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To celebrate the historical relationship between Lions and the United Nations (UN), plan to attend the 31st Annual Lions Day with the UN to be held Friday, March 13, 2009 in New York City.
Highlights of the day include:
- presentations by UN speakers;
- an appearance by the Secretary-General of the UN (invited);
- awards ceremony for the grand prize winner of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest;
- a special luncheon with UN ambassadors;
- presentation of Lions-UNICEF School-in-a-Box banner patches;
- an optional tour of the historic UN building.
Additional information
History
The relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN began after the end of World War II.
In San Francisco, California, USA, on October 24, 1945 (forever known as UN Day), U.S. President Harry Truman joined Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other world leaders in signing the UN charter.
In the same year, Lions founder Melvin Jones and Past International Presidents Fred W. Smith and D.A. Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental organization (NGO) charter for the new global organization. At the time, Lions Clubs International was already an established worldwide service organization.
During the ensuing years, the two organizations have cooperated on many humanitarian ventures. Lions have provided aid and manpower for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), WHO (World Health Organization), and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) projects.
From the beginning, the relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN has been limited to humanitarian endeavors. In keeping with its stated Purposes, Lions Clubs International has no involvement in the political or security affairs of the UN.
E-mail for more information about this program.
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