The Department of Public Information has embarked on two new youth-related projects which will culminate in separate but simultaneous events, with the Global Model United Nations Conference convening from 5-7 August in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Youth Assembly at the United Nations taking place at New York Headquarters.

Young people have unprecedented freedom to explore and learn about the world via the Internet, yet hateful online content and cyberbullying are a constant threat. Such harassment can have disastrous results including stress, poor grades, inability to cope with the pressure and even suicide. In the context of its Unlearning Intolerance Seminar Series, the United Nations Department of Public Information is organizing a seminar titled “Cyber Hate: Danger in Cyber Space".

In recognition of World Environment Day, a photographic exhibition titled “Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic” will open at a ceremony and reception on Thursday, 4 June, at 7 p.m. in the North-East Gallery of the Visitors’ Lobby. It will remain on display until 12 July.

The graduation ceremony for the United Nations International School’s (UNIS) Class of 2009 will take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 28 May, in the General Assembly Hall.

In observance of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a multimedia exhibit entitled "Women in Peacekeeping: The Power to Empower" will open with a formal ceremony on Friday, 29 May, at 2 p.m. in the South Gallery of the Visitors Lobby.

Hip-hop pioneer and renowned celebrity Russell Simmons will be confirmed as Goodwill Ambassador for the Permanent Memorial at the United Nations to honour the victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade at a Headquarters ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 20 May. The hour-long ceremony will double as the official launch of the Trust Fund for the Permanent Memorial to one of the most profoundly tragic periods in the history of humankind.

An art and photographic exhibition created by indigenous people from around the world will open with a formal ceremony and reception on Tuesday, 19 May, at 6:15 p.m. in the Main Gallery of the Visitors’ Lobby. It will remain on display until 30 June.

Mayors and representatives from major world cities will meet to consider how better infrastructure planning could help achieve sustainable urban development, on 13 May at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The first annual forum jointly produced by the United Nations Department of Public Information and the Independent Filmmaker Project ‑‑ entitled “Envision: Addressing Global Issues through Documentaries” ‑‑ will take place 14-15 May at the Directors Guild Theatre in New York City.

3 April 2009

Press ReleaseNote No. 6199

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Note to Correspondents

PHOTO EXHIBITION TO MARK FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF RWANDA GENOCIDE

 

OPENS AT HEADQUARTERS, 7 APRIL