“THE WORLD NEEDS THE UN
AND THE UN NEEDS US”

By: Heidi PP-Editor in Chief iF Magazine

In 1945, delegates from 50 countries drew up the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California. They signed the Charter on June 26, 1945, and it was ratified on October 24, 1945. United Nations Day, October 24, originated in 1948. This year, UNA-USA celebrated the UN’s 79th anniversary.

Held at the Junior League in Houston, Texas, the theme for this year’s celebration was “The World Needs the UN; the UN Needs Us.” This poignant message underscored the critical importance of the partnership between the UN and the United States, emphasizing collaborative efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms. Roopa Gir of IAPAC invited iF magazine to be a part of this momentous occasion and to support the United Nations Day program.

We were honored to be a part of the celebration of this milestone, and we will continue to do our part in strengthening the bond between the UN and the U.S. as they are working towards a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Samica Knight, Journalist, Eyewitness Anchor, from ABC13, served as the MC.: She is an award-winning journalist and proud Houstonian, currently fulfilling her lifelong dream at KTRK, the station where she interned.

Keynote speaker for this celebration was Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign & SVP UN Foundation. Peter Yeo leads the Foundation’s strategic engagement with the U.S. Congress and Administrations to advance policy changes that support the UN’s work for global progress. Joining the Foundation in 2009, he brought over 20 years of legislative and management experience, including roles on Capitol Hill and in the State Department. Notably, he served as Deputy Staff Director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, playing a key role in negotiating the PEPFAR legislation and its reauthorization.

Global Citizen Award: Rajmohan Gandhi- Author, Historian

Rajmohan Gandhi is a historian and biographer with over fifteen books to his name, focusing on trust-building and reconciliation. His latest work, Fraternity: Constitutional Norm and Human Need, was published in 2024. He taught history and politics at the University of Illinois from 1997 to 2022, and has also lectured at IIT-Bombay and Michigan State University. Notable publications include India After 1947, Modern South India, and Gandhi: The Man, his People and the Empire. In 2002, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his biography Rajaji: A Life. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1990-1992 and led India’s delegation to the UN Human Rights Commission. Active in Initiatives of Change since 1956, he has promoted dialogue and ethical governance for sixty years.

Global Impact Award: Allyson A. Book

Chief Sustainability Officer, Baker HughesAllyson Anderson Book leads the company’s net-zero strategy, promoting sustainable operations and energy transition solutions through stakeholder engagement and policy development. Prior to her role at Baker Hughes, she was the executive director of the American Geosciences Institute and held various positions in academia and government, including the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Recognized for her contributions to energy transition and sustainability, she has received multiple honors.

Global Visionary Award: Faisal Momin

President- Ismaili Council Southwestern USAFaisal Momin is the President of The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA, where he spearheads initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under his leadership, the Council has focused on community development, education, and environmental sustainability, actively promoting civic engagement and social welfare. By collaborating with local organizations and government agencies, Faisal has facilitated programs that enhance access to education and healthcare, promote gender equality, and encourage sustainable practices.

A celebration such as this fabulous event could not happen without the generosity and support of sponsors such as:

Rupani Foundation
Raindrop Foundation
Baker-Hughes
Hamun
Westlake
IAPAC
AMAANAH
AARC
Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA
Centerpoint
HCC
Arca Continental/CocaCola
iDU
Viva
Washburn-McGoldrick
Eternal Gandhi
JAZCreationz
Houston Jazz Collective
ABC13

A delicious dinner and an international fashion show were enjoyed by all. Plans are underway for the 80th Anniversary. The work of the UN is becoming more and more important as the global challenges become ever greater.

https://www.unv.org/

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