Program to Mark Anniversary of U.N.

Whether defined as an institution of world hope and peace or as an ineffective and costly global flop, the United Nations ignites impassioned discussion.

In an effort to educate the public about the organization’s history and mission, the Long Beach chapter of the United Nations Assn. will hold its annual anniversary program Oct. 20 aboard the Queen Mary.

One of the speakers will be Long Beach City Councilman Delano Roosevelt, whose grandmother, Eleanor Roosevelt, was instrumental in creating the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was a founder of the American Assn. of the United Nations.

Diane Tillman, the U.N. association’s Long Beach chapter president and international spokeswoman, said recent attacks on the organization by domestic critics have shifted attention away from its primary goals: Preventing conflict, preserving the environment and promoting economic and social development.

“I promote peace,” she said. “But the U.N. is involved in many projects all over the world that directly serve U.S. citizens--like decreasing global disease, immunizing children, protecting the ozone layer.”

The United Nations Day event is open to the public and honors the organization’s 51st anniversary. The lectures begin at 1:30 p.m. Tickets to the luncheon are $25 for general admission, $18 for senior citizens and $15 for students. Parking is included. For tickets or information, call (310) 430-4711.