Question

In this task, you will develop a press release about one of the issues from task 1. Your release doesn’t need to highlight every agency involved, but make sure that it summarizes the actions being taken by at least two UN agencies working on the issue. Your press release should include the following pieces of information: a short explanation of the issue, including why it’s important and how it came about at least two visuals that are relevant to or describe the problem (an image, a chart, or a graph) a short explanation of the activities being undertaken by at least two UN agencies that have been assigned to resolve the issue a conclusion that encourages the Security Council to continue supporting the work of the agencies Keep these suggestions in mind as you write your press release: Keep your press release short and to the point. It should call attention to any event or information that the individual or organization thinks is important. Include the date of the release in the upper-left corner. For example, “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Month, day, and year.” Give your press release an attention-grabbing title. For example, you may write, “UN Calls for International Cooperation in Combatting Global Terrorism.” Write a headline that makes your audience curious to know more about the issue you chose. Write a first sentence that makes people want to keep reading. The first paragraph of your press release should cover the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the event or subject you’re trying to promote. Make sure that you use active verbs. That will help you direct the attention of your audience to your subject. Your subject should be clear and stand out to your audience. Start with the main facts. Add the details as you go along. Write in the third person, and include a fictitious quotation from a UN staff member. At the end of your first page write more, end, or the symbol ###. These words or the symbol informs the reader that the text continues on the next page. Center the word or the symbol you decide to use. Limit your release to 300 to 450 words.

Proofread everything at least twice, and have a classmate, peer, or friend proofread it as well. Make sure your release is well organized and concise.
Look at this example of a UN Press Release for further guidance.
Submit your completed press release along with this activity.

Answer 1

UN Agencies Collaborate to Address the Growing Issue of Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans

New York, USA - Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue that threatens the health of our oceans and marine life. Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enters the world's oceans, which can harm marine animals and ecosystems, disrupt food chains, and impact human health. The issue has come about due to the increase in plastic production and consumption, and the lack of effective waste management and recycling infrastructure in many countries.

The United Nations (UN) recognizes the urgency of this issue and has taken steps to address it. Two UN agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are collaborating to develop and implement solutions to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans.

UNEP has launched the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to engage governments, businesses, and individuals to take action on reducing the production and use of single-use plastics. The campaign has already garnered commitments from more than 60 countries, including measures to ban or reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management, and promote recycling.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2023

UN Agencies Collaborate to Address the Growing Issue of Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans

New York, USA - Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue that threatens the health of our oceans and marine life. Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enters the world's oceans, which can harm marine animals and ecosystems, disrupt food chains, and impact human health. The issue has come about due to the increase in plastic production and consumption, and the lack of effective waste management and recycling infrastructure in many countries.

The United Nations (UN) recognizes the urgency of this issue and has taken steps to address it. Two UN agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are collaborating to develop and implement solutions to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans.

UNEP has launched the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to engage governments, businesses, and individuals to take action on reducing the production and use of single-use plastics. The campaign has already garnered commitments from more than 60 countries, including measures to ban or reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management, and promote recycling.

FAO is also taking action on this issue, as it is essential for maintaining healthy fisheries and aquaculture sectors. It has developed guidelines for the management of fishing gear, which is a significant source of plastic pollution in the oceans. These guidelines promote the responsible use, recovery, and recycling of fishing gear to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.

“Plastic pollution in our oceans is a serious threat to the health of our planet and the well-being of communities that rely on the oceans for their livelihoods. The UN agencies are working together to develop solutions that will reduce the production and use of plastics, improve waste management practices, and promote recycling. We urge the Security Council to continue supporting these efforts to protect our oceans and the species that inhabit them,” said a UN staff member.

The UN calls on all governments, businesses, and individuals to join the fight against plastic pollution and take action to reduce plastic waste in our oceans. Together, we can protect our oceans and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

Visuals:

An image of plastic waste in the ocean.
A graph showing the increase in plastic production and consumption over