United Nations: The State of Global Peace VR

In 2020, the United Nations (UN) published The 'State of Global Peace and Security', a report by the Secretary-General which examines major trends in international peace and security... Conflict, refugees, displacement, economic relations, inequality, climate change, technology, armed conflict and weapons are just some of the topics covered. The report is available to everyone, via the UN website. The UN's Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) Innovation Cell partnered with international experiential design studio SUPERBRIGHT to create a unique VR experience which brings the 2020 Peace Report to life and ensures its place as a vital component for future change. ‘State of Global Peace’ enables the user to inhabit the shoes of a prime minister who is preparing to deliver a high-profile speech at a virtual UN General Assembly. As the speech is about to begin, a group of students hijack the security system and take over the screens, demanding an exchange on key issues such as income inequality, disproportionate military spending, loss of biodiversity, and rising sea levels. All the student content in the experience was researched with real-life pupils of the United Nations International School in New York. The UN recognises the next generation’s role as central to shaping the future. The Innovation Cell partnered with SUPERBRIGHT to create this experience as part of its commitment to utilize new and emerging technology to empower the next generation into action for real change. The experience begins with a stark warning from UN Secretary-General António Guterres who declares that, “‘The Four Horsemen’ — epic geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, global mistrust, and the downsides of technology — can jeopardize every aspect of our shared future.” Young people today are realizing that they will be impacted more than any other generation by how our leadership deals with these threats. In a virtual Green Room we can watch a compilation of notable speeches given at the UN by influential figures such as Maya Angelou, Leonardo di Caprio, Angelina Jolie, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Emma Watson.