Since January 2015, the UN SDG Action Campaign has coordinated the United Nations Virtual Reality Series to bring the world’s most pressing challenges home to decision makers and global citizens around the world, pushing the bounds of empathy. The UN Virtual Reality Series shows the human story behind development challenges, allowing people with the power to make a difference have a deeper understanding of the everyday realities of those in danger of being left behind.
Building upon its mandate to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard, particularly the world’s most vulnerable, the project seeks to show the human story behind development challenges, allowing people with the power to make a difference have a deeper understanding of their world, and hopefully to act to make a difference.
In addition to showcasing the VR experience at high-level UN meetings, the SDG Action Campaign is working with partners to create advocacy platforms, awareness and fundraising campaigns. By sharing these VR experiences the SDG Action Campaign is searching for partners who similarly hope to inspire change that improves peoples’ lives and creates the world we all want.
Through the use of high tech headsets, viewers are transported into another time and place as 3D images fill the full range of perspective and tracking technology moves in 360’ in lightning speed. The series will continue to address crises that threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable groups such as war, health epidemics and natural disasters, and every day global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and migration.
The Campaign has targeted decision makers primarily in the first phase of the Virtual Reality Project to spread awareness and create empathy; however there is great potential to do more.