United Nations and the LIONS

“To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.”

The relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN began after the end of World War II. In San Francisco, California, USA, on October 24, 1945 (forever known as UN Day), U.S.President HarryTruman joined Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other world leaders in signing the UN charter. In the same year, Lions founder Melvin Jones and Past International Presidents Fred W. Smith and D.A. Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental organization (NGO) charter for the new global organization. At the time, Lions Clubs International was already an established worldwide service organization. During the ensuing years, the two organizations have cooperated on many humanitarian ventures. Lions have provided aid and manpower for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), WHO (World Health Organization), and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) projects. From the beginning, the relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN has been limited to humanitarian endeavours. In keeping with its stated Purposes, Lions Clubs International has no involvement in the political or security affairs of the UN

Lions Clubs International supports the United Nations “ideal of a world at peace”.

Lions are encouraged to be informed, to support, and to promulgate information about the UN, its  humanitarian objectives and the work of its agencies – especially in public observances of United Nations Day on October 24 and Lions Day with the United Nations, held in late February or early March of each year.