UN Day 2024
“The World Needs the UN;
the UN Needs Us”
In 1945, delegates from 50 countries drew up the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California. They signed the Charter on June 26, 1945, and it was ratified on October 24, 1945. United Nations Day, October 24, originated in 1948. This year, UNA-USA is celebrating the UN’s 79th anniversary.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “The World Needs the UN; the UN Needs Us.” This poignant message underscores the critical importance of the partnership between the UN and the United States, emphasizing collaborative efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are reminded of the UN’s crucial role in addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.
We invite you to be a part of this special occasion and support our United Nations Day program. Your sponsorship can make a significant impact as we work together to foster international cooperation and drive positive change.
Explore our sponsorship package below and find out how you can support Houston’s UN Day 2024 program!
Let’s celebrate this milestone and continue to strengthen the bond between the UN and the U.S., working towards a more peaceful and sustainable world.
SPEAKERS AND AWARDEES
Keynote Speaker: Peter Yeo
President, Better World Campaign & SVP UN Foundation
Peter Yeo President of the Better World Campaign & SVP UN Foundation: Peter Yeo leads the Foundation’s strategic engagement with the U.S. Congress and Administrations to advance policy changes that support the UN’s work for global progress. Joining the Foundation in 2009, he brought over 20 years of legislative and management experience, including roles on Capitol Hill and in the State Department. Notably, he served as Deputy Staff Director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, playing a key role in negotiating the PEPFAR legislation and its reauthorization. Yeo has also contributed to foreign policy measures regarding China, Tibet, and Burma. He holds a BA and MA in East Asian Studies from Wesleyan and Harvard, respectively, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Global Citizen Award: Rajmohan Gandhi
Author, Historian
Rajmohan Gandhi, Author, Historian: Rajmohan Gandhi is a historian and biographer with over fifteen books to his name, focusing on trust-building and reconciliation. His latest work, Fraternity: Constitutional Norm and Human Need, was published in 2024. He taught history and politics at the University of Illinois from 1997 to 2022, and has also lectured at IIT-Bombay and Michigan State University. Notable publications include India After 1947, Modern South India, and Gandhi: The Man, his People and the Empire. In 2002, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his biography Rajaji: A Life. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1990-1992 and led India’s delegation to the UN Human Rights Commission. Active in Initiatives of Change since 1956, he has promoted dialogue and ethical governance for sixty years.
Master of Ceremonies: Samica Knight
Journalist/Anchor- ABC 13
Samica Knight, Journalist, Eyewitness Anchor – ABC13: Samica Knight is an award-winning journalist and proud Houstonian, currently fulfilling her lifelong dream at KTRK, the station where she interned. Before returning to Houston, she was a general assignments reporter and fill-in anchor at WHP-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and previously worked at KXXV in Waco, covering significant stories like President George W. Bush at his Crawford Ranch. Samica has received accolades from The Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for her investigative work, which led to new state legislation. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, she also completed a top sales training program. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and volunteering in her community.
Global Impact Award: Allyson A. Book
Chief Sustainability Officer – Baker Hughes
Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer-Baker Hughes: Allyson Anderson Book leads the company’s net-zero strategy, promoting sustainable operations and energy transition solutions through stakeholder engagement and policy development. Prior to her role at Baker Hughes, she was the executive director of the American Geosciences Institute and held various positions in academia and government, including the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Recognized for her contributions to energy transition and sustainability, she has received multiple honors, including being named an ‘Agent of Change in Energy’ by Hart Energy and featured in lists of top energy leaders by Energy Digital and National Diversity Council.
Global Visionary Award: Faisal Momin
President- Ismaili Council Southwestern USA
Faisal Momin, President – The Ismaili Council Southwestern USA: Faisal Momin is the President of The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA, where he spearheads initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under his leadership, the Council has focused on community development, education, and environmental sustainability, actively promoting civic engagement and social welfare. By collaborating with local organizations and government agencies, Faisal has facilitated programs that enhance access to education and healthcare, promote gender equality, and encourage sustainable practices. His commitment to fostering volunteerism and empowerment among his community aims to create a lasting impact on both local communities and the global stage.
Global Citizen Award: Dr. David Abraham
Lecturer, Rice University
Dr. David B. Abraham, Lecturer at Rice University:Dr. Abraham is an expert in Sustainable Development Planning and Strategies, focusing on strategic planning, performance measurement, and sustainable transportation. His work encompasses built environment equity, health impact assessments, and community performance metrics. He has led workshops and conferences globally, including in the US, Ireland, and Brazil. At Rice University, Dr. Abraham guides research and teaches across multiple programs, and he also instructs at the Mineta Transportation Institute. He serves on the American Planning Association’s Sustainable Communities Division Board, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Education Committee, and previously on the City of Houston Planning Commission.
