Why do Lions celebrate connections with the United Nations and why are events held in various parts of the Multiple District to maintain this tradition?
The relationship between Lions Clubs International and the United Nations began after the end of World War II, when in San Francisco, on 24 October 1945, world leaders joined together 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 organisation (NGO) Charter for the UN.
During the ensuing years, the two organisations have co-operated on many humanitarian ventures, with Lions providing aid and manpower for UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund), WHO (World Health Organisation) and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) projects.
From the beginning the relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN has been limited to humanitarian endeavours. In keeping with its stated Purposes, Lions Clubs International has no involvement in the political or security affairs of the UN.
Since 1978 Lions Clubs International has been privileged to have a Lions Day with the United Nations in UN Headquarters in New York. We are the only International Service Organisation to be afforded this privilege. Within our Multiple District, a Lions Day with the United Nations has been held each March since 1994 and since 2000 it has been held in the Houses of Parliament in London. Also, since 2003, similar gatherings have been held in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
In March 2008, events were again held in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland when there was an opportunity to stimulate interest in the activities of the United Nations and to raise awareness of the international interests of Lions Clubs International amongst other NGO’s and with Governments. At these meetings a member of the Government or Assembly where appropriate, a representative of a UN agency and a representative of an NGO working in international aid and development usually address the meeting.
Read more
For further information and detailed plans for 2009, please contact PDG lion John Charles, telephone 01594 516263 or email
un@lions.org.uk.
