ROTARY IS ‘LIVING PROOF’ THAT PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS CAN GET ALONG,

WHICH IS THRUST OF HUMANITARIAN WORK, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS IN MESSAGE

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message to the Rotary International Conference in New York on 4 November:

For more than 100 years, Rotary has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of people around the world.  And, since the United Nations was created, Rotary has been a wonderful partner to us.  You have joined forces with us in efforts for health, literacy and poverty eradication.  You have spread the word about the work of the United Nations.  You have promoted peace through your exchange programmes.  And, you have played a critical and historic role in our joint mission to eradicate polio worldwide.

Rotary is living proof that people with diverse backgrounds can learn to get along with each other and concentrate more on the things we have in common, rather than on the things that drive us apart.  That is what our humanitarian work is all about.

This is the last time I will be writing to you as Secretary-General of the United Nations.  So, this is the time to thank all of you for the wonderful support you have given me and the Organization for the past 10 years.  Thank you for understanding that this is your United Nations.  Thank you for understanding that it is up to all of us to make the most of this indispensable instrument, in the interests of the people it exists to serve.  I wish you continued success in your valiant mission.

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For information media • not an official record