Photo provided by Stephanie Graef Lions Day at the United Nations was held March 19.

NEW YORK — Lions Day at the United Nations (LDUN) was successfully held in New York City, delivering a strong message on global peace, women empowerment and the fight against human trafficking.

Stephanie Graef, a long-standing anti-human trafficking engagement specialist, founder of the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force and member of the Chassell Lions Club accepted the invite from Lions International President AP Singh to serve as an official program speaker and panelist at the 48th Annual Lions Day with the United Nations event on March 19, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. LDUN is a significant event that celebrates the long partnership between Lions International and the UN. This day brings together Lions, Leo’s, United Nations Diplomats, global leaders and community advocates to renew collaboration and service.

According to a press release, submitted by Graek, the event featured addresses by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, and UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, who emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect human rights and promote global peace.

Panel discussions on women empowerment and human trafficking were conducted by Ruchira Gupta. The discussions included contributions from Sylvia Maier, Academic Director and Clinical Professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs; Manira Alva, Senior Advisor on SDGs at Vital Voices; Muqaddesa Yourish, former Deputy Minister of Trade for Afghanistan; Leo-Lion Ulli Herrmann from the Lions Clubs Youth Exchange Program; and Katalin Bogyay, Founding President of Women4Diplomacy International and former UN and UNESCO Ambassador of Hungary.

Additionally, Simone Monasebian, former Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Academy Award-winning actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Mira Sorvino; and Graef highlighted the urgent need to combat human trafficking and uphold human dignity.

The final address by Shyrete Sulimani, a survivor of conflict-related sexual violence, deeply moved the audience. She shared her personal story and called for stronger support for survivors and justice for victims. She was accompanied by her daughter, Venesa.

Remarks and updates from Lions International President A.P. Singh, LCIF Chairperson Fabricio Oliveira, PIP Al Brandel, PID Sangeeta Jatia, Lion Joshua Smith, Leo-Lion Dorina Szalagyi and Leo-Lion August Valera, reinforced the real-world impact of Lions service in communities around the globe. Also in attendance were Bay de Noc Lions, District 10 Governor Colleen Maki from Gladstone, and PID, LCIF Trustee Jenny Ware from Rapid River.

The event ultimately raised an important question: How will Lions worldwide respond to this call to stand firmly against human trafficking and violations of human dignity?

District 10 Lions came into MOU partnership with the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force in 2024 officially endorsing its mission to fight against human trafficking and support survivors within the District. This partnership is a modeling example in leading the way through engaging civic networks, taking vital action in community-led service projects to prevent human trafficking, and support survivors.

Lions Day with the United Nations is more than a celebration, it is powerful reminder that when volunteers and global leaders come together, real change happens. This is an exciting time to join the LIONS. For more information go to Single District 10 Lions Michigan | Michigan’s Upper Peninsula