Q: I'd be interested to know what, if any, representation Rotary International has within the United Nations.

Answer from Bill Boyd:

Rotary is not a voting member of the United Nations because it is not a sovereign state. But Rotary does hold the highest consultative status offered by the UN to a nongovernmental organization (NGO). This status is granted only to large, established international NGOs that have a broad geographical reach and whose area of work covers most of the issues on the agenda of the UN Economic and Social Council, which coordinates many UN agencies.

Rotary maintains and furthers its relationship with the UN through Rotary's representative network. Each year, Rotary International appoints representatives to increase the international community's awareness and recognition of Rotary programs and activities. Representatives attend UN and other key meetings related to humanitarian issues, gather information about UN developments, share updates on Rotary programs, and meet with UN officials to discuss shared concerns and areas for potential cooperation. Rotary representatives and RI staff also coordinate Rotary's participation in panel presentations, exhibits, and keynote speeches at major events hosted by the UN and other international organizations.

To learn more about Rotary's work with the United Nations, consider attending Rotary-UN Day 4 November at the UN headquarters in New York City.