51³Ô¹Ï

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Book review
51³Ô¹Ï at a Glance

by the Department of Public Information of the 51³Ô¹ÏÌý

51³Ô¹Ï, New York, NY, USA, 2013; 217 pp; pb $20

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1675","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"285","style":"width: 190px; height: 285px; float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"190"}}]]Ever wanted to get a quick snapshot of what the 51³Ô¹Ï is all about, from both a historical and current perspective? A new guide, 51³Ô¹Ï at a Glance, might just be what you have been waiting for. The book delves into the work of the global body on issues ranging from international peace and security, to economic and social development, to human rights and humanitarian work. It uses examples extracted from real life situations and events in which the UN was either directly involved or played a vital role.

Illustrated and enhanced with compelling stories from around the world, this guide contains historical information on how and why the UN came into existence; how it evolved from an ancient philosophical idea and a nascent war time alliance into the largest grouping of nations the world has ever known, and explains why it has become so essential to the everyday lives and livelihoods of millions around the world.

In straightforward language, 51³Ô¹Ï at a Glance explains what the UN does, how and where it does it and with what financial and material means, who the actors are, when and where historical milestones occurred, and the objectives that will continue to warrant UN support in the years to come.

The guide is primarily intended to serve as an educational resource. It contains up-to-date and factual information about the principal organs of the UN as well as its specialized agencies, funds, programmes, institutes and other entities. It illustrates how the global body responds to the major contemporary challenges posed by the global financial crisis, food insecurity, terrorism, climate change, natural disasters, intolerance, poverty, and epidemics, by promoting the universality of human rights, peace and security for all, sustainable development, respect for the rule of law, and education for all.

51³Ô¹Ï at a Glance also contains rich statistics, questions and answers, quick references to online resources, information about UN members and international observances, as well as its network of information centres.

For anyone who wants to know more about the world’s foremost intergovernmental organization, 51³Ô¹Ï at a Glance is certainly the right place toÌýstart. It complements other UN flagship publications such the Yearbook of theÌý51³Ô¹Ï and Basic Facts about the 51³Ô¹Ï.


African Theatre 9: Histories 1850-1950, eds. Martin Banham, James Gibbs and Femi Osofisan (James Currey, Oxford, UK, 2010; 199 pp; pb $29.95)

Art and Trauma in Africa: Representations of Reconciliation in Music, Visual Arts, Literature and Film (International Library of Cultural Studies) by Lizelle BisschoffÌýand Stefanie Van de Peer (I. B. Tauris, London, UK, 2013; 264 pp; hb £59.50)

The Challenges of Administrative Political and Developmental Renewal in Africa: Emerging Issues by John W. Forje (Nova Science Publishers, New York, New York, USA, 2009; 216 pp; hb $69; pb $43)

Challenges of African Transformation, eds. Angathevar Baskaran,ÌýMammo Muchie (Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, 2013; 232 pp; £22.95)

China and Angola A Marriage of Convenience? eds. Marcus Power, Ana AlvesÌý(Fahamu Books, Oxford, UK, 2013; 192 pp; pb £16.95)

Colonial Meltdown: Northern Nigeria in the Great Depression by Moses E. Ochon (Ohio University Press, OH, USA, 2012; 272 pp; pb $24.95)

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A Comprehensive Tax History of Nigeria, eds. Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria (Safari Books, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, 2012; 298 pp; pb £34.95)

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The Dying Sahara US Imperialism and Terror in Africa by Jeremy Keenan (Pluto Press, London, UK, 2013; 352 pp; pb £17.50)

The Ewe People: A Study of the Ewe People in German Togo by Jakob Spieth (African Book Collective, London, UK, 2011; 980 pp; pb £59.95)

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The Global Hunger Crisis Tackling Food Insecurity in Developing Countries by Majda Bne Saad (Pluto Press, London, UK, 2013; 312 pp; pb £19.50)

The Hard Road to Reform: The Politics of Zimbabwe’s Global Political Agreement, ed. Brian Raftopoulos (Weaver Press, Harare, Zimbabwe, 2013; 282 pp; pb £20.95)

The Horn of Africa: Intra-State and Inter-State Conflicts and Security, ed. Redie Bereketeab (Pluto Press, London, UK, 2013; 272 pp; pb £21.99)

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