Our History
The Foundation for the Support of the United Nations (FSUN) is dedicated to advancing the work of the United Nations by helping bridge the gap between global humanitarian goals and local action. Since our founding in 1988, we have worked tirelessly to help advance the work of the United Nations towards a better world by upholding the universal human rights frameworks, peace, education and economic prosperity.
This page chronicles our major milestones, from our early years of foundation to our current growth and future vision for a sustainable world.
1988
Founding and Inauguration
1999-2009
Continued Expansion of Programs
The Foundation for the Support of the United Nations (FSUN) was established in New York City to provide essential civil society support for global humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping missions. The founders were Richard Petrie, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN; Yasushi Akashi, then Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; and Ichiro Watanabe, then Member of the House of Representatives. Kihachiro Onitsuka (founder of ASICS) became the first chairman. The foundation began its activities primarily by supporting the World Student Model United Nations Conference.
FSUN continued to focus on building essential logistical frameworks that allowed for more efficient aid delivery to conflict-affected and natural disaster-affected regions. From humble beginnings fueled by commitment for a better world, our dedicated team of visionaries worked tirelessly to formalize partnerships that would eventually define our global impact.
1988-1998
Local and Global Expansion of Programs - USA, Japan, Cambodia, Philippines and Other Regions
Expansion into international programs, strengthening outreach with global partners to bridge the gap between local humanitarian action and high-level United Nations directives.
1996
FSUN Milestone: Accreditation as an NGO in General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
By having consultative status, an NGO could: provide expert analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field; serve as an early warning agent; help monitor and implement international agreements; help raise public awareness of relevant issues; play a major role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives; and contribute with essential information at organization events.
ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience and contribute to its agenda. A NGO with consultative status can also: attend international conferences and events; make written and oral statements at these events; organize side events; enter United Nations premises; and have opportunities to network and lobby.
Strengthening of FSUN Public-Private Partnership Initiatives and the Adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
FSUN formally integrated the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its operational framework, aligning all major projects with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, form a universal framework for sustainable development, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges simultaneously.
The SDGs are designed to be integrated and indivisible, meaning progress in one goal can influence outcomes in others, and deve-lopment must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
2009-2015
2015 and The Present - 38 Years
Onward to a New Era of Partnerships
for the Goals
Our journey reflects a steadfast commitment to increasing our reach and deepening our impact. Over the decades, FSUN has evolved from a humble beginning into a globally recognized NGO and partner for many aligned international organizations from the public and private sectors.
The Journey Continues
The Foundation for the Support of the United Nations (FSUN) remains committed to bridging the gap between global goals and local realities. As we look ahead, our focus intensifies on fostering sustainable peace and empowering communities worldwide. We invite you to stay engaged with our ongoing journey as we shape a more resilient future together.