Youthink! in the News

PRESS RELEASE

World Bank's Youth Website Nominated for 2006 Webby Award: Youthink.worldbank.org One of Five Nominees in Webby Activism Category

WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2006—The World Bank's website for youth, Youthink!, has been nominated for a 2006 Webby Award in the activism category. Hailed as the "Online Oscars" by Time Magazine, the Webby Awards is the leading international honor for websites, web design, creativity, usability and functionality. The Tenth Annual Awards received 5,500 entries—a record number—from over 40 countries and all 50 states.

"The Youthink! team is absolutely delighted to be nominated for a Webby Award," said Nicole Frost, World Bank Online Communications Manager. "It's recognizing a website that raises awareness of global poverty issues and gives young people the tools to do something about them."

Youthink! gears international development issues to a youth audience and encourages young people to get involved in solutions to global problems, such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, and gender inequality. Youthink! is one of the most popular World Bank websites, receiving 15,000 visitors per month.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding websites that are setting the standards for the Internet," said Tiffany Shlain, founder and ambassador of The Webby Awards. "The youthink.worldbank.org Webby Award nomination is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

Winners will be decided by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

As a nominee for a Webby Award, youthink.worldbank.org is also eligible for a People's Voice Award. Voting is open to the public from April 11 to May 5, 2006, at http://peoplesvoice.webbyawards.com.

Webby Award Winners will be announced May 9, 2006, and honored at the Tenth Annual Webby Awards in New York City on June 12.

Other nominees in the Webby activism category include the "Feed Me Better" campaign for healthier school meals, Help Your Community.org, Remember Segregation, and The Global Fund.

About Youthink.worldbank.org
Youthink! is the World Bank's website for youth. Its goal is to introduce international development issues to young people, focusing on topics young people care about. Its forum allows young people from around the world to share their ideas and concerns on development issues. In April 2006 the site celebrates its 2nd birthday with over 15,000 readers monthly! The World Bank is an international development organization that provides a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org and youthink.worldbank.org.

About The Webby Awards
Called the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 10th Annual Webby Awards received over 5,500 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Verizon; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; Fortune; OnRequest Images; IDG; iStockphoto; American Marketing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced Studios; MX Interactive and Museum of the Moving Image. For more information visit www.webbyawards.com.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS)
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit www.iadas.net.

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