On 18 April, UNIC Moscow launched the ESCAP's flagship publication, Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2013, to a representative audience including members of the academic community, think tanks and the media.

Opening remarks were made by the UNIC Director who also acted as moderator of the event. He started by stressing that, according to the document's findings, inclusive and environment-friendly growth was key to creating new sources of economic dynamism amidst the persisting global uncertainty.

In the ensuing discussion, quite a few questions were asked and comments made.

The launch was well covered by the Russian media.

Two years ago, as part of its educational outreach programme, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Moscow translated into Russian, a comic book produced by the UN Department of Public Information entitled "TUGIRE UBUMWE - Let's Unite!". In collaboration with Rwandan artist and genocide survivor Rupert Bazambanza, the comic on the Genocide in Rwanda was designed for a young audience. It uses the example of Rwanda to promote respect for diversity and reconciliation.

This year, the first in a host of UNIC-organized awareness-raising activities, UNIC commemorated the Rwanda Genocide by organizing a soft launch of its self-produced DVD "TUGIRE UBUMWE".

During a brief ceremony unveiling the newly created DVD, UNIC provided a short synopsis of the developments leading up to the carnage, the tragic story of the genocide itself and its immediate aftermath. UNIC believes that sharing these stories contributes to lessons of conflict, intolerance and reconciliation.

In attendance were representatives of partner Universities (Moscow State University, Peoples' Friendship University, University for International Relations, research institutes (Institute of African Studies) and libraries (Russian State Library, Dobrolyubov's Children's Library).

The Secretary-General's message was read aloud, excerpts of the video screened and a lively Q&A session followed.  In addition to producing of some 100 copies of the special DVD, it can also be downloaded from UNIC's website.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) annual report for 2012 was successfully launched in Moscow on 5 March at a media briefing organized by UNIC Moscow in close coordination with the Russian member of INCB, Dr. Galina Korchagina, and the UNODC Office in Russia. Taking part in the ceremony at the UNIC premises were around 30 representatives of government agencies, experts, and journalists.
 
The meeting was opened by the UNIC Director who introduced the guest speakers and outlined the thematic context for the launch, before giving the floor to the Head of UNODC Office in Moscow, Vladimir Ibragimov. The latter spoke briefly about the UN system entities working in this field and the scope and the status of the World Drug Report as distinct from the INCB Report. He also provided a short overview of the current trends in the production, trafficking and consumption of illegal drugs in the world.

An emphasis on the overall subject of INCB Report–2012, “Shared responsibility in international drug control,” which is a key element of the present-day multilateral system was made. This principle it was explained, provides a framework for partnerships addressing a shared problem, a common goal and prospects to reach it. Thus, the notion of “shared” applied not only to member states, but also to various stakeholders at the national level. The importance of information-sharing, both on a bilateral basis or via the INCB was also stressed.
 
Copies of the INCB Report-2012 and the Precursors Annual Report-2012 were distributed to the participants during the meeting.

On 12 December, the Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Moscow acted as moderator of the first plenary session of the Third International Conference "Investment in Sustainability. Partnership between Financial Institutions and the Real Economy".