Canada's United Nations Ambassador
Says "Rotarians Can Help"

The day prior to 'Rotary day at United Nations' a group of Canadian Rotarians and Rotaractors met for a forum at Canada's United Nations Mission headquarters, hosted by UN Ambassador, Henri-Paul Normandin; PDG 7080 Douglas Vincent and Past RI President, Wilf Wilkinson (shown above).

During the presentations, Ambassador Normandin shared some personal experiences at the UN and Canada's role in working with other countries to make the world a better place.

He referred to things that individual Rotarians can do to exercise their "Power of 1" influence and ability to help the United Nations reach goals to improve our world.  He shared three specific areas of focus:

(1) "Rotary already does a lot of good in the area of Humanitarian Aid and International Development," Normandin said.  He encouraged everyone to do more in this important area by scaling up and spreading further our already successful Rotary Foundation programs, focusing on literacy, water, health and poverty.

"I already know of the great work that Rotary does in support of our UN MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) and we continue to need your network of precious resources, to make a difference," he continued.

(2) "Given your vast knowledge of International Issues and Development you are well equipped to create awareness both in Canada and abroad to help people understand the world is not a simple place," Normandin said.  "There is great need for education on world issues to develop better understanding."

Our Rotary Foundation literacy projects, scholarships and exchange programs can contribute greatly toward this goal to promote and influence world peace.  He quoted former Prime Minister Lester B Pearson as saying "The world will not have peace until people know each other and they will never know each other until they meet."  Rotary can help!

(3) As part of our creating awareness, we have to promote and take action to make things happen.  Normandin feels that as individuals we need to be informed and take a stand on more issues, encouraging our Government to "do something". 

Many Governments make International Development promises but often they are not followed up on.  Your "Government representatives do pay attention to public opinion," so we should hold them ore accountable," he said

Ambassador Normandin went on to share the main areas of focus and purpose of the United Nations.

Peace Keeping and PeaceBuilding - Canada ranges from 3000 to 5000 people in peace keeping roles and while our current activity in Afghanistan is under NATO, it is mandated by the UN Security Council.  We're also involved assisting in Haiti as well as the Diplomatic activities involving the special peace keeping committee, a working group of the UN.

Peace building continues to be a problem, since the UN system has involvement during conflict but then leaves when a situation becomes peaceful.  This sometimes leaves a gap between termination of conflict and redevelopment of the afflicted country.  Canada is playing a role on the committee to conciliate peace coming out of conflict.  Our country also played a prominent role in the Security Council policies relating to human security and the freedom from fear and want, and the responsibility to protect guidelines.

International Development - Canada works with many associated NGOs and organizations like UNDP and UNICEF to promote development where needed.  CDA is a major commitment by our Government towards the objective of helping keep the MDGs on the UN agenda.  In the past there have been both successes and failures.

Human Rights - John Humphrey, Director of the UN Human Rights office at the time, was a Canadian who drafted the first Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  There is now an HR Council with Universal Periodic Reviews of each country every four years.  At this point the UN has no executive power in this field and can only recommend to a country what to do.

"The United Nations is a place where all world problems converge . . they travel to New York City," Normandin said.  "In some cases the UN is a huge political forum, but some discussions don't cross First Ave or apply to the real world."

"In other cases they may have a real impact on the lives we save, people we protect or those we give hope to," he continued.  "What we do or don't do can make a huge difference.  There are many great accomplishments and success stories at the UN but often they are not remembered after the media attention is gone."

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At the general session on the following day, over 1600 Rotarians and youth participants gathered to hear a variety of senior RI and UN leaders share information on world affairs and challenges, and how Rotarians can work with the UN to reach the Millennium Goals.

"People need our help.  We try to give wisely and where they need it most, in support of the MDGs .. building a healthier, safer, and a more stable world for all," said RI President DK Lee.  "Since 1945 we've partnered with the UN.  What we've done and learned to eradicate Polio will benefit other world health and child mortality needs . . leading towards a peaceful world for which we all dream . . all working together to Make Dreams Real." 

PDG Doug Vincent

RC Woodstock-Oxford, ON Canada

Rotary Zone 24 Representative to UNAC