Teen and adult residents in virtual worlds There.com, Whyville, Second Life, and Teen Second Life, all took part in a unique collaboration in which a combined reported audience of over 10 million users watched a live video stream from the Waldorf Astoria on March 20. At the event, which was coordinated by Global Kids, Inc., former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan received the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s first award for international justice.

During what was reported as the largest massively multiworld simulcast to date, audiences in the four virtual world communities engaged in discussion and debate over the event, with support from the Global kids staff. Global Kids hosted a similar event in April with a simulcast of a presentation by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Said Linden Lab founder and chairman Philip Rosedale: “This is exactly the type of use I envisioned when we developed what would become Second Life almost nine years ago. I believe virtual worlds have a responsibility to not just enhance the lives of its users but make a tangible difference in their communities and the larger society. Global Kids’ innovative work in Second Life, and this event in particular, serves to demonstrate how virtual worlds can be used to address real world concerns.”

Global Kids online leadership director Barry Joseph added, “This unique collaboration among some of the largest teen-oriented virtual worlds emphasizes the importance of using virtual worlds for education and civic engagement. It was inspiring to be part of such a unique collaboration with such amazing partners.”