Frank Deaver Peace Editorials

     Rotary International and the United Nations began more than a decade ago an annual “Rotary Day at the UN” program, identifying how the two organizations might work together to create a better world.  Gathering this year on November 6, they focus on health, education, and safe water.  Among those attending are RI President Glenn Estess, several past presidents, and other Rotary leaders.

     At the 2003 meeting, then-president Jonathan Majiyagbe noted the connection between humanitarian service and peace, saying that “hunger, poverty, and ignorance breed despair, anger and fear, which often fan the flames of intolerance, conflict, and war.”

     The previous editorial that appeared in Breadbasket was titled, “Can Rotary Make Our World Safer?”  It asked the question, “Is there a role that Rotary can play in reducing hostility?”  (If you missed it, or want to review it as an introduction to these related thoughts, go to Can Rotary Make Our World Safer?.

     Yes indeed, Rotary has played a significant role in improving the human condition, reducing the temptation to hostility and making the world a safer place.  Many of Rotary’s humanitarian and educational programs are well known to members.  But what may be less obvious are Rotary’s cooperative efforts over the past 60 years with the United Nations and many of its agencies.

     As early as 1942, Rotary participated in a London conference promoting cultural and educational exchanges.  Chaired by a past president of RI and attended by ministers of education from around the world, this meeting laid the foundation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

     At the 1945 United Nations Charter Conference, 49 Rotarians were included among 29 national delegations.  One signer of the charter was Filipino Rotarian Carlos Romulo, a former RI vice-president and later to become president of the UN General Assembly.

     During his UN tenure, Romulo cited Rotary’s Four-Way Test, saying, “Without goodwill, no international agreement is possible.”  In a letter to his home club, he said Rotary had “enriched my international outlook, and helped to prepare me for this difficult responsibility.”

     Admittedly, the UN has been criticized for certain action or inaction, and some Rotarians are counted among the critics.  Most charges seem to be aimed at decisions of the General Assembly and/or the Security Council.  In truth, some of those actions have, in hindsight, been judged erroneous.  But it is in the cultural, educational, and humanitarian endeavors of the UN where the human condition and the human spirit have been lifted.  The fledgling UNESCO, envisioned in 1943 with Rotary influence, has accomplished much.

     American Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., citing Rotary contributions to UNESCO, commended the “practical part Rotary’s members play in the development of understanding among nations.”  Rotary International appoints representatives not only to UNESCO but also to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), Environmental Programme (UNEP), World Bank (WB), and High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

     Working with these and other UN agencies, Rotary addresses critical world issues, offering health care, education, family planning, and shelter; and working to overcome adult illiteracy and to abolish polio, AIDS, and other childhood diseases.

     Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, summed up his evaluation of Rotary contributions:  “Rotary has the ability to mobilize support for some of the worthiest causes that exist, and that makes Rotary a precious resource.”

     Paul Harris, in 1945, commended Rotary participation in UN efforts.  Noting Rotary’s belief in the brotherhood of man, he said Rotary “offers a preview of a world at peace.”

     Yes, the world can become safer, as Rotary works to reduce the causes of hostility.  Relieving poverty and suffering cannot help but promote peace.