By Matthew Monks
Before its headquarters was built on the East River in Manhattan, the United Nations first met in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from 1946 to 1956. “Queens is its birthplace and we should be proud of our community,” said John Tandana of the Queens chapter of the U.N. Association. The April 9 event is an opportunity for the Queens chapter to act locally on the United Nation's Millennium Declaration to alleviate human suffering worldwide by 2015, Tandana said. The declaration aims to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality, reduce the child mortality rate and combat HIV and AIDS. Admission is free and the program takes place from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the college at 31-10 Thompson Ave. in Long Island City. Presenters include Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Rotary International and the YMCA of Long Island City. The event, “Untold Story, Working for Children's Health,” should raise “American awareness of the importance of a greater U.S. role in the global health effort on behalf of children,” according to a program flier. There will be two speakers. Richard Alderslade, a doctor with the HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria Global Fund, will give a speech on combating infectious diseases. Kate Weber, of UNICEF, will talk about the socio-economic impacts of childhood illnesses. Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
