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Press Release Disarm the World with Knowledge New York: On June 9, 2009 young professionals, students and faculty from fourteen academic institutions gathered at United Nations headquarters New York to explore the issues of disarmament with United Nations experts, and via live webcast, colleagues from around the world.  The event was in preparation for the 62nd Annual Non-Governmental Organization / Department of Public Information United Nations Conference to be held in Mexico City 9 – 11 September 2009, and organized by the Co-chair of the Youth Committee, Dr. Mary E. Norton –Associate Dean and Professor, Felician College, Lodi, New Jersey.  Co-sponsors of the event included the Executive Committee of NGO/DPI, United Nations University, and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Speakers included Kristin Jenssen, Political Affairs Officer, Weapons of Mass Destruction, UNODA, Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, UN consultant, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, Daniel Prins, Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch of UNODA, Gustavo Laurie UN Mine Action Service-UN Peacekeeping Operations and two graduate students Sheena Navak Monterey Institute of International Studies, and Jake Walko, City University of New York. Rev. Brian K. Muzas, from the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations moderated the forum. Participants heard United Nations representatives and graduate students describe, how they can go back to their campuses, equipped with the latest information, and begin to develop disarmament coalitions. The event sparked students request for a continuation of this type of forum on topics such as, child soldiers, climate change and poverty. See photos