Rotary Day at the United Nations celebrates our shared vision for peace and highlights the critical humanitarian activities that Rotary and the UN lead around the world. This year, the Rotary Day was be held at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Saturday 4 May 2024 in Paris, France. Nevine Yassa , Chair of Rotary District 7070's Peace Committee recently attended Rotary Day at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris France and the dynamic Peace Conference in Paris, where she delved into the impactful partnership between UNESCO and Rotary in fostering global peace. The event was both enlightening and inspiring, highlighting the collaborative efforts of these two influential organizations. A highlight of the conference was an insightful address by Rotary International President Gordon McInally, who emphasized that education is the cornerstone of global peace initiatives. His speech underscored the critical importance of education as a fundamental step toward achieving lasting peace worldwide, understanding cultures around the world and being respectful of each other's differences and lastly Peace with our Planet........
Additionally, she was honored to hear from Xing Qu, UNESCO's Deputy Director-General. He spoke passionately about the significant role that the UNESCO-Rotary partnership plays on the global stage, enhancing the impact of both organizations in their peace-building efforts. The conference was a rich learning experience, offering valuable insights into how collaborative efforts can drive positive change. For a deeper understanding, she has attached a video of the event for your reference.
Here is the link to Nevine's Video: https://youtu.be/TB2q1pd-Osg
The event, presided by Gordon R. McInally, President of Rotary International for 2023-2024, explored the theme: : "Education, Culture, Planet: How do Rotary and UNESCO contribute to Peace?"
This conference symbolizes the close collaboration between Rotary and UNESCO, a solid partnership since 1945.
Gordon R. McInally, along with UNESCO representatives, shared their perspectives on the importance of this commitment for humanity.
To facilitate communication, UNESCO interpreters provided simultaneous translation in French and English.
The conference highlighted the convergence of thought and action between UNESCO and Rotary, underscoring their joint contribution to peace, education, and sustainable development. .
It underscored their commitment to achieving goals that represent our highest ethical values: "Service Above Self" and "building peace through the moral and intellectual solidarity of mankind."
Rotary and UNESCO explored ways they can connect to support education, protect the environment, and promote emotional wellbeing in pursuit of a more peaceful world.
For nearly 80 years, UNESCO has understood that governments alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. That’s why it has been at the forefront of promoting peace through education, dialogue and mutual understanding.
Like Rotary, UNESCO knows lasting peace requires connections and solidarity among people at all levels of society.
At Rotary, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
This daylong conference, chaired by Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally, focused on the following themes:
- Greening Education for Peace and the Planet
- Inclusive and equitable education
- Technology in education
- Education for Peace
- Polio eradication
.