Rotary and the United Nations.

Rotary International's relationship with the United Nations is as old as the UN itself. In 1945 there were 49 Rotarians in 29 delegations at the UN Charter Conference in San Francisco. With other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Rotarians influenced the text and focus of the charter, particularly on economic, social and humanitarian issues.

Forty two years ago in 1945, RI had clubs in 65 countries and had expanded its purpose beyond meeting the needs of local communities to include efforts to further international understanding, goodwill and peace.

Many UN objectives were and are parallel to those of Rotary - to develop friendly relations among nations, to help solve international economic social cultural and humanitarian problems, and to promote human rights.

Rotary's humanitarian projects and those of the UN address similar global needs. Increasingly the public and private sector organisations pool resources for shared objectives.

The objects of Rotary and of the United Nations parallel the theme for year 1997 - 98, Show Rotary Cares - for our community, for our world, for its people.

Rotarians around the world share with the United Nations the same fundamental goals of World Understanding and Peace.

Glen Kinross RI President 1997-98

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