UNITAR’s UNOSAT programme is prominently featured in a new publication on the role of information and social networks in emergencies and conflicts. The report looks at innovative solutions throughout the disaster cycle, from emergency preparedness and alerts to recovery and reconstruction.

Mr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Director of UNITAR and Director of the UN System Staff College was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as a member of the Governing Board of the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) for the year of 2009. He recently attended the 48th IIEP Board meeting, in Paris, France, from 9 to 11 December, 2009.

More than 4,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and consequent floods in Uruguay during the second half of November. UNOSAT was requested by UNDP to provide satellite imagery maps and analyses to assist the UN Country Team as well as national actors. The most affected area was in the province of Artigas on the border with Brazil.
 

From Darfur, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia, to the Middle East, Central Asia, East Timor and Haiti, the heads of the United Nations Peace Operations from around the world gathered in Switzerland 21 to 23 November for the annual Seminar for Special and Personal Representatives and Envoys of the Secretary-General organized by UNITAR in association with the UN System Staff College. The overall purpose of the Seminar is to refine UN practice and enhance the work of UN Peace Operations around the world.