -- Belize, Guyana and Jamaica -- said it could not be overstated that developing countries were lagging behind in terms of access to information. The international community must, therefore, redouble its efforts to close that gap, not by slowing down the pace of progress, but by fuelling growth mechanisms for greater access to and use of tools of the information age among the developing countries. Information technology must be used to foster sustained economic growth and sustainable development through the establishment of viable information infrastructures, the use of cheaper and more accessible forms of information technology and by ensuring that there was a capacity among those countries to acquire information.

She said the following questions must be raised: how could a better culture of communication be brought about which would reinforce internally and externally, the reform process of the United Nations; how could there be effective coordination of the information systems within the United Nations so that they would have optimal effect on the wider society; what impact was the information having on the wider society; was the United Nations perceived as being close to the concerns of the people; and how did the Organization effectively tell its story? All those questions remained pertinent to the deliberations in the Committee. While it was appreciated that the experiences would differ from region to region, CARICOM delegations believed that attention should be focused on the coordination of information, particularly in those countries where there was no United Nations information centre.

She said the strengthening of the information component was necessary given the particular circumstances of the CARICOM region. It presently had one Centre which was located in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and which served some 14 Member States, as well as eight non-self-governing Territories spread over some 2,000 miles and separated by sea. "Our delegations share the concerns expressed by others, that the United Nations story was to a large extent not adequately disseminated to the man in the street", she noted. "Years of misinformation and misunderstanding have resulted in an unclear image of the United nations worldwide. That must be corrected."

JACK WILMOT (Ghana) said that, at the dawn of the next millennium, the world must acknowledge that its efforts at promoting the establishment of a more just and more effective world information and communications order had not been very successful. The international community was still confronted with the inequities and inequalities that distinguished the developed and the developing world. The developed countries were poised to enter the next century on the information highway, and the activities of the United Nations in that sector should aim at accelerating the process for promoting a culture

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of communications in the developing world that bridged the gap and, thus, fostered socio-economic development.

He added that the initiative towards the integration of the United Nations information centres with field offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), demonstrated recognition of the links between the need to establish the new international economic order and the new world information and communications order. Every effort must be made to ensure the successful integration of the two United Nations sectors, to strengthen overall information activity through collaborative partnership, particularly at a time of scarce resources. On the issue of language parity on the United Nations Web site, he said that such parity was desirable to make the Web site truly multilingual; however, the cost implications of that could not be overlooked during the current period of budget constraints.

FAYSSAL MEKDAD (Syria) said his delegation appreciated the work of Kensaku Hogen, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, in improving public information activities of the United Nations, especially in regard to his efforts to organize seminars and other such events in developing countries. That was important in training personnel in developing countries in the field of communications. There was a need to strengthen that type of activity, including through the dedication of financial resources. There was a need to maintain a balance in the transfer of information technology between developed and developing countries. Information was a tool for change in all areas of life -- it should strengthen freedom and speak out against injustice wherever it existed. Syria continued to strengthen the role information had to play in development. Through the media, Syria was trying to inform people on all questions that related to development.

On information activity at the United Nations, he said there was a need to emphasize the need to allow those to be heard who had no voice in international forums. It was essential in that regard to use information to fight foreign occupation and draw attention to those who did not respect international laws and regulations. It was important that public information activities at the United Nations follow the interests of Member States. Information should not reflect special interests or be contrary to the mission of the United Nations. In that regard, further reducing the budget of the DPI would have a harmful effect on the United Nations and the role it played in the world today.

MOHAMED ABDO AL SINDI (Yemen) said that, since its inception in 1993, World Press Freedom Day had been an opportunity to confirm the vital role of that particular form of freedom. His country, which followed a multi-party democratic process, attached great importance to freedom of the press as it could play a significant part in the political process and contribute to raising awareness of the need to advance development and democracy. The twenty-first century called for a continuation of the ongoing communications

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revolution. It had to be ensured, however, that developing countries were in a position to update their technology, that they did not miss out on developments taking place, and that they benefited from all the changes taking place.

He said the Secretary-General's report on integration of United Nations information centres and UNDP field offices confirmed the important role played by those centres in many countries. Regarding the Centre in his own country, he said there was a need to take fully into account the policies of the United Nations, those of the Centre, the views of the host country and the cost benefits when considering the integration of that Centre and others. It was important that the integrations have no negative effects on the work of the centres, he warned. He also stressed the importance of traditional media such as television, radio and print.

HOSSAM ZAKI (Egypt) said the Secretariat's approach to the proposed pilot project on United Nations international radio broadcasting was a matter of concern. The Secretariat had no difficulty in presenting three different options to develop the United Nations Web site and achieve parity between six official languages -- two of which cost more than half a billion dollars. It also found no difficulty in telling "us about updating its television technology to cope with analog technology". Yet, Member States, especially developing countries, found themselves faced with a sort of fait accompli "imposed on us" concerning the inability to proceed with the implementation of the pilot project. The argument was that it would cost $4 million -- that was based on a groundless and infeasible estimate. It was, therefore, regrettable that the Secretariat had reached that conclusion without consulting Member States, or at least those which had expressed an interest in the issue. He called on the Secretariat to implement the wishes of the general membership in that respect.

He said the integration of United Nations information centres with UNDP field offices had not led to the desired results, nor had it: achieved the desired goals of presenting a unified image of the Organization; enhanced the information activities; rationalized financial expenditures; or avoided duplication between the various organs of the United Nations. It was clear that the steps taken so far in the integration process showed an imperative need to redress the structural and administrative malfunctions that had resulted. The integration of the Centre in Cairo with the UNDP field office had resulted in a weakened performance for a body that could have been a pivotal focus for the United Nations in the region, he added.

MARIA ZOUPANIOTIS (Cyprus) said that, at a time when the United Nations credibility was seriously challenged, efforts to promote its public image as an indispensable instrument for international cooperation must be redoubled. In that regard, his delegation welcomed the increasing role of the civil society in the redissemination of the messages of the United Nations, as well

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as the role played by the Media Response Group for timely responses to misinformation or criticism of the United Nations in the media. Similarly, the United Nations information centres were vital mechanisms for keeping the world informed of the recent achievements and goals of the Organization and, at the same time, offer an objective picture of international events.

She said that the United Nations should continue its efforts through the DPI to meet its objective of increasing public awareness of United Nations issues. In that regard, there should be emphasis on such issues as: social and economic development; human rights and humanitarian law; gender equality and population; anti-personnel mines and their destruction; and the International Criminal Court. There should also be public information emphasis on peacekeeping operations, as well as international humanitarian efforts, to protect and assist refugees and displaced persons and focus on the global environment.

FERNANDO ENRIQUE PETRELLA (Argentina) said there was a trend towards improving and utilizing information technology to disseminate messages about the United Nations. All such messages should reflect a clear and unambiguous attitude and be disseminated to the maximum extent possible. The recent dedication of the United Nations Information Centre in Buenos Aires had been an important step because the Centre would be an effective tool for improving the image of the United Nations in Argentina. A higher category of professional staff for the Centre would be justified.

He added that there should be revision of the policy of coordinating the work of United Nations information centres and UNDP offices in the field to ensure that information was distributed adequately. The work of the two bodies was separate and should be treated as such. Restructuring information activities at the United Nations should in no way affect the Spanish and Portuguese radio broadcasts to the South American and Latin American region.

Language parity on the United Nations Web site was important, he added. In that regard, his delegation tended to favour proposal C of the Secretary- General's report on the topic. [By that proposal the Organization's Web site would be developed in all official languages, as staff and other resources permit.]

CHEN RANFENG (China) said that the United Nations Web site had been enriched last November with the addition of the Chinese and Arabic Web pages. That had been the first step towards the goal of achieving equal treatment of all six United Nations official languages. However, it was important to recognize that the current Chinese-language Web site was still far from satisfactory in both content and scale. That situation had directly affected the number of visits to the site, and, consequently, the dissemination of information on the United Nations. His delegation hoped that the DPI would put more effort in achieving parity for all official languages. More

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resources, including human resources, should be made available in the process, to effectively enlarge the Chinese-language Web page, so that it would be made an important channel to spread information on the United Nations.

He added that, in a number of developing countries, radio waves could reach areas far beyond areas reached by other forms of media. In that regard, DPI radio programmes should be carried out by the most effective delivery system. His delegation was heartened to note that Chinese language programmes were delivered to major broadcasting stations in China, as well as in North America, through electronic audio transfer; however, such efforts were hampered by resource constraints. In view of the fact that over 80 per cent of the Chinese population listened to radio on a regular basis, his delegation hoped that the DPI would take steps to increase resource allocation to Chinese programme production. Also, his delegation hoped that the DPI would redouble its efforts to strengthen the broadcasting capacity of United Nations radio. Besides soliciting contributions from Member States, resource relocation within the United Nations might also be necessary.

MARIA LOURDES V. RAMIRO LOPEZ (Philippines) said advances in communication technology, information processing and massive access to networked computers had resulted in global communication links that would "allow us to reach out to wider audiences", to activate debates at the local, national and global levels about issues before the United Nations and thereby strengthen commitments on all fronts. Full access by Parliament to information necessary for decision- making was, therefore, essential. If the United Nations was to achieve its strategic objectives, it would have to continue harnessing information and communication technological tools more efficiently and effectively. The Organization should promote the positive notion that information technology should be employed not only to promote peace, but also to lessen the disparities between the developed and developing countries.

She said the growing marginalization of developing countries in the information revolution appeared to be creating a new distinction for the "haves" and the "have nots". In helping to develop the capacity of developing countries in the information field, the United Nations should assist them in strengthening their respective national information systems. Strengthening of those systems might involve consideration of the following issues: the role of advertising in influencing attitudes and behaviour -- especially institutional and public service advertising; possible incentives to local media producers to develop and adapt more culturally appropriate programmes and, thus, reduce dependence on imported programmes; and supporting and strengthening the media community and communications technology at the grass- roots level.

ROB WENSLEY (South Africa) said that without a clearly planned strategy, the information revolution would widen the gap between the "information and technology rich" and the "information and technology poor". That would have

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the effect of creating the widest gap in history between "the haves" and "the have nots" -- a gap which would be impossible to narrow, let alone close. The impact of globalization in the sphere of trade and commerce, though adverse and severe at times, had, perhaps wrongly, resulted in the impression that the process was strictly an economic phenomenon. The fact was that information and communications technology, or the access thereto, if harnessed, could assist developing countries to accelerate their development programmes, not only in the fields of economic development, but also in a variety of sectors, such as education, health and medicine, as well as in management and good governance.

He said South Africa considered the development of telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas as one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for the African continent. Given that the vast majority of African people lived in rural areas, the challenge of benefiting from telecommunication development became even more of a priority. His Government intended to engage the United Nations in a discussion about the possibility and feasibility of installing a camera linked to the Internet inside the General Assembly Chamber so as to bring the live debates to schools in rural areas, which could participate by simply logging on to the United Nations web page.

He said policy development, strategic management and human resource development were vital if progress in the field of information and communications was to be made. At the same time, developing countries needed multilateral and bilateral support from developed countries in order to gain access to those technologies. The United Nations information centres also had vital roles -- those roles should be strengthened rather than diminished. South Africa also wanted to reiterate that, at a time when more "tele-linkage" with the world was needed, it was being diminished. Effective coordination remained the key to building a global information society, "particularly if we are to ensure a harmonized approach" and one in which one aspect was not sacrificed at the expense of the other.

MEHDI DANESH-YAZDI (Iran) said that measures taken to reorient the United Nations information and communications activities should not diminish its activities in areas of special interest to developing countries. Reform initiatives should be designed and implemented so as to curb the widening gap which existed between the developing and developed countries in the field of information, and should practically enhance the function of the DPI. To attain the information goals of the United Nations, the Department must take efforts to carry the message of the United Nations beyond its Headquarters. The messages disseminated must be the ones adopted by the General Assembly and other relevant intergovernmental bodies.

He added that the United Nations could play a central role in drawing international attention to issues of global concern, particularly those relating to development, poverty eradication and international peace and

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security. It was important to address those issues through cooperation and dialogue between and among various nations of the world community. The idea of dialogue among civilizations, as envisaged in General Assembly resolution 53/22 of 4 November 1998, purported to enhance interaction among people of diverse cultural and civilizational backgrounds for the cause of peace and prosperity. That idea deserved to be accorded due consideration by the DPI, in order to help promote understanding of that crucial concept.

PABLO MACEDO (Mexico) said he regretted the fact that the reports for the session had not been circulated sufficiently in advance. That problem had an effect on the quality of debates in the Committee. Communications technology was becoming increasingly important in world affairs. Unfortunately, in developing countries, the resources and technology needed to benefit from communications advances were not available. The United Nations had a responsibility to combat disparities in that regard and to help developing countries meet information technology challenges.

On creating language parity for the United Nations Web site, he said that option C of the Secretary-General's report on that topic appeared to be more realistic if budgetary restrictions were taken into account. Creating a strategy for the development of the Web site went beyond the setting out of priorities. It was important to take into account the resources and technological limits of developing countries. It would be pointless launching an ambitious project if countries did not have the necessary technology to benefit from additional services. In order to ensure broad dissemination of information, the technological problems of developing countries must be addressed.

HIRA B. THAPA (Nepal) said that, in any society, the free flow of information constituted an important attribute upon which to construct a social and political basis conducive to overall human development. In fact, for the pursuit of the noble goals set out by the United Nations Charter, the Organization's information policy was, perhaps, the only tool that could generate wider popular support for its activities, by creating an informed common public around the world. The mandate conferred by the General Assembly on the Committee on Information in 1979 had been envisaged in recognition of, among others, that simple truth. Utmost care must, therefore, be taken when selecting the mode of technology to disseminate information.

He said that any attempt by the United nations to face the enormous challenges in the next century without up-to-date and innovative measures would be a bare dream. His delegation believed that traditional means of communication, especially radio, should continue to receive high priority -- both in terms of lower cost and wider outreach in developing countries. His delegation did not feel encouraged by the conclusions reached by the Secretary-General in his report on the International Radio Broadcasting pilot project. Given the special importance attached to that project, Nepal would have appreciated speedier progress in its implementation.

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He said the acknowledgement that about 90 per cent of accesses to the United Nations Web site were from developed countries, indicated that today's unprecedented and fantastic achievement in the field of communication and information technology was itself a cause for the ever-widening chasm in the area of information between developing and developed countries. "It worries us not because we are against technological advancement, but because we have to be excluded from the services of the Organization by not being able to keep pace with the level of advancement", he said.

AGUSTIN GALAN MACHIO (Spain) said multilingualism was not only a question of principles, but also of effectiveness when presenting the image and reality of the United Nations as a plural organization that represented the world as a whole. In fact linguistic diversity reinforced the relevance of the role of the United Nations, not only because it allowed a greater richness in contributions to debates, but also because it facilitated a greater identification of the respective public opinions. The current expression of the Organization, practically in a single language, was offering an image that did not represent plurality.

Spain belonged to the European Union, which was currently carrying out an effort to maintain its own cultural plurality and richness, he said. That was represented by 11 different languages which were already present on the Union's Web site. That precedent could be useful as a reference for the DPI as it confronted the technical difficulties of the six-language project. His delegation belonged to a linguistic area that was the second worldwide in the number of Internet users. He, therefore, requested that Spanish be used on the Organization's Web site in official press statements by the DPI, in the daily briefing by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, in the texts of the Secretary-General's declarations, in the daily United Nations information highlights, as well as in other basic information and public materials.

MARCOS PRADO TROYJO (Brazil) said his country welcomed the recent appointment by the Secretary-General of Carlos dos Santos as Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Rio de Janeiro. His delegation placed great importance on traditional means of communications for spreading the message of the United Nations. Radio broadcasts were particularly useful in that regard, as they could bring the word of the Organization to the most remote areas of the globe in a very cost-effective manner. Brazil was particularly satisfied with the agreement signed by the Brazilian Public Radio Network and United Nations Radio, which allowed for information in Portuguese to reach a great number of listeners in Brazil through a "receiving network" that might congregate up to 200 radio stations nationwide.

On the content of the Web site, he said that efforts should be taken to make information more available in the field of treaties and other international agreements. Also, if the United Nations was to become a more democratic and

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transparent Organization, it must increase the availability of resolutions and statements at the Web site, as well as improve the site's user-friendliness. That measure would result in the growing availability of statements to the press, press highlights, as well as on-line briefings that increased visibility of the Organization.

EMILIA CASTRO DE BARISH (Costa Rica) said information disseminated by the DPI should cover all areas of United Nations activities. Often, the outcomes of major conferences did not receive the press they deserved, nor did the achievements of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other bodies. World press only reflected the failures and problems of the Organization. The DPI should address that in its work. It should also make sure that new information technologies were made available to developing countries.

She said her delegation had noted with concern that the Spanish section of the United Nations Web site was increasingly lagging behind and included much less information than the English and French sites. That problem should be addressed. Radio continued to be the best means of disseminating information in developing countries. For that reason, greater emphasis should be placed on the Organization's radio broadcasting capacity. Her delegation regretted that more progress had not been made on the pilot project for radio broadcasting, and it hoped that project would be started in the near future. While Costa Rica supported the integration of the United Nations information centres with UNDP sites in the field, it should be done with consideration of the needs of the local population.

JUAN LARRAIN (Chile) urged DPI to continue to improve its work on the United Nations web site. Radio continued to be the most important medium of communication and DPI should attach great importance to it, he said. The Organization's web page and radio service should increase the amount of information that was available in the Spanish language.

He said that in January 1996 when Chile had been a member of the Security Council, during informal consultations the situation in Somalia was being considered. Council Members had decided that the President should make a statement expressing concern and urging Somali leaders to carry out national conciliation measures. The pertinent question raised at that time by one delegate was "how can we get that message across to the Somali leaders"?

One position advanced had been, he continued, to seek the assistance of non-governmental organizations. Another suggestion had been to enlist the help of the United Nations agencies on the ground. Yet another option had been to enlist the BBC to broadcast the text to listeners in the area. He said his anecdote sought to highlight a current concern -- "how can we get the message of the United Nations across, particularly that of peace, to leaders in conflict areas"? The DPI had established cooperation with the Department

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of Peacekeeping Operations which was important in that respect. He had also heard mention of a similar cooperation between the Department and the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA).

He noted that the similarity of the contingency plans of peacekeeping operations should also lead to consideration of the possibility of the United Nations expanding information delivery in areas where conflicts were imminent or where there were possibilities of humanitarian or natural disasters. His delegation's ideas were based on the hypothesis that proper management would assist those suffering from the effects of conflict. It would also convey the ideas of the United Nations, including those of the Security Council and the Secretary-General. Chile's idea merited consideration as the Organization sought to save lives and build peace in areas of conflict.

PETER MOLLEMA (Netherlands), spoke on behalf of the Western European and Other States Group, including the European Union and its associated countries of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. He said that, notwithstanding other innovations, radio was still going strong -- it had a vast audience worldwide. It was important that the United Nations look carefully at the opportunities that medium provided for the dissemination of the United Nations message. It had been reported that DPI would not continue with the United Nations Radio broadcasting pilot project until Member States have given some indication of their willingness to financially support its implementation. He agreed with that conclusion. However, he asked the Secretariat to continue to look for the necessary finances and to continue to investigate the technical feasibility of United Nations Radio broadcasting capacity through contacts with governments and broadcasters.

The delegations he spoke for continued to support the steps of the Secretary-General and DPI to reform the dissemination of information by United Nations bodies, he said. In that regard, it supported the ongoing efforts to integrate the information offices of the United Nations with the field offices of UNDP. The objectives of that initiative, such as the enhancement of information in all areas, were as valid today as they had been seven years ago when the initiative had been launched. The effectiveness of the message of the United Nations would be increased through a single "United Nations House" and the intertwining of all aspects of the United Nations information package from its different branches. However, one prerequisite for the success of the project was a continuous dialogue between the United Nations Centres and their host countries.

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