Happy 63rd to the United Nations!!

63 years after the UN Charter was signed, we are still attempting to save eachother "from the scourge of war," and solve problems that seem incomprehensible at times. My
overwhelming volunteerism as a local, state and national non-profit leader sometimes feels too small to truly impact the state of the world.

From the original 26 signatories which included the United States, United Kingdom, India and Greece, among others, to the current 192 nations that stood up in 2000 to sign the Millennium declaration and create the Millennium Development Goals to cut world poverty in half; it has been a long and storied journey to October 24, 2008.

United Nations Association chapters across the country are celebrating their UN Days with panel sessions of experts, impressive keynote speakers, cultural performances, film screenings and more. What impact will we have as we conduct these numerous events from the suburban areas of middle class America to the major metropolitan cities to the rural hold outs in the pockets of the country?

We invited Hiro Sakurai, the SGI representative to the UN (NGO Observer status), to come and speak with our Orlando chapter at the University of Central Florida (see news coverage). More than 120 students, longtime members, and new faces joined together with 18 partnering organizations to celebrate the UN. Entertaining the masses were the SGI-Youth with their Taiko drums, Larry and Tracy Coryell with their fusion jazz and the Bhangra Knights with Indian dancing.


SGI-Youth and their Taiko Drums

"Only by nations coming together in a culture of peace can the horrors of poverty, ignorance and human rights be stamped out," Hiro said in his speech to the attendees.

In my own introduction of the honorable Hiro Sakurai, I alluded to the change in thought patterns, perceptions and ideologies that needs to take place in order to have a different kind of world. Our event, I hope, helped others to see the good that is possible in all of us, and how each of us can work together to "make the change we wish to see in the world." (Gandhi)


With Hiro Sakurai at UN Day

For the full history of the United Nations, you can visit the UN website or see an interesting pictorial history.

"...There is no time to lose. The United Nations must deliver results for a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. On this UN Day, I call on all partners and leaders to do their part and keep the promise."
- Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General