Rotary and the United Nations: A Shared Vision
1 Video View·Nov 9, 2026
Rotary and the United Nations share a history of working for peace and addressing critical humanitarian issues around the globe.
When world leaders met in San Francisco, California, USA, in 1945 to write the UN Charter, many people with a Rotary connection participated as delegates and consultants.
Learn more: www.rotary.org/en/articles/2020/07/rotary-at-the-start-of-the-united-nations
AI GeneratedMay contain errors
Video Summary
AI GeneratedThis video details the historical collaboration between Rotary International and the formation of the United Nations in 1945. It highlights how Rotarians contributed as consultants and delegates during the signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco, establishing a long-term partnership dedicated to global peace, humanitarian aid, and international health.
1944. Around the globe,
nations stared in horror at the devastation of a Second World War.
But even as the battles raged, global leaders planned for a new era
and a post-war organization for peace.
Rotary International, long committed to global cooperation and peace,
had been raising awareness of a united nation.
Publishing articles and pamphlets to encourage the discussion.
Finally, in June of 1945,
the eyes of the world were on San Francisco
as delegates from 50 countries gathered to sign the UN Charter.
Conference of the United Nations
on International Organization is now convened.
Even as they gathered,
delegates read the headlines proclaiming the end of the war in Europe.
At the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of State,
Rotary International sent 11 Rotarians to serve
as consultants to the delegation from the United States.
These included two past Rotary presidents,
Alan Albert and Tom Davis.
In fact, there were Rotarians
and honorary members from around the globe,
some as official delegates for their nations and others as consultants.
Ezequiel Padilla served as chair of the delegation from Mexico.
Rotarian Carlos Romulo represented the Philippines
and would later serve as president
of the fourth session of the UN General Assembly.
The Charter of the United Nations is a solid structure upon
which we can build for a better world.
There was a triumphant ceremony
as representatives signed the Charter for their nations.
Joseph Salem, from Lebanon, was just one of the Rotarians
who signed the Charter on behalf of their countries.
U.S. Secretary of State, E.R. Stettinius,
was a signatory for the United States.
He later described the invitation to Rotary International as
a recognition of the practical part Rotary's members have played
and will continue to play
in the development of understanding among nations.
Rotary's participation in the UN Charter Conference
was just the beginning
of a humanitarian-focused collaboration that continues.
Today, with a vision they have shared since the beginning,
the United Nations and Rotary serve as examples of global cooperation,
as they lead efforts to promote peace, development and world health.