On March 17, the United Nations held a discussion with the cast and creators of Battlestar Galactica that dealt with, among other things, human rights, race, and the reconciliation of people of different religions.
Of course, this a very high honor for the series, and for sci-fi nerds everywhere (myself included). But it is more than that.
This event was part of the UN Department of Public Information’s new Creative Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI). The CCOI has also granted access for Law and Order: Special Victims Unit to film at UN Headquarters in New York (this has never happened before, apparently). From the press release
As one of the launch projects of the Creative Community Outreach Initiative, this event will show how skilful storytelling can elevate the profile of critical humanitarian issues,” said Kiyo Akasaka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. “Not only does it present an opportunity for creative discussion, but, more importantly, it offers a chance to deliver a message about the many harsh realities that still exist worldwide.
While it may be that the CCOI is little more than a glorified PR campaign, I think there’s some potential for a real exchange of information. The fact that their first two events were so different is a good sign.
The opening of their doors for the creative community, they’ll allow programs and other works of art that seek the knowledge or history of the UN to understand the UN in new way. Their invitation to the creators and stars of Battlestar Gallactica was a humble admission that they do not have the answers, and that the people who use the arts two wrestle with difficult issues have knowledge from which they might benefit.
Yes, this two way street is very promising. But what is not so promising is the dirth of information about this initiative. The pdf I linked to above is really all I was able to find, aside from mentions of the program here and there in press releases about the Battlestar Galactica event.
There are a few video clips from the BSG event, and I’ve heard rumors that the whole event will be available at some point. In the mean time, here’s what the UN released from the event:
What do you think?













