UN creates computer games to boost knowledge of its activities

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has created three interactive games that allow the young - and the not so young - to increase their knowledge of the world body and sustainable development.

The computer programmes feature a "bug" which represents all the problems the UN struggles to resolve. Beating it in a frenetic race in the games, being released on CD-ROM this week, requires providing the right answers to questions that are accompanied by colourful images and sounds.

"How long is the term of the Secretary-General of the United Nations?" is one. "How many regional commissions does the United Nations have?" ask another. "When does World Environment Day take place?" a third poses.

Discovery of UN activities not only enriches knowledge, but reinforces the world body's initiatives, the ECE said, quoting Secretary-General Kofi Annan: "Much of our work here at the United Nations is aimed at giving you, the peoples of the world, greater power over your own lives and your environment. The better informed you are, the greater our chances of success."