Rotary and the United Nations

Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world.

In 1942, 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 was a precursor to UNESCO. In 1945, 49 Rotarians went to San Francisco to help draft the UN Charter. Rotary and the UN have been close partners ever since, a relationship that’s apparent through PolioPlus and work with UN agencies. 

“The invitation to Rotary International to participate in the United Nations Conference as consultant to the United States 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. The representatives of Rotary were needed at San Francisco and, as you well know, they made a considerable contribution to the Charter itself, and particularly to the framing of provisions for the Economic and Social Council.”

Rotary currently holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council, which oversees many specialized UN agencies. Rotary maintains and furthers its relationship with a number of UN bodies, programs, commissions, and agencies through its representative network . This network consists of RI representatives to the United Nations and other organizations.

Learn more about Rotary’s local and international work through Rotary: Navigating the Global Network .

Rotary-United Nations Day

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Each year at Rotary UN Day, more than 1300 Rotarians including many Rotary International Directors, Foundation Trustees, past Senior Leaders, and guests come together at UN Headquarters in New York.  The program is designed to inspire and educate all participants as well as provide insight into the relationship between Rotary and the United Nations.  In the past, the day has been very successful and has sold out.

The day will begin at 9:30am and conclude by 4:00pm.  Lunch will be in the UN Cafeteria, over looking the East River at 1:00pm.

Rotary Day at the United Nations also includes a special program for youth interested in humanitarian service.  Youth will have the opportunity to hear about a model UN program, the Shelter Box project, some projects that Interact Clubs are working on, and an overview of the UN and much more.  The program begins at 9:30am and concludes at 12:30 followed by lunch.  Participants are welcome to join the adult program after lunch