"NOELEEN HEYZER"

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

At a recent meeting in Bangkok, ministers from across the Asia-Pacific region discussed how to keep the economic crisis from becoming a food crisis for millions of its people. One shared concern was that political unrest could spread across the region if governments are not able to ensure the food security of their citizens. UNTV

By 2030, the Asia Pacific region will account for half the world's energy demand. To meet it, countries in this region will need to ensure that supplies are available, affordable, and sustainable. Cleaner and more efficient technologies will be needed to stave off dire environmental consequences – while maintaining economic growth. UNTV

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived to work today in a short-sleeved shirt, no tie, and spoke to reporters to launch his "Cool UN" campaign. Thermostats in the historic Secretariat building will be turned up by five degrees for a month-long trial in August, as part of an initiative to save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions produced by air-conditioning. UNTV

Among the world's 15 major contributors to green house gas emissions, seven are nations within the Asia Pacific Region and most have no reduction obligations under the current Kyoto Protocol. Now, some countries are initiating a 'Green Growth' approach aimed at putting environmental issues at the forefront of policy decisions and to eradicating poverty in the region without compromising the environment. ESCAP

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro addresses a ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. UNTV

UNIFEM Executive Director says The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women could disburse $3.5 million this year — almost twice the amount from last year. UNTV / UNMIS / IRIN

United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Good Will Ambassador and actress Nicole Kidman meets with victims of sexual violence, war widows, and women searching for missing family members. UNIFEM / UNMIK

Paying tribute to three decades of work by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Goodwill Ambassador and internationally renowned actress Nicole Kidman hosted a gala in New York honouring Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President and CEO of Federated Department Stores, Inc. UNIFEM /UNIFEED

United Nations Development Fund for Women today appointed Nicole Kidman, Academy Award winning actress, as its Goodwill Ambassador to help the organization champion women's rights and improve women's lives. UNIFEM / FILE