Secretary-General to connect with children in cyberspace

To help the United Nations get its finger on the pulse of what issues concern young people, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be answering questions posed by children on topics ranging from the world body to the global issues on its agenda, it was announced today.

Between 14 January and 31 March, students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools can send their questions to Mr. Ban via the UN Cyberschoolbus in a section called “Ask the Secretary-General.”

A selection of questions will be chosen, and his answers will be posted on the website.

This new initiative also seeks to make the UN more accessible to children by giving them the opportunity to pose questions directly to the Secretary-General.

“I earnestly hope that young boys and girls of today will grow up knowing that the UN is working hard to build a better future for them,” Mr. Ban said after taking the oath of office. “As Secretary-General, I will embrace their hopes and hear their appeals.”