9 August 2006 – Educating young people on the devastating impact of the world's water crisis got a boost today as Secretary-General Kofi Annan joined Def Jam President and CEO Jay-Z and MTV President Christina Norman, along with representatives of key UN agencies, at United Nations Headquarters in New York to launch a joint initiative aimed at spotlighting the issue.

Next month during his international concert tour, Jay-Z will travel to Turkey and South Africa, and several other areas affected by water crisis, while being documented for the MTV special, Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life. The series is part of MTV's ongoing initiatives to educate, empower and involve young people regarding global issues. The networks first-person biographical series, and will air on November 24, reaching 179 counties on 50 of MTV locally programmed channels.

Educating young people on the devastating impact of the world's water crisis got a boost today as Secretary-General Kofi Annan joined Def Jam President and CEO Jay-Z and MTV President Christina Norman, along with representatives of key UN agencies, at United Nations Headquarters in New York to launch a joint initiative aimed at spotlighting the issue.

Next month during his international concert tour, Jay-Z will travel to Turkey and South Africa, and several other areas affected by water crisis, while being documented for the MTV special, Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life . The series is part of MTV's ongoing initiatives to educate, empower and involve young people regarding global issues. The networks first-person biographical series, and will air on November 24, reaching 179 counties on 50 of MTV locally programmed channels.

“Most of us take water for granted,” the Secretary-General told reporters at a press conference in New York held to launch the initiative, “but, for more than a billion people who lack access to safe drinking water, this is an inconceivable dream.”

He pointed out that some 2.6 billion people have no access to proper sanitation, with “devastating” consequences. “The water crisis - like many issues confronting our world - can only be fully addressed with the active participation of young people everywhere.”

“Working with MTV and Jay-Z, all of us at the UN hope this campaign will motivate youth to take action both in their own lives, and in support of broad eco-friendly initiatives,” Mr. Annan said.

The internationally renowned recording artist said at times he uses his voice to entertain, and at other times to raise awareness.

“Partnering with someone with a huge voice such as MTV, people that knew what they was doing, who know their way around countries, like the UN; it was a smart partnership for myself,” Jay-Z told the UN News Service of his collaboration with the UN and MTV for the special documentary series about his learning process. “They have a track record of getting the message out to young people, so they can become involved.”

“How could I be out there and not do anything?” said the CEO of the influential record company, adding that “most young people are unaware” but if they knew about the “staggering numbers” of people affected by water issues, they would be moved to act.

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