October 24, 2012

WASHINGTON – Thousands will gather this week at United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) events across the country honoring the 67th Anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Charter. Marking UN Day, UNA-USA Chapters in 100 communities across 33 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (see interactive map for details) are bringing people together to support the UN and celebrate its ability to find bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems.

Under the national UN Day theme “Solutions for a Prosperous World,” UNA-USA Chapter events will feature discussions, presentations, lectures, and festivals conveying how the UN delivers support and relief to all corners of the globe and areas of extreme need.

“This UN Day, communities across the U.S. are talking about the issues they care about: securing peace; promoting human rights; building economic prosperity; and advancing global health,” said UNA-USA Executive Director Patrick Madden.

On the heels of a spirited presidential debate on foreign policy, and with Election Day in the U.S. less than two weeks away, a recent national survey of likely voters found that three in four Americans say international issues impact their vote, and that they value a candidate who emphasizes international cooperation.

Officials from the UN, UNA-USA, and the UN Foundation are among the featured speakers at UNA-USA events across the country. Topics being discussed will include: U.S. – UN Relations; women and the UN; the Millennium Development Goals; the educational value of Model United Nations; the Arab Spring; energy; and global health.

Background

In 1947, two years after ratifying the UN Charter, the UN General Assembly adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution declaring October 24 United Nations Day. Since then, UN Day has been observed in countries large and small around the world. From that time forward, each U.S. President has issued an annual proclamation asking citizens to observe UN Day, and to reflect upon the importance of the UN to America’s national interests.

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ABOUT UNA-USA

The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a membership organization dedicated to inform, inspire, and mobilize the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. For 70 years UNA-USA has worked to accomplish its mission through its national network of Chapters, youth engagement, advocacy efforts, education programs, and public events. UNA-USA is a program of the United Nations Foundation. UNA-USA and its sister organization the Better World Campaign represent the single largest network of advocates and supporters of the United Nations in the world. Learn more about UNA-USA’s programs and initiatives at www.unausa.org.

ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.