03/06/15

Setting a post-2015 agenda through virtual reality

The event hosted a virtual reality set, a data-visualisation installation, and a photography exhibition.

Paola Di Bella

A virtual reality screening of the film Clouds over Sidra transports the visitors to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where they follow the life of Sidra, a 12-year-old girl living there.

VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign

Through an immersive experience, the audience learns about life in a refugee camp through the eyes of the young protagonist, following her daily routine of school, family meals, and time spent with friends.

VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign

Clouds over Sidra is the first of a series of films addressing global development challenges, covering a wide range of themes, from ebola to sanitation.

VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign

The aim of this project is to bring the voice of vulnerable communities directly to decision makers and thereby enhance their understanding of the issues through a strong emotional experience.

Paola Di Bella

The film Clouds over Sidra can be downloaded through the official app of the production company VSRE. To watch it, users need special goggles like those pictured here.

Paola Di Bella

“We the Peoples” is an interactive data presentation that showcases the data of the UN’s My World survey. More than seven million people participated and flagged up the issues that most matter to them.

Paola Di Bella

The top issues highlighted by the participants are good education, better healthcare and job opportunities, honest and responsive government, and affordable and nutritious food. The data can be broken down by region, country, age, gender, and education level.

Paola Di Bella

A dedicated area hosts a gallery of Humans of My World photos, featuring stories collected from the survey’s participants around the world.

Paola Di Bella

More than 80 per cent of the voters responded through face-to-face polls (as did the girl pictured in the poster). This way, even people with no access to the internet were able to participate.

Paola Di Bella

The project was launched in February 2014 with a Facebook page as a main platform. A crew travelled the world to hear the voices of citizens in underreported areas.

Paola Di Bella

By: Paola Di Bella

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<div class="article-wrap">
<div id="article-introduction">
<h1>Setting a post-2015 agenda through virtual reality</h1>
<h4>By: Paola Di Bella</h4>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="article-img-gallery" id="image-gallery"><div class="owl-carousel"><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_1_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The event hosted a virtual reality set, a data-visualisation installation, and a photography exhibition. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_1_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The event hosted a virtual reality set, a data-visualisation installation, and a photography exhibition. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_1_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The event hosted a virtual reality set, a data-visualisation installation, and a photography exhibition. 
'></noscript></noscript><p>The event hosted a virtual reality set, a data-visualisation installation, and a photography exhibition. </p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_2_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A virtual reality screening of the film Clouds over Sidra transports the visitors to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where they follow the life of Sidra, a 12-year-old girl living there. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_2_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A virtual reality screening of the film Clouds over Sidra transports the visitors to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where they follow the life of Sidra, a 12-year-old girl living there. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_2_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A virtual reality screening of the film Clouds over Sidra transports the visitors to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where they follow the life of Sidra, a 12-year-old girl living there. 
'></noscript></noscript><p>A virtual reality screening of the film Clouds over Sidra transports the visitors to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where they follow the life of Sidra, a 12-year-old girl living there. </p>
<p><em>VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_3_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Through an immersive experience, the audience learns about life in a refugee camp through the eyes of the young protagonist, following her daily routine of school, family meals, and time spent with friends.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_3_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Through an immersive experience, the audience learns about life in a refugee camp through the eyes of the young protagonist, following her daily routine of school, family meals, and time spent with friends.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_3_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Through an immersive experience, the audience learns about life in a refugee camp through the eyes of the young protagonist, following her daily routine of school, family meals, and time spent with friends.
'></noscript></noscript><p>Through an immersive experience, the audience learns about life in a refugee camp through the eyes of the young protagonist, following her daily routine of school, family meals, and time spent with friends.</p>
<p><em>VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_4_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Clouds over Sidra is the first of a series of films addressing global development challenges, covering a wide range of themes, from ebola to sanitation.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_4_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Clouds over Sidra is the first of a series of films addressing global development challenges, covering a wide range of themes, from ebola to sanitation.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_4_scidevnet.jpg' alt='Clouds over Sidra is the first of a series of films addressing global development challenges, covering a wide range of themes, from ebola to sanitation.
'></noscript></noscript><p>Clouds over Sidra is the first of a series of films addressing global development challenges, covering a wide range of themes, from ebola to sanitation.</p>
<p><em>VRSE and UN Millennium Campaign</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_5_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The aim of this project is to bring the voice of vulnerable communities directly to decision makers and thereby enhance their understanding of the issues through a strong emotional experience.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_5_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The aim of this project is to bring the voice of vulnerable communities directly to decision makers and thereby enhance their understanding of the issues through a strong emotional experience.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_5_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The aim of this project is to bring the voice of vulnerable communities directly to decision makers and thereby enhance their understanding of the issues through a strong emotional experience.
'></noscript></noscript><p>The aim of this project is to bring the voice of vulnerable communities directly to decision makers and thereby enhance their understanding of the issues through a strong emotional experience.</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_6_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The film Clouds over Sidra can be downloaded through the official app of the production company VSRE. To watch it, users need special goggles like those pictured here.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_6_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The film Clouds over Sidra can be downloaded through the official app of the production company VSRE. To watch it, users need special goggles like those pictured here.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_6_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The film Clouds over Sidra can be downloaded through the official app of the production company VSRE. To watch it, users need special goggles like those pictured here.
'></noscript></noscript><p>The film Clouds over Sidra can be downloaded through the official app of the production company VSRE. To watch it, users need special goggles like those pictured here.</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_7_scidevnet.jpg' alt='“We the Peoples” is an interactive data presentation that showcases the data of the UN’s My World survey. More than seven million people participated and flagged up the issues that most matter to them. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_7_scidevnet.jpg' alt='“We the Peoples” is an interactive data presentation that showcases the data of the UN’s My World survey. More than seven million people participated and flagged up the issues that most matter to them. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_7_scidevnet.jpg' alt='“We the Peoples” is an interactive data presentation that showcases the data of the UN’s My World survey. More than seven million people participated and flagged up the issues that most matter to them. 
'></noscript></noscript><p>“We the Peoples” is an interactive data presentation that showcases the data of the UN’s My World survey. More than seven million people participated and flagged up the issues that most matter to them. </p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_8_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The top issues highlighted by the participants are good education, better healthcare and job opportunities, honest and responsive government, and affordable and nutritious food. The data can be broken down by region, country, age, gender, and education level.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_8_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The top issues highlighted by the participants are good education, better healthcare and job opportunities, honest and responsive government, and affordable and nutritious food. The data can be broken down by region, country, age, gender, and education level.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_8_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The top issues highlighted by the participants are good education, better healthcare and job opportunities, honest and responsive government, and affordable and nutritious food. The data can be broken down by region, country, age, gender, and education level.
'></noscript></noscript><p>The top issues highlighted by the participants are good education, better healthcare and job opportunities, honest and responsive government, and affordable and nutritious food. The data can be broken down by region, country, age, gender, and education level.</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_9_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A dedicated area hosts a gallery of Humans of My World photos, featuring stories collected from the survey’s participants around the world. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_9_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A dedicated area hosts a gallery of Humans of My World photos, featuring stories collected from the survey’s participants around the world. 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_9_scidevnet.jpg' alt='A dedicated area hosts a gallery of Humans of My World photos, featuring stories collected from the survey’s participants around the world. 
'></noscript></noscript><p>A dedicated area hosts a gallery of Humans of My World photos, featuring stories collected from the survey’s participants around the world. </p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_11_scidevnet.jpg' alt='More than 80 per cent of the voters responded through face-to-face polls (as did the girl pictured in the poster). This way, even people with no access to the internet were able to participate.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_11_scidevnet.jpg' alt='More than 80 per cent of the voters responded through face-to-face polls (as did the girl pictured in the poster). This way, even people with no access to the internet were able to participate.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_11_scidevnet.jpg' alt='More than 80 per cent of the voters responded through face-to-face polls (as did the girl pictured in the poster). This way, even people with no access to the internet were able to participate.
'></noscript></noscript><p>More than 80 per cent of the voters responded through face-to-face polls (as did the girl pictured in the poster). This way, even people with no access to the internet were able to participate.</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_10_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The project was launched in February 2014 with a Facebook page as a main platform. A crew travelled the world to hear the voices of citizens in underreported areas.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_10_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The project was launched in February 2014 with a Facebook page as a main platform. A crew travelled the world to hear the voices of citizens in underreported areas.
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/virtual_reality_10_scidevnet.jpg' alt='The project was launched in February 2014 with a Facebook page as a main platform. A crew travelled the world to hear the voices of citizens in underreported areas.
'></noscript></noscript><p>The project was launched in February 2014 with a Facebook page as a main platform. A crew travelled the world to hear the voices of citizens in underreported areas.</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div></div></div>
<div id="article-body">
<p>Showing the real impact that global issues have on ordinary people can influence the views of citizens as well as global leaders.<br />
 <br />
The <a href="http://www.endpoverty2015.org">UN Millennium Campaign</a> is designed to raise awareness about the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/article-series.science-and-post-2015.html">post-2015 development agenda</a> and the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/mdgs/feature/jeffrey-sachs-sdgs-big-science.html">Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</a>. It is now experimenting with <a href="https://www.scidev.net/enterprise/innovation/">innovative</a> forms of storytelling such as virtual reality to engage the global audience in a conversation about eradicating poverty and building a future of peace and equality.<br />
 <br />
During an exhibition organised by the campaign at the UN’s <a href="http://www.unescap.org/commission/upcoming-session">71st Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific</a>, in Bangkok, Thailand, participants had the opportunity to live the life of Sidra, a young refugee girl, through the film Clouds over Sidra, screened in virtual reality.<br />
 <br />
The exhibition also showcased some of the outcomes of the campaign ‘<a href="http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/mdgoverview/post-2015-development-agenda.html">Global Conversation on the Post-2015 agenda’</a>, which collected the opinions of more than 8 million citizens from 194 countries, through surveys, open questions and national consultations.<br />
 <br />
This photo gallery visits the exhibition in Bangkok and shows how people interacted with virtual reality and learnt about the UN post-2015 development goals.<div class="related_widget"><h3 class="widgettitle">You might also like</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/features/science-communication-and-development/">Science, communication and development</a></li><li><a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/news/virtual-lectures-to-help-cope-with-zimbabwean-brain-drain/">‘Virtual lectures’ to help cope with Zimbabwean brain drain</a></li></ul></div></p>

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<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.scidev.net" target="_blank">SciDev.Net</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/multimedia/post-2015-agenda-virtual-reality/" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Showing the real impact that global issues have on ordinary people can influence the views of citizens as well as global leaders.

The UN Millennium Campaign is designed to raise awareness about the post-2015 development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is now experimenting with innovative forms of storytelling such as virtual reality to engage the global audience in a conversation about eradicating poverty and building a future of peace and equality.

During an exhibition organised by the campaign at the UN’s 71st Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in Bangkok, Thailand, participants had the opportunity to live the life of Sidra, a young refugee girl, through the film Clouds over Sidra, screened in virtual reality.

The exhibition also showcased some of the outcomes of the campaign ‘Global Conversation on the Post-2015 agenda’, which collected the opinions of more than 8 million citizens from 194 countries, through surveys, open questions and national consultations.

This photo gallery visits the exhibition in Bangkok and shows how people interacted with virtual reality and learnt about the UN post-2015 development goals.