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At UNA-USA's 51^st Annual Gala, A Celebration of Global Leadership Awards

On November 23.

The United Nations Association of the USA and the Business Council for the United Nations celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Global Classroomis© program at UNA’s 51^st Annual Global Leadership Awards Gala on Nov. 23. Among the speakers was UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

In addition, the gala honored Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize winner and co-author of “Half the Sky,” with the UNA Leo Nevas Human Rights Award for her humanitarian work. The UNA-USA Champion for Global Change Award was also presented to John C. Whitehead, a vice chairman of UNA’s board of directors for his legacy of leadership and contributions to diplomatic affairs.

The gala, chaired by William J. McDonough of Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and by Janet Ross, a longtime UNA supporter, was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan. The event was attended by a lot of people and presented by Lesley Stahl, the CBS News correspondent for “60 Minutes.”

Ambassador Thomas Pickering, a co-chairman of UNA’s board, spoke about UNA’s hallmark educational program, Global Classrooms, as did Ibrahim Diallo, a Global Classrooms graduate and recipient of the 2008 Leo Nevas Student Advocate Award and Stephen Spear, a New York City social studies teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Manhattan.

Before the formal presentation of the evening’s awards, UNA President and Chief Executive Thomas J. Miller spoke about the organization’s recent achievements, citing, among other successes, UNA’s role in encouraging the US to stand for election to the Human Rights Council.

Delivering the final remarks of the evening, Secretary-General Ban acknowledged in a heartfelt 15-minute speech the contributions that WuDunn, Whitehead and Global Classrooms have made in improving the world. He also touched on the difficulty of carrying out the UN’s work, adding, “We are lucky to have the UN Association as our friend and ally.”

Among the BCUN-members attending were Pfizer, Con Edison and Rothman Institute of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

About BCUN

The Business Council for the United Nations (BCUN) is a catalyst for action, understanding and innovative business opportunities between member companies and the United Nations. Through its network of partnerships in economic development, health, education, and technology, the Council advances the common interest of both the UN and the business community working toward a more prosperous and peaceful world.

In this era of globalization, it is becoming increasingly important to engage business and industry leaders with the vital work of the United Nations. Every day corporations are increasingly engaging in efforts to help combat poverty, hunger and disease while providing vital support and opportunities for the education for millions across the globe. The United Nations is leading the world in these efforts in setting international policies and standards to make our world a better and safer place for all. The goal of the Business Council for the United Nations is to provide our members with unique opportunities to directly connect with the United Nations and its extended network of organizations and country representatives working in areas of interest to them and their companies.

For over four decades members have counted on BCUN to serve as their essential link to the United Nations community. Based in New York City, we provide access to the largest diplomatic community in the world.

What does BCUN offer?

The Business Council for the United Nations provides its members with access to the policy makers at the UN working on subjects of interest to their companies, and we keep them informed about topics relevant to their companies through our panel luncheons along with other events.

Click here to find out more about what BCUN has to offer

Who can become a BCUN member?

Companies and corporations across all industries
Banks, investment banks and financial services firms
Law firms and management consultancies
Chambers of Commerce and national professional associations
Individuals with an interest in international business

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Past Events:

Monday November 23, 2009
51st Annual Global Leadership Awards Gala
UNA-USA's 2009 Global Leadership Awards Gala, marking the 10th Anniversary of Global Classrooms with honorees in the four cornerstones of its curriculum - economics of globalization, sustainable development, human rights and peacekeeping.

Wednesday October 21, 2009
Greening the Developing World: Tech's Leading Role
Exploring the mechanisms of deploying green technology to developing countries

Click here for more information on this event

Tuesday July 28, 2009
The Insiders' Take on Managing in Conflicts

Click here for information and photos on this event

Monday June 1, 2009
Emerging Diaspora Markets: Can they be stimulated to fuel capital flow between developed and developing countries?

Click for information about the event