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Burns on United Nations stage
14/01/2004
The international influence of Robert Burns was given further recognition today when the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, delivered the inaugural Robert Burns Memorial Lecture in New York.
Mr Annan's speech - on the theme of the 'State of the World, Brotherhood of Man' - is the first of what is hoped will be an annual tribute by an international statesman or woman in memory of Burns.
The event has been devised and organised by the Scottish branch of development agency British Executive Services Overseas (BESO).
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, who is in the US for a week-long visit to promote Scottish business, proposed the toast to Mr Annan and delivered the Vote of Thanks at the end of the evening.
He also presented the Secretary-General with a bound copy of Burns' Songs and Poems.
At the United Nations headquarters, Mr Wallace said:
"The works of Robert Burns continue to inspire us - in Scotland and throughout the world. His humanitarian themes strike a chord down through the centuries with people from all walks of life.
"I'm delighted that his legacy has been recognised on such a prestigious international occasion. This evening, we've also had musical entertainment from pipers, instrumentalists, and Scotland's 'Three Tenors', Caledon, performing A Man's a Man. This has been a superb stage to showcase Scotland's culture and heritage.
"It has been inspiring to listen to the Secretary-General use Burns to give his views on the state of the world today. The evening has also had another purpose - vital fundraising suppport for BESO Scotland so that they can continue to send Scottish volunteers for placements in the developing world.
"I want to see Scotland promoted in a way which recognises the old and the new faces of our country. To use our traditional icons - our culture, our history and our traditions - together with the best of what 21 st century Scotland has to offer."
BESO is a development agency which provides expertise to organisations in less developed countries and economies in transition worldwide. In the last 30 years, BESO has carried out more than 7,500 assignments in 146 countries and has supported economic growth, private sector development and improved provision of health, education and social services. The Director of BESO Scotland is Iain McConnell. The New York event was sponsored by ScottishPower.