UN Day Luncheon 2012
Keynote Speaker
Ambassador Fernando de Mello Barreto
Consul General of Brazil
Due to hurricane Sandy, this year's UN Day Luncheon had to be rescheduled for December 4, 2012. The focus for this year's luncheon was on Brazil, a formidable leader in global affairs. Brazil represents the largest national economy in Latin America, just finished a two year term on the UN Security Council, hosted the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in June, and will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
Our keynote speaker was Ambassador Fernando de Mello Barreto, Consul General of Brazil. Ambassador de Mello has had a distinguished diplomatic career, including serving as Brazil's Ambassador to Australia, Consul General in London, and representative to the World Trade Organization. In Brazil, he was a member of the Minister's cabinet, serving in roles such as chief of staff and economic advisor.
During the luncheon, Massachusetts-based companies which have signed on to key UN business principles were recognized with the UNA-GB Global Corporate Citizenship Honor Roll award.
*Check out more photos from our 2012 UN Day Luncheon on our Facebook page!
Recognition of Global Corporate Citizenship
Now more than ever, there is great need for companies with a global conscience to lead by example in the corporate sector. The Luncheon will highlight companies committed to building sustainable economies through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks, and who are signatories of:
- UN Global Compact
- Principles for Responsible Investment
- Principles for Responsible Management Education
See complete list of 2012 MA Signatories here.
United Nations Day is celebrated around the world on October 24, the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter came into effect. This worldwide day of celebration recognizes the necessity for a global body dedicated to peace-building, human rights, equality, international cooperation, and economic and social advancement of all peoples.
Since 2000, the United Nations Association of Greater Boston has organized the annual UN Day Luncheon. The event gathers gathers more than 250 leaders from the business, policy, and academic communities in the Greater Boston area for an engaging dialogue on world affairs and an opportunity to network with other globally conscious individuals and organizations.
Funds raised at the UN Day Luncheon directly support UNA-GB’s community and classroom-based outreach in the Boston area, serving close to 5,000 participants annually.
Attendees of the UN Day Luncheon represent individuals and companies who are actively engaged in global affairs, as well as who have a commitment to global education in the Boston community and a desire to foster dialogue among a diverse set of companies, peoples and nations.
Silver Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Ambassador Sponsors:
Brandeis University International Business School
Brandeis University International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life
Cabot Corporation
Clark University Graduate School of Management
Clark University International Development, Community, and Environment
GGA Software Services
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Read about the 2012 UN Day Luncheon on our blog.
“We can and must shape a future where robust markets, sustainable development and a healthy planet become the new status quo. In this pursuit, the greatest contribution by business is the integration of environmental, social and governance issues into their strategies and operations."
-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
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Past UN Day Luncheon speakers:
2012 Ambassador Fernando de Mello Barreto, Consul General of Brazil
2011 Gillian Sorensen, Senior Advisor at the United Nations Foundation
2010 Ambassador Anne Anderson, Ireland's Ambassador to the UN, "Our Collective Challenge: Restoring the Authority of the United Nations.
2009 Ambassador John McNee, Canada's Ambassador to the UN
2008 Sir John Sawers, Britain's Ambassador to the UN
2007 Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert, French Ambassador to the UN
2006 Ambassador Wang Guangya, China's Ambassador to the UN
2005 Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Britain's Ambassador to the UN, “The UN After the September Summit”
2004 Ted Turner, American Media Mogul and Philanthropist, “Our Common Future”
2003 Ambassador Andrew Young “The US, the UN and Global Security”
2002 Ambassador Richard Williamson, the US Alternate Representative to the UN “US Priorities at the UN”
2001 Ambassador Donald McHenry, US Ambassador to the UN during the Carter Administration “Unilateralism in an Age of Terror”
2000 Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Britain’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who addressed the inaugural Luncheon, “UN Peacekeeping in the 21st Century: the US Role.”
**For past Boston Globe coverage, please click here.
UNA-GB also spearheads local events to engage the public in recognition of UN Day, including a celebration ceremony at the State House and a flag raising at City Hall. Find out more about these events here.