Note to Correspondents

un to spotlight 10 stories world ‘should know more about’

at headquarters press conference 30 april

To spotlight some of the important international issues and developments that often do not get sufficient media attention, the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) is today launching a new initiative, presenting a list of “Ten Stories the World Should Know More About”.

This list, to be presented at an 11:15 a.m. press conference at United Nations Headquarters in New York by Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, includes a number of humanitarian emergencies, as well as conflict or post-conflict situations, and spans other matters of concern to the United Nations, although it by no means encompasses all of the many issues before the Organization.

The ten stories are not ones that have never been reported, but they are often second-rung issues that need more thorough, balanced and regular attention.  Mr. Tharoor will stress that the list itself is a snapshot of the most compelling stories that, at this point in time, DPI believes are in need of more intensive reportage.  He will also stress that the ranking does not necessarily reflect any order of importance.  “Our number one story is merely the first among equals”, Mr. Tharoor will point out.

The launch will take place on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, and Mr. Tharoor will stress that the goal of the initiative is to engage the media in a partnership to bring attention to critical issues.  To this end, the staff of DPI and of the United Nations offices and agencies concerned will be available to work closely with interested media to help cover the stories.  DPI will provide contact information about United Nations focal points for the stories, and is launching a special page on the United Nations News Centre Web site (www.un.org.news) devoted to the ten issues.

For more information, contact Mita Hosali (212) 963-1333; Anjali Das

(212) 963-0072.

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