UN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION LAUNCHES ENHANCED CIVIL SOCIETY WEB SITE

Press Release
PI/1175

UN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION LAUNCHES ENHANCED CIVIL SOCIETY WEB SITE

The United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) is pleased to announce the launch today of an enhanced Civil Society Web Site on its Internet Home-Page. The objective is to offer a highly informative site with easily accessible data on 40 major issues facing the United Nations. This enriched source of information about the United Nations is being launched to coincide with the DPI/NGO Annual Conference.

The Civil Society Web Site can be accessed through the UN Home Page:

Click on the Civil Society /Business button.

The new site provides issue-based information on the work of the United Nations, its agencies, funds and programmes. The statements of the Secretary-General and the Deputy-Secretary-General on United Nations priorities are also accessible by theme. The site explains how non- governmental organizations qualify for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) or can become associated with the Department of Public Information.

It links the interested users with United Nations Depositary Libraries and United Nations Associations worldwide; with United Nations Information Centres and the Web sites they have created at the local level to disseminate information on the work of the United Nations. Young people can be linked directly with CyberSchoolBus and Model UN projects.

Calendars of events and Non-Governmental Organizations Directories, as well as United Nations system publications on specific issues on the agenda of the General Assembly can all be accessed in a user-friendly way.

Users are encouraged to send their comments or practical suggestions to feedback-dpi@un.org, which will allow the Department to continuously improve the site in response to their needs.

* *** *