United Nations talks war and peace with Battlestar Galactica

The bizarre union will see the United Nations hold a discussion involving the creators and stars of the Sky One and the NBC Universal Sci Fi Channel (now SyFy) series and UN representatives, with the proceedings hosted by 'Sister Act' and former 'Star Trek: The Next Generation Actress' actress Whoopi Goldberg.

The discussion spearheads the launch the UN Department of Public Information's Creative Community Outreach Initiative, which is aimed at bringing together politicians and the international film and TV industries to raise awareness of global issues.

'Battlestar Galactica', which has been lauded by critics and viewers alike, effortlessly combines themes including politics, human rights, war, religion, terrorism, reconciliation; and throws them into space in a grim struggle for survival after an apocalyptic attack.

These issues will be discussed by the panellists, but in the context of the real world. Representatives from 'Battlestar Galactica' include actor Edward James Olmos; who plays Admiral Adama in the series; actress Mary McDonnell, who stars as President Laura Roslin; and creators and executive producers Ronald D Moore and David Eick.

UN representatives will include special representative of the secretary general for children, Radhika Coomaraswamy; Craig Mokhiber of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; assistant secretary general for policy planning, Robert Orr; and Famatta Rose Osode from the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the UN.

Kiyo Akasaka, UN under-secretary general for public information, said: "This event will show how skilful storytelling can elevate the profile of critical humanitarian issues.

"Not only does it present an opportunity for creative discussion, but more importantly, it offers a chance to deliver a message about the many harsh realities that still exist worldwide."

'Battlestar Galactica' is currently in its fourth and final season on Sky One and SyFy in the US. The final episode is due to air in the UK and US next week.

The show for much of its run has centred on the search for Earth as human survivors from 12 distant colonies are pursued across the cosmos by Cylon machines.