A night of glamour at the 2013 Consuls Ball

Last Friday, UNA-GB hosted the 2013 Consuls Ball, which celebrates the Consular Corps of Boston, at the Fairmont Copley Hotel. During the ball, Governor Deval Patrick’s proclamation was read declaring April 26, 2013, as Consular Corps Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. About 30 Consuls from countries such as Korea, France, Turkey, Ireland, to name a few, were in attendance.

This year’s Consuls Ball celebrated Korean culture. Consul General of Korea Kangho Park gave some remarks. A short-clip with a message from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was also played. There were also performances by Ms. Youngsook Song and Dr. Chuljin Lee. Ms. Song played a traditional Korean instrument known as the Gayageum and Dr. Lee performed a traditional Buddhist dance.

The evening also consisted of a silent and live auction that included packages to amazing destinations like the island of Azores, Cape Cod, the Bermudas, among many others.

UNA-GB also presented its annual Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University. Aoun has strengthened Northeastern’s leadership position in experiential and cooperative education, created global programs with urban perspective, and fostered a research enterprise with eight federally recognized centers and institutes.

The Consuls Ball helps support UNA-GB’s Model UN program. Model UN teaches middle and high school students to think critically about complex global issues.

More pictures to be posted on our Facebook page soon!

We hope you can join us in 2014 for our next Consuls Ball!

Why you should seriously consider attending the Consul’s Ball: Hobnobbing with the Elite of Boston’s International Community

If  the title doesn’t give it away let me explain.  The Consul’s Ball is a fun-filled night with dancing, dining and entertainment . Along with the dancing, dining and entertainment the Consul’s Ball gives attendees the chance to meet some of the most influential people in Boston’s international community.

Still not convinced? 

How about the chance to win some awesome prizes? Each year at the Consul’s Ball there is a live and silent auction in which attendees can bid on some lavish and exclusive prizes. This year you can bid on a vacation in the Azores, a long weekend in Bermuda, Sports Extravaganza (with Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Revolution tickets) in the live auction; silent auction packages to destinations all over New England, fun activities to do in the city, and much more; plus add in our mystery box items and you have so many options for going home with an awesome package!

Ok if you’re not still impressed let’s see if we can pull at your heartstrings.  All proceeds from the Consul’s Ball go to help fund UNA-GB’s Model United Nations programming. Model United Nations allows students  to explore global issues and their possible solutions. Model UN has  also allows  students  to gain a greater appreciation for the world that they live  in, but also makes them  realize that they  can also make a change. It’s about letting the young people of the future become aware about the world around them and allowing them to feel like they can make a difference not later but now. 

So if you want an excuse to dress up to the nines, hobnob with the elite , a chance to win amazing prizes and a wonderful opportunity to give to a great cause then you should definitely check out  the 2013 Consul’s Ball on April 26 at the Fairmont Copley Hotel.

 

Country Sponsor for 2013 Consuls Ball: South Korea

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Consuls Ball will be held on Friday, April 26 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.  The Consuls Ball is an elegant, vibrant event celebrating Boston’s international spirit and honoring the Consular Corps of Boston, which represents nearly 60 countries. This year’s ball will focus on the Republic of Korea, a modern democracy with a thriving economy. In order to prepare you for this event, here are some facts about Korea that you should know:

–       The current President of South Korea is Park Geun-hye, the first woman to serve in this position.

–       One of the fastest growing economies, Korea ranks 15^th in the world by nominal GDP.

–       Korea is an industrial nation at the forefront of semiconductor, automobile, shipbuilding, steel making, and IT industries.

–       In 2010, Korea hosted the G-20 summit in Seoul, the first Asian country to chair and host a G-20 summit.

–       In 2012, Korea held the Nuclear Security Summit.

–       Korea has gained a non-permanent membership to the UN Security Council for the 2013-2014 period.

–       UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is from Korea.

–       “Korean Wave” is the name given to Korean dramas, movies, and music that are gaining massive audiences abroad.  One notable example is that of PSY, the notable singer who has popularized the song Gangnam Style.

–       In 2018, the Winter Olympics will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Now that you know some basic facts about Korea, you should join us in celebrating its rich and vibrant culture at our Consuls Ball. For more details about the ball, check out this link: http://cb2013unagb.eventbrite.com We hope to see you there!

*Many thanks to our Gold Sponsor -Focus Country

From Belgium to UK: A Recap of the 2012 Consuls Ball, Boston’s Global Gala

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The United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNA-GB) hosted our annual Consuls Ball – an elegant, high-spirited international event that gives tribute to the city’s global leaders of today while benefiting the global leaders of tomorrow – at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston on this past Friday evening, April 27. Nearly 400 guests and 34 consuls who facilitate business, trade, education, and other linkages in the state came out to celebrate the international community in Boston. The day was also a celebration of Governor Deval Patrick’s proclamation of April 27 as the official Consuls Day in Massachusetts.

The Consuls Ball commenced as the 34 members of the Consular Corps of Boston in attendance, from Belgium to the UK, processed into the packed Ballroom for acknowledgment. A toast was given by Dr. Arese Carrington, UNA-GB Board Vice President, recognizing the lasting economic and cultural impact of the Corps, which now numbers almost 60 Consulates in Boston, or nearly one third of UN Member States.

“Today, so-called ‘democratic space’ has expanded to all corners of the world; a development never witnessed before in the history of mankind,”shared Ambassador Kazuo Kodama, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, who gave keynote remarks at the Ball.  “Yet, one of the most difficult challenges confronting the UN at this juncture is how to assist countries in transition in rooting democracy and the rule of law in their home soil… I can provide full assurances that Japan is committed to extending our continued support in cooperation with the efforts of the international community at large.”  See Ambassador Kodama’s full remarks here.

The night had a special focus on Japan, with the Ball falling at the end of the first week of the new nonstop flight linking Boston to Tokyo and the rest of Asia, an event certain to extend Boston’s global footprint and strengthen economic and cultural ties not only between Boston and Japan, but between all of New England and Asia.  The Ball also coincided with the Cherry Blossom Centennial, as well as the one year marker of the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.  Along with Ambassador Kodama’s remarks, the night showcased the best of Japanese culture, from Taiko drumming to stunning Ikebana centerpieces to sushi and a special Cherry Blossom Cosmo.  The night was capped by a raffle drawing of a dream trip on the new JAL Dreamliner direct flight to Tokyo (retail value $5,000), which was won by Calvin Williams, resident of Arlington.   Roy Chase,  of Hyannisport, was the other lucky winner of our second raffle drawing – a gorgeous 18 Karat White Gold Pearl and Diamond bracelet (retail value $2,500) donated by Shreve, Crump and Low and designed by Mastoloni Pearls.

Not only did the Consuls Ball recognize current global leadership, but it also raised money for the future global leaders in Boston area schools, who are preparing to live and work in an ever more globalized world.  The Consuls Ball supports UNA-GB’s Model UN programs, which teach 6^th-12^th grade students in local public schools to think critically about complex global issues, increase their understanding of diversity and the world beyond our borders, and provide them with conflict resolution and public speaking skills.

“[Model UN] is an opportunity to have a voice, to jump out of your comfort zone, and most importantly take that experience into the future such as in college, the working place, and society in general”,shared Stephanie Thermora, a senior at Boston Latin Academy and active Model UN participant.  “Every student should have an opportunity to participate in a Model UN program because every student has in something they can share with the world and the capability to change the world.”

In the 2011-2012 school year, close to 3,000 students — more than half from urban schools — participated in nearly 100 schools throughout the Greater Boston area.

The evening’s events were closed with a final toast by our fearless Board President, Richard Golob, in recognition of the next generation of global leaders, our youth participants in Model UN.  It was a beautiful night of international celebration and support, and we are deeply grateful for all the support and energy provided by our sponsors, table hosts, guests and volunteers!

See photos from the Reception and Dinner Program.  You can also see our coverage in the Boston Globe’s PartyLines section.  And check back soon for a video recap!

We hope you can join us in April 2013 for the next Consuls Ball!

-UNA-GB staff

Go Inside the 2011 Consuls Ball!

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The United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNA-GB) hosted its Annual Consuls Ball – an elegant, high-spirited international event that gives tribute to the city’s global leaders of today while benefiting the global leaders of tomorrow – at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston on Friday, April 29, 2011. More than 350 guests and 30 consuls who facilitate business, trade, education, and collaboration came out to celebrate the international community in Boston.

Along with celebrating the Consular Corps of Boston’s service and commitment to international cooperation in the community, the night most notably honored Carol Fulp, Senior Vice President of the Brand Development Group at John Hancock Financial.  Ms. Fulp received UNA-GB’s Leadership Award, a prestigious award given to a Boston leader who has made outstanding contributions to the local and international community.  Past awardees have included Senator John Kerry and Carol Bellamy, former Executive Director of UNICEF.  This past fall, Fulp was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as a Representative of the U.S. to the 65th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

“Carol’s commitment to the Boston community, to our youth, and to the global community through her work at the US Mission to the UN makes her an excellent recipient for our 2011 Leadership Award,” says UNA-GB Executive Director, Lena Granberg.  “She embodies effective global leadership and is a role model for the many students who participate in our Model UN program and who may one day have the opportunity to represent their country in the General Assembly.”

The Ball not only recognized the global leaders of today, but also offered an opportunity to support Boston’s future global leaders.  Judi Allen, Director of History and Social Studies in the Malden School District, and Rebecca Jean, a student from Malden High School, reflected on the impact of UNA-GB’s Model UN program, which teaches 6^th-12^th grade students in local public schools to think critically about complex global issues, increase their understanding of diversity and the world beyond our borders, and provide them with conflict resolution and public speaking skills.

“Coming from Haiti and growing up in an urban environment I never really thought I would be able to get involved in something like [Model UN],” Jean shared.  “It is an opportunity to have a voice; to jump out of comfort zones, and most importantly, take that experience into the future real world such as in college, in the workplace and in terms of communicating with others.”

In the 2010 school year, over 2,300 students — 1,730 from urban schools — participated in UNA-GB’s Model UN program in over 70 schools throughout the Greater Boston area, including every 7^th grader in the Malden School District.

Other elements of the evening’s program included a nod to the Royal Wedding, which was celebrated worldwide earlier that day.  Dr. Phil Budden, Britain’s Consul General to New England, gave a special toast to the Royal Couple and two guests were crowned the “royal” winners of the evening with a Mystery Box drawing featuring a sapphire and diamond ring inspired by Kate Middleton’s engagement ring and a Longines men’s watch fit for a prince, courtesy of Ball sponsor Shreve, Crump & Low. The Ball also featured both a live auction and a silent auction, with the most prominent items of the night being a coveted pair of Red Sox/Yankee tickets, an Olympic escape to Vancouver and a tropical trip to the Cayman Islands.

R.D. Sahl, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and former NECN broadcaster shared Governor Deval Patrick’s official proclamation, which declared April 29 as 2011 Consuls Day in Massachusetts.  Leonard Kopelman, the Honorary Consul General of Finland and the Dean of the Consular Corps of Boston, and UNA-GB President, Richard Golob, addressed the guests as well.  In addition, the honorary Consular Corps Procession was followed by a moment of silence this year for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Sponsors of the Ball were Shreve, Crump & Low, State Street Corporation, John Hancock Financial, GGA Software Services, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Hult International Business School, Suffolk Sawyer Business School, and the British School of Boston.

Overall, the Consuls Ball was a great success, even receiving diverse local media coverage!

We had almost a full page feature in the May 5th G Section with photos by Bill Brett.  You can check the lead photo out online here:  http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2011/05/05/party_lines/

Secondly, we had some live television coverage the evening of the Ball by Channel 7 news, in relation to the Royal Wedding.  They did live shots at 10 pm and 11 pm.  You can see footage from the evening here: http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/entertainment/royal-wedding/12004182675761/royal-wedding-parties-continue-in-the-bay-state/

And lastly, we’ve been hard at work here in the office putting up photos from the Ball on our Facebook page:

Reception:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150180787254310.320235.271253314309

Program/Dinner:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150180808144310.320244.271253314309

Enjoy!  And we hope you join us next year as well for THE global gala of the season!

Behold Massachusetts: Consuls Day 2011 has arrived!

While we know here in the office how important today is, it’s now a statewide recognized fact – Governor Deval Patrick declared today, April 29^th to be the official “Consuls Day!” As Boston celebrates with global leaders to honor the Consular Corps, Carol Fulp and local leaders tonight at the 2011 Consuls Ball, the governor issued the following proclamation to make today a day to acknowledge the Consuls and their global leadership:

“Whereas: The Consular Corps of Boston serves as a vital connection between Massachusetts and over 50 countries of the world; and

Whereas: The members of the Consular Corps of Boston serve the citizens of Massachusetts and of their nations, and work to facilitate business and educational exchanges, as well as foster technology transfer, economic development, and international understanding; and

Whereas: The Consular Corps is a reflection of the diverse backgrounds of the citizens of Massachusetts, and the rich diversity of the many cultures of the world;

Therefore, I, Deval Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 29, 2011 to be

Consuls Day

in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

(Governor Deval Patrick’s Consuls Day 2011 Proclamation)

Come celebrate Consuls Day with us 7 pm tonight at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.  For more information, visit http://www.unagb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=28!

-NaEun

Wine, Dine, and WIN BIG this Friday!

What do a sapphire and diamond ring, a 5 Day Caribbean stay,  and beer for a year have in common?

Answer:  They are all prizes available to either win in the Mystery Box Drawing or purchase in the live and silent auctions at this year’s Consuls Ball, coming up this Friday, April 29!   See more details below and reserve your tickets today!

The Ball will have many special features throughout the evening, including:

• A Mystery Box drawing in honor of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials (the same day as the Ball), featuring a classy Longines men’s watch fit for a prince and a striking sapphire and diamond ring inspired by the Royal Engagement ring.  Guests will have a chance to purchase a box for $100, where you are an instant winner – courtesy of Shreve, Crump & Low, all boxes will have a sterling silver key ring that is redeemable for $100 worth of credit at Shreve’s stores and a number.  At a designated point in the evening, two numbers will be drawn on stage and two lucky guests will be “crowned” the ROYAL grand prize winners of the evening.  Learn more here.
• A Live Auction featuring a desirable getaway to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, an “Olympic” escape to Vancouver, and a Red Sox Fever package. 
  See the complete details here.
• A Silent Auction with more amazing packages featuring local restaurants, New England excursions, sports tickets, health clubs, and so much more! See all of the amazing packages here.

Check out our previous blog post on the Consuls Ball, which includes a great slideshow from past Balls, and offers more information on additional special features throughout the evening!  You can also read the testimony from one past attendee on why she’s coming back again this year. 

Join us for an extraordinary evening and don’t miss your chance to WIN BIG!  Purchase your tickets TODAY!

Consuls Ball 2011: Boston’s must attend global gala!

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UNA-GB’s Annual Consuls Ball is almost here, and you don’t want to miss out!  Celebrate Boston’s global leaders of today and tomorrow with us!

This highly anticipated event is Boston’s premier international gala of the year, bringing together well over 350 prominent members of the diplomatic, business, political, and academic communities across the Greater Boston area, set to be held this year on April 29 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. This is a very special opportunity for attendees to mingle and network with distinguished guests while supporting the Model UN Program, which empowers thousands of Massachusetts youth in urban areas to learn about critical global issues and to see the world from new perspectives. To celebrate this elegant, vibrant event, guests are encouraged to dress in black tie or national dress, network and converse with leaders in the Boston community, experience exceptional international cuisine, and dance the night away!  Watch the slideshow above and check out our Consuls Ball 2010 Facebook album to see past years’ activities and attendees!

The Ball honors Boston’s global leaders of today, including the Consular Corps of Boston, who represent over 50 Member States of the UN (one-quarter of all UN Member States), and who serve their nationals locally and facilitate economic development and international understanding between their countries and the US.  The night offers an opportunity to recognize and honor their service to the greater Boston area and is unique among Boston events in celebrating the many cross-cultural, business, and personal ties that enhance the city’s international character.

This year, Carol Fulp, SVP of Brand Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for John Hancock Financial, will receive UNA-GB’s 2011 Leadership Award in honor of her outstanding contribution to the local and international community. Nominated by President Barack Obama in September 2010, Fulp is serving as a Representative of the United States of America to the Sixty-fifth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. We are thrilled to honor such an excellent example of a local leader making a global impact!

The Consuls Ball also benefits the global leaders of tomorrow – the money raised at the Ball goes directly to UNA-GB’s global education program, which serves over 70 Boston-area schools and reaches over 2,200 students annually, more than 1,000 of whom are from urban schools.   Model UN prepares students for academic and workplace success by teaching core 21st century skills, including negotiation, problem solving, public speaking, and analysis.  They learn to critically analyze an issue from a new perspective, offer tangible solutions, work with others to reach an agreement, and ultimately become leaders who inspire others. Model UN allows young people to gain perspective through participation, and therefore become informed, responsible and active global citizens.  UNA-GB’s program also helps bridge the achievement gap by expanding access to the life changing skills learned in Model UN to all students regardless of socioeconomic background, because we believe that all young people have the will and capacity to understand and address the complex issues facing the world today, and just need access to the right resources.

If that’s not enough, the Ball will have many special features throughout the evening, including:

• a Mystery Box drawing in honor of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials (the same day as the Ball!), featuring a classy Longines men’s watch and a striking sapphire and diamond ring inspired by Diana’s (and now Kate’s) engagement ring.  Guests will have a chance to purchase a box for $100 – courtesy of Shreve, Crump & Low, the winning boxes will have the watch and the ring, and all boxes will have a sterling silver key ring that is redeemable for $100 worth of credit at Shreve, Crump & Low’s stores.
• a delicious Signature Cocktail called “Ocean Blue” provided by one of our sponsors, Ocean Spray Cranberries.
• an internationally-inspired menu, with delectable courses from around the world.  Travel from Africa to Europe to Asia, all in one meal!
• a Live Auction featuring desirable getaways including to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, a Red Sox nation fever package, and more.
• a Silent Auction with more amazing packages featuring local restaurants, New England excursions, sports tickets, health clubs, and so much more!

All in all, the Consuls Ball is a unique, glamorous, and memorable celebration that is not to be missed!

Help us celebrate the rich diversity and international spirit in and around Boston, while also empowering the global leaders of tomorrow!

Come join us for an extraordinary evening on April 29, 2011 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston!!

Purchase your tickets now!

DETAILS:

Friday, April 29, 2011
7:00 PM Reception and Silent Auction
8:00 PM Internationally Themed Dinner and Program
Dancing and live music all night
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Black Tie Optional; National Dress Encouraged

We would like to extend a special thank you to our current 2011 Consuls Ball sponsors for their generous support and participation:

State Street Corporation
Shreve, Crump & Low
GGA Software Services, LLC
HULT International Business School
John Hancock Financial
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc

If you are interested in joining us as a sponsor for the 2011 Consuls Ball, you can learn more here and contact us at 617-482-4587 for more information.