ROTARY , THE AND UNESCO

Rotary and the United Nations as well as UNESCO have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world. Rotary International, the United Nations, UNESCO and other UN specialised agencies have built a strong and productive partnership in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals of 2000, including the global eradication of , cultural exchanges, , education, water/sanitation projects, and promotion of peace conferences around the world.

Rotary’s relationship with the United Nations dates back to 1945 when some 49 Rotary members acted as delegates, advisors and consultants at the United Nations Charter Conference, . The Charter had been passed unanimously on June 25, 1945 when the delegations of 50 countries have met at the Opera House in San Francisco. The invitation to Rotary International to participate in the United Nations Conference as consultant to the delegation was not merely a gesture of good will and respect toward a great organization. It was a simple recognition of the practical part Rotary’s members have played and will continue to play in the development of understanding among nations. By the late 1940's, Rotary International was already one of the largest "international" organizations in the world. There were more that 6,800 clubs in more than 81 countries. More importantly, Rotary was already working on projects around the world to diminish the causes of war and aggression. The Rotary Club of New York (which I have joined in 1983), as many other Rotary Clubs, has played an essential role in building support during the formative years of the United Nations and selecting New York City (instead of ) for the permanent Headquarters. The site is a gift of Rotarian John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Rotary’s relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) dates back to a 1942 when Rotary clubs from 21 nations organized a conference in London to develop a vision for advancing education, science, and culture after World War II. That event, attended by ministers of education and observers from around the world, was the impetus to the establishment of UNESCO in 1945.

RI Representatives to UNESCO & OECD 2011/2015: Serge Gouteyron [email protected] & Cyril Noirtin [email protected] KHS May 2015

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