In recognition of the importance that today's youth will play in securing a peaceful future, and in light of the dialogue being fostered concerning information technology through the World Summit on the Information Society, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has published a new guide to the internet for teenagers. Released in September 2003, "The Musketeers Conquer the Net" is an easy-to-read introduction on how to get online, and includes topics on how to use basic Internet functions such as e-mail, chat groups and search engines, in addition to a general explanation of the fairly loose inner-workings of the system.

Written almost exclusively in a conversational format, the brochure chronicles the adventures (and misadventures) of a cast of semi-fictional characters as they explore the frontiers of the new technology. The guide warns against such dangers as hoaxes, scams and misinformation, which are rampant on the Internet, and touches on such controversial issues as the relevance of intellectual property rights for file-sharing. Developed in collaboration with a number of youths aged between 10 and 16, its style is most appropriate for young teenagers, but can nonetheless be illuminating for all those who are beginning to use Internet technology for the first time.

"We hope that it will show teenagers how they can use the World Wide Web in a safe and fun manner", said UNECE Executive Secretary Brigita Schmögnerová, stressing that "through the Internet, they will be able to make friends all over the world and thereby build a more peaceful future". As one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, the UNECE works to foster cooperation between Member States through economic and policy analysis, as well as by focusing on the environment, human settlements, sustainable energy, trade, industry and enterprise development, timber and transport. This new brochure is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish, both in print version and by download from the UNECE website at http://www.unece.org/.