New York, 21 May 2007 – Today UNPO held a seminar at the UN headquarters in context of the ongoing Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which has just entered its second week of deliberations. Amongst the many topics discussed in the main hall of this UN meeting, the UNPO side-event was held upon the request of UNPO Members to provide some advice and guidelines in dealing with the media – and effectively promoting UNPO Member organisations’ causes, news and activities.

Several UNPO Members and other interested attended the session which covered do’s and don’ts, tips for effective relations with media, how to write a press release, language/style/content of news articles, planning of press conferences, warning of common pitfalls as well as strategic advice from experienced journalists and NGO campaigners. Seminar participants also received the UNPO draft Memo on Media Relations – intended as a handbook in writing press releases and dealing with journalists.

The topic of the seminar struck a positive tone of interest amongst participants at the Forum, and UNPO plans to hold similar future sessions at upcoming occasions, both at the UN and other locations. UNPO Members interested in the topic and more information are advised to contact Maria Skeie at the UNPO Secretariat (tel. +31 70 36 46 504).