Note to Correspondents

Photo Exhibit ‘Visual Voices:  Youth Perspectives on Global Issues’

 

on Display at Headquarters to Mark International Youth Year

 

An exhibition of youth photographs entitled, “Visual Voices:  Youth Perspectives on Global Issues” will open in the South Gallery of the Visitors’ Lobby at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, 12 August to mark the International Year of Youth.

The exhibit, which will remain on view until 10 September, displays 48 photographs chosen from a selection of over 2,500 photographs from 108 countries.  The photographs depict three themes:  climate change; governance; and gender.  The exhibit also features interactive elements such as a video booth, a cut-out photo opportunity to send your message to the United Nations Secretary-General, and a scavenger hunt activity.

In December 2009, the United Nations passed the resolution for the commemoration of the International Year of Youth and chose “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding” as its theme.  The resolution was adopted by the United Nations with the intention of encouraging Governments, civil society organizations, communities and individuals alike to design activities that celebrate youth participation, while enhancing intercultural dialogue and understanding among youth.  The Year also encourages young people to dedicate themselves to fostering progress, including the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and to devote their energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the promotion of intergenerational and cultural understanding.

This commemorative exhibit is sponsored by the international children’s charity Plan, in partnership with the United Kingdom-based photography company Shoot Experience, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.  For over six years, Plan’s Youth United for Global Action (YUGA) programme team has been working with youth from around the world to promote understanding through personal dialogue.

For more information on United Nations exhibitions, call Jan Arnesen at tel.:  212 963 8531 or Liza Wichmann at tel.:  212 963 0089.

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For information media • not an official record