Rotary day at the United Nations - 2011 Recap

Recently several Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and friends traveled to enjoy New York City and visit the United Nations.  In addition to the formal Rotary-UN session, some had an optional tour and briefing at the UN, which included information on interesting UN events and activities that have taken place through the years. 

As many know, Rotarians played a very active role in the formation and development of the UN, thus our official status and ongoing Rotary-United Nations partnership.  The Millennium Goals are a key focus at the UN and everyone was interested in receiving an update on the progress that is being made around the world.  In some cases there has been good progress but in some regions of the world there is a long way to go before sufficient improvements are made.

There has been some good reduction in poverty over the past 25 years with life expectancy increased from 46 years of age to 68.  Child mortality rates have been halved and in 2008 were below 10 million per year for the first time.  Despite increased population growth, average incomes have doubled and literacy rates have risen to 78.6. (For a detailed review search the UN website for "Millennium Development Goals: 2011 Progress Chart.")

Some interesting (and possibly disturbing) facts learned came from a review of total estimated Global Spending Priorities by all countries:

$1.46 trillion (US $580 billion) spent on Military budgets
$300 billion spent on Farm Subsidies worldwide, only
$100 billion devoted to Development Assistance, and only
$25 billion put toward UN initiatives such as governance, peace, poverty and health.

There are three pillars of the UN, which are: Security & Peace, Development and Human Rights.  In addition to these, other key issues are humanitarian affairs and International law.  Everyone came away impressed with their UN tour and briefings.

During the formal sessions Maternal and Child Health issues were discussed.  It is estimated that between 50% and 60% of mortalities take place in village home settings because mothers cannot go to the larger centers for medical help.  Health education, culture, and rural economic development all affect this problem. 

A shortage of adequately trained health care professionals is a key factor.  In East Africa, Rotary International and Ag Khan University Foundation are working on a joint venture to improve this situation.  In Pakistan, such training has resulted in a 20% reduction in mortality. 

A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene panel noted that Diarrheal diseases are a huge cause of mortality in our world at 1.1 million deaths per year.  It is the second leading cause of death (after pneumonia) in children under 5 years of age.  The numbers are staggering and mostly preventable considering 88% are related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

The goal is to have "improved" water that is sourced within one mile of homes.  In addition, simple latrines are necessary to prevent human feces being in contact with people or the environment.  On average the MDG (Millennium Development Goal) for water is on target, but not in some areas.  Inequities exist and are hidden by the averages. 

A presentation on Transforming a Community with safe water in Kenya showed the impact water can have on a region of 1.2 million residents.  A result of less poverty and hunger and better health was observed with less disease.  There are profound implications with better education and less child mortality.

A micro bank was used to fund a water tank construction and related small businesses.  A Rotary Community Corp was formed to help coordinate and residents participated in a tree planting project to earn financial credits for their water system. Women were freed to do more productive entrepreneurial activities and nourish their family.  In this case Rotary invested in people, not in technology.  The RCC extended the Club's reach into a small village with a multi-year commitment. 

Report on Rotary in Haiti - The local Rotary Disaster Relief Committee has been working on Schools, Education, Limbs, Super Feeding Kitchens, Water Filters and Cholera disease control.

So far 29,526 children have been helped in a literacy programs with 36 schools rebuilt as well as supplying 27 schools with computers, art and other training programs.  Three bridges were also rebuilt, necessary to allow the masses to travel to school and civilized areas.

So far $2.1 million of Rotary contributions has been leveraged into $6.5 million worth of aid to our Haitian friends.  Congratulations to those of you who helped!

Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair, Bill Boyd asked us "Why there are so many songs about rainbows?"  We all have our dreams in life and as Rotarians our overall dream is a world of peace.  Together, the UN and Rotary are working toward the same goals and dreams, working to improve the world and have it be better because of us.  The MDGs and TRF goals are all focused on helping others and giving them hope for a better life in a better world.  So we must continue working toward this end.

A Vertical Farm concept was explained to help feed our world and restore the environment.  It is becoming harder to deal with climate changes with more floods, fires, droughts and hurricanes being predicted.  All of these have the effect of diminishing food supplies and raising food prices.

Hungry people affect world conflict so raising more food indoors where you have better control is appealing.  Modern hi-tech greenhouses allow for enhanced control of factors to grow crops better.  With space-aged technology and using bands of sun focused on what is needed by plants 'LED sun' can become a source of high energy for plant growth.

Vertical farms are a clean environment which can short circuit most infections and result in radiation-free food.  Plant laboratories can be developed underground with multi-level green houses closer to the urban population. 

We hope you have enjoyed this recap of what the Rotary - United Nations partnership is doing.  Please consider joining us next year on November 2-3, 2012 for another great experience.

by PDG Douglas W Vincent, D7080 Ontario, Canada
rotary@teamvincent.com