seen on the scene
United Nations Day Houston Celebration
In the early 50s the United Nations , under the influence of Eleanor Roosevelt , began a program to establish non-profit branches for their works in major cities . In all , ten were selected . Houston is the oldest one of those United Nations Associations . It is a 501c3 membership based organization dedicated to understanding of and support of the ideals on which the United Nations was founded . Houston is a diverse city thus providing an ideal setting for such a program to grow and flourish .
Members of the UNA-Houston recognize the contributions and continued efforts the United Nations has made to maintain international peace and security , safeguard human rights , provide a mechanism for international law , promote social and economic progress , improve living standards worldwide , protect the environment , fight diseases , and promote human rights for everyone in every country . There is no that this is an overwhelming task , but as more and more world citizens embrace the ideals , the better the results will be . The last World War was fought to end all wars . This organization was born to make that dream a reality .
Since Eleanor Roosevelt ’ s visit to Houston in 1955 , Houston has been sponsoring year-round programs , the “ Houston Area Model United Nations ”, HAMUN . They consist of the UNA International Choir ( Now called International Voices Houston ), Global Classrooms , Know your UN , Wines Around the World , UN Day commemoration , World Café , and other seminars and programs providing information , education and advocacy on issues of global / local interest . The current President of UNA-Houston is Daniel Stoecker who welcomed all the attendees .
The Emcee for this special event was Sophia Beausaleil from KPRC Channel 2 News . Following the welcome and greeting , the invocation was given by His Excellency Joseph Anthony Fiorenza , Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston . A highlight of the Celebration was a reading of the Preamble
16 iF Magazine | December 2017