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Lithuanian-American Ann Charles was awarded a Silver Medal of Merit from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania recently
The award was presented by Julius Pranevicius, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York, together with Nida Jakubone, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations in New York, at the Office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York. Ms Charles is currently UN Bureau Chief, “Baltic Review”, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In the Letter of Appreciation to Ann Charles written by the Rector of Vytautas Magnus University, Professor Juozas Augutis, dated January 22, 2018, it stated the following:
“The birth, growth, and development of a free human being are impossible without cultivation of the ideas of freedom, aspirations of self-realization, and peaceful co- existence. Inevitably, this spirit of freedom pervades the work, life, and creative activities of a modern university, a modern state, and a modern world.” “February l6 is an important date for all of us: while it is the day we commemorate the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, it also marks the establishment of Vytautas Magnus University. Every year on this day, we look back and revere our roots, embracing opportunities for new challenges, generating and advancing new ideas.”
The letter went on to say:
“Commemorating the occasion of such a great importance for our entire nation, we would like to express our appreciation for your outstanding contribution in making the name of Lithuania widely known. Your work as an accredited journalist in the United Nations and as the first Lithuanian correspondent in this institution is of greatest significance. When Lithuania joined the United Nations, it is with your help that its name has spread far and wide in the international community.” “On behalf of the community of Vytautas Magnus University, we express our most sincere gratitude for your representation of Lithuania in the United Nations, your contribution making both Lithuania and the Baltic states visible in the international arena, and your role in establishing Lithuanian UN Youth Association (LUNYA) at Vytautas Magnus University. “May the celebrations of the Centenary invigorate our unyielding determination to work for the future of Lithuania! “
The award was presented to Ms. Charles by Julius Pranevicius, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York in the presence of Nida Jakubone, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations in NewYork recently.
Ms. Charles expressed her sincere appreciation following the ceremony to Dr. Ineta Dabasinskiene, Vice-Rector, Vytautas Magnus University, and to Professor Juozas Augutis of Vytautas Magnus University, for making this award possible. In addition, she thanked Jurate Landsbergyte, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of Lithuania (UNA- Lithuania) which is a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) for her cooperation in working with Dr. Ineta Dabasinskiene at Vytautas Magnus University.
Special recognition was also given to the late Algis Tomas Geniusas, President of UNA-Lithuania for l7 years, who initially inspired youth-oriented programs at the University with emphasis on human rights. In addition, Ms Charles applauded the efforts of former American student at Vytautas Magnus University, Olivia Wells, who attended a WFUNA meeting in New York with Pablo Angulo-Troconis, in charge of WFUNA’s Youth Programs and now a Sustainable Development Officer, and Ms. Ann Charles.
On May 23, 2016, a letter of agreement was signed between Dr. Ineta Dabasinskiene, Vice-Rector of Vytautas Magnus University and Jurate Landsbergyte, Executive Director, UNA- Lithuania, on the founding of the Lithuanian United Nations Youth Association (LUNYA). In looking back at the founding of UNA-Lithuania, it was the first of the three Baltic UNAs (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) to be established in the Baltics.
The initial meeting on the Baltic UNAs took place at the UN in Geneva, Switzerland with Dr. Marek Hagmayer, Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) in attendance, as well as Ann Charles (Lithuania), Ines Apelis (Latvia), and Sirje Ainso (Estonia). On September l7, l99l, the Baltic flags of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia flew over UN Headquarters for the very first time.
Photo: Pictured from left to right are Nida Jakubone, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations in New York, Ann Charles (center) UN Bureau Chief, “Baltic Review” wearing a Silver Medal of Merit from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania, and Julius Pranevicius, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York. Photo by CSC.
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