Paulo found the exhibitions and the information Centre so important and interesting for his studies at the Institute of Education and Management (IEG) that he would come there every day, if it were possible. “Here is so much information and data to be explored, and very relevant for my studies, for example the 2010 National MDG Report.”

The main aim of the UN Book Fair was to inform university students and other library customers about the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations in Mozambique. Through UN videos, a book exhibition and a photo exhibition concerning UN projects, the students were able to have access to the latest data on MDGs in Mozambique. The event was mainly organized by UNDP as one of the UN Communication Group’s ‘Communicating as One’ efforts. UNDP has recruited a Librarian for the Centre.

The opening ceremony consisted of presentations by National Public Library Director Roque Felix, acting UN Resident Coordinator Patricia Guzman, National Youth MDG Ambassador Ruth Cangela, and MDG4 Envoy in Africa, Mozambican singer Mingas. The acting UNDP Resident Representative Jocelyn Mason was present too.

Paulo said that there were many points about the status of the MDGs in his country that he didn’t know before Ruth’s presentation. “During the discussion, I asked about the possibility of Mozambican youth to give our contribution to the Millennium Development challenges. Maybe the Development Information Centre could be one of them, if we students could organize debates on MDGs here”, submits Paulo.

For Paulo and his fellow student José Leonardo Chimusse the discussion session with UN directors was uplifting: "It showed that information sharing includes also moral purposes, such as bringing student happiness and a feeling of freedom.” 

 “Whether you are interested in economic, social, health, agricultural, environmental or educational issues, we can provide you with latest facts, studies and prognosis. When available, you may get some publications for free like today during the Book Fair”, explains Iolanda Mutemba, the UNDP-recruited Librarian.  

DIC aims at increasing debate and knowledge on poverty, education, gender, infant and maternity health, HIV and AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases, environmental issues, and development partnerships. DIC also provides information about other developing countries. 

DIC was first opened in 2007 as a joint initiative of the Government, the World Bank, UNICEF and UNDP. DIC is now run together by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the United Nations in Mozambique, and the National Public Library under the Ministry of Culture.