Preparations Under Way in New York for UN4U — United Nations Day, 18 to 22 October

Every year since 2008, as United Nations Day approaches, a curious phenomenon has taken place.  United Nations officials have been spotted going over their notes, practising their speaking voices and reading the New York City subway map, all in preparation for a very special mission — a speaking engagement at a New York City high school!

Travelling far and wide — well, within the confines of New York City, anyway — scores of United Nations officials have visited local high schools in the five boroughs to tell young people about the work of the United Nations.  United Nations Day is once again being utilized as an opportunity to speak at public schools and to reach a large and impressionable young audience.  This year, from 18 to 22 October, approximately 51 schools are participating.  Among the speakers are Susana Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support; Gregory Starr, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security; and Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.  All speakers are being asked to mention in their remarks the Millennium Development Goals and the campaign to achieve them by 2015.

The lead-in to the UN4U activities began back in August, when principals of New York City public high schools were contacted regarding this project and encouraged to organize an assembly with a minimum of 100 students during the week leading up to 24 October, United Nations Day.  At the same time, United Nations staff members, including Under-Secretaries-General and Assistant Secretaries-General, were invited to participate in this year’s programme. 

This effort is both local and global.  The Information Centres Service has once again contacted all United Nations Information Centres and encouraged them to participate in this year’s UN4U campaign by having staff members, including senior officials, give presentations to students at local high schools, following the UN4U format.  All speakers will include in their remarks a focus on the Millennium Development Goals and the campaign to achieve them by 2015.

First, the speakers will give students an overview of the Organization and show a new, fast-paced video on how the United Nations helps people in need.  Then the students view a PowerPoint presentation on the work of the Organization in general, including its historical beginnings.  Speakers also share their personal experiences as United Nations staff members and interact with the students in a question-and-answer segment. 

This United Nations Day project, while spearheaded by the Outreach Division of the Department of Public Information, is being achieved as a result of the efforts of the three Divisions of the Department working towards a common purpose — reaching young people.  Through a tangible plan to connect United Nations staff with students on United Nations Day, this programme provides an opportunity to reach an important audience in a timely manner to further understanding of and appreciation for the work of the Organization.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record