UNITED NATIONS, New York — The global website of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has just been announced as the recipient of multiple honours presented by the 21st Annual Webby Awards.

UNFPA.org has been recognized as an honouree in the category “Best Activism Website.” In addition, its photo feature, 16 girls, 16 stories of resistance, has been nominated in the category of “Best Use of Photography on a Website.”

The UNFPA website raises awareness of the human rights and reproductive health needs of women and girls around the world, particularly that sexual and reproductive health problems are a leading cause of death and disability for women in developing countries. It also showcases how UNFPA is working in more than 150 countries and territories to meet health needs and to advance human rights. These areas host more than 80 per cent of the world population.

The nominated photo feature highlights one programme, in particular, that helps girls avoid child marriage in Niger, home of one of the highest rates of such marriages in the world.

The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, celebrate excellence on the Internet and are considered the “Internet’s highest honour.”
“Nominees like UNFPA are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said David-Michel Davies, Executive Director of The Webby Awards. “It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 13,000 entries we received this year.”

As a nominee, UNFPA is now eligible to win a People’s Voice Webby, which is awarded based on votes online. Internet users can cast their votes here before 20 April.

***

For more information, please contact:
Omar Gharzeddine:  Tel:  +1 212 297 5018; gharzeddine@unfpa.org