ROTARY INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT HABITAT II Istanbul, Turkey Created to address communities' unmet needs, Rotary is an ever-evolving network which can address urban concerns now and in the future. When it began in the city of Chicago in 1905, Rotary sought to replicate the spirit of helpfulness common to small American villages. Like all clubs which would follow, the first Rotary Club was comprised of representatives of the major businesses and professions in its community. As needs arose, Rotarians could bring their expertise -- as lawyers, professors, business, executives, and storekeepers -- to find solutions. This simple idea seemed eminently adaptable. Rotary Clubs were formed in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Mexico City. By 1925, there were some 2.000 Clubs in 35 countries. Today, there are 28.000 Rotary Clubs in 154 countries In the past 91 years, Rotary has found ways to meet all kinds of need. Its Preserve Planet Earth Program promotes projects to protect the environment, and cities' air and water. Its health programs include Polio Plus, to help the global effort to eradicate Polio. Rotary's emphasis on literacy has improved both child and adult education in communities around the world. Rotary's enduring tradition of vocational service has been the genesis for hundreds of employment and training projects. And drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs are conducted by clubs in every region. In addition, Rotary Clubs sponsor parallel organizations, for youth, young professionals, and community corps of non-Rotarians, which multiply their service potential. And because Rotary is both community-based and international, it has global resources. Local projects can be supported by volunteers or donations from clubs in other countries and by The Rotary Foundation. Recently, Rotary International's leadership took a long and careful look at Rotary's service to cities. Using information from the Gallup Organization, we have reassessed what constitutes viable volunteer service in today's urban setting. And as a result, we have added Urban Concerns as a major organizational focus. Beginning next month, Rotary International will hold conferences in seven world regions for club leaders from cities with more than two million population. Participants in Rotary's Urban Peace Conferences will examine the root causes of urban violence, such as homelessness, hunger, illiteracy, poverty, prejudice, and environmental deterioration. These conferences will launch Rotary's initiative on behalf of the world's cities. This initiative will draw on all . traditions and programs which currently exist and will generate new responses to the enormous challenges to be faced in the coming century. One of the traditions which will be most relevant is one we have learned through our Polio Plus Program. In an evolutionary process over the past 10 years, Rotary has become a full private sector partner in an international public health effort. With the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Rotary has developed an international consensus, supported by active collaboration at the national and local levels. Rotary Clubs have learned to work in new ways. Clubs in the same metropolitan areas now coordinate their activities. Rotarians from big city clubs work side by side with Rotarians from smaller communities. And when Rotarians sit around planning tables with government officials and other organizations, we acknowledge each participant as essential. This prototype for public-private sector collaboration is a major component for viable urban communities. The other component is vision. Each of us -- governments, corporations, and volunteers -- must honestly evaluate what we are and what we do. Then we must take whatever it is we have and find new ways to work together, using all our resources. That is what Rotary is doing. And that is our commitment for the future.