U.N. Launching Poverty Web Site

By ANICK JESDANUN
01:41 AM ET 09/08/99

NEW YORK (AP) - A new Internet site from the United Nations aims to fight hunger and poverty worldwide by making it easier for donors to contribute their time or money. President Clinton, former South African President Nelson Mandela and British Prime Minister Tony Blair were to launch the NetAid site through satellite appearances today.

Three rock concerts on Oct. 9 in London, Geneva and East Rutherford, N.J., will boost the U.N. fund-raising effort. Unlike the 1985 Live Aid concert to fight famine in Ethiopia, organizers say, the Web site will encourage giving long after microphones go silent.

``It's the NetAid technology that really makes a difference,'' NetAid spokesman Bob Chlopak said. ``It empowers people to participate and contribute in many ways besides contributing funds.''

U2's Bono, David Bowie, George Michael, Counting Crows and Jewel are among the musicians scheduled to perform. VH1 and MTV cable networks will broadcast in the United States, while British Broadcasting Corp. will carry the concerts in the United Kingdom. Before the U.N. concerts, visitors to the site can make donations and register to help at www.netaid.org. Ultimately, organizers expect to offer such features as online pen pals, discussion groups and direct links to organizations that fight hunger and poverty.

The U.N. Development Program will run the site.

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