UN Chief Gets Rotary Award
By Kim Jong-chan
Politics Editor
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received the Rotary International Award of Honor for his support for polio eradication and his dedication to furthering peace and understanding in the world, Rotary International announced Tuesday.
Rotary International President Wilfrid Wilkinson presented the award in a ceremony in Chicago, the United States, held on the occasion of Ban's two-day tour of the city.
Also present at the ceremony were Rotary leaders, including President-elect Dong Kurn Lee.
Established in 1990, the award is presented to individuals who have actively supported global humanitarian efforts.
Former South Korean President Kim Young-sam received it in 1993. Other recipients include Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Kofi Annan and four U.S. presidents.
In a video message presented at a Rotary leadership conference last month, Ban said Rotary's leadership in the fight to end polio ``is more critical than ever."
``Your determination and generosity will drive us to the finish line in our race against polio," the U.N. chief said.