Global citizen: get on UN YouTube and tell world leaders how to save the planet

The United Nations today harnessed the powers of cyberspace to enable the ordinary global citizen to join the scores of presidents, kings and other leaders now gathered at the General Assembly in proposing solutions for the planet’s problems.

Starting today and running until 10 October, coinciding with the Assembly’s General Debate, people everywhere can directly engage with decision makers by uploading video messages on the UN YouTube channel as part of the “Citizen Ambassadors to the United Nations” campaign.

Launched by the UN Department of Public Information, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for world citizens, youth in particular, to make their voices heard during the General Assembly by responding to the question: “If you had the opportunity to speak to the world leaders, what would you say?”

Videos featuring Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and high-profile celebrities, including UN Messenger of Peace George Clooney, allow UN YouTube users to reply with their own video message on how to create “a better, safer world” by 10 October.

The best five video finalists will be designated “Citizen Ambassadors” and invited to UN Headquarters on the 64th UN Day, 23 October, when they will take a special guided tour, have their photo taken with Mr. Ban and receive VIP seating at the UN Day Concert.

The campaign is the latest in a series by the UN to use the power of the Internet and online social networking to increase awareness of the work of the Organization and engage a new generation of world citizens in the importance of international diplomacy.

These initiatives include the “We Must Disarm” campaign, which uses the online social networking sites, Twitter and Facebook, to disseminate information about nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The UN YouTube Channel can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/unitednations