Scotland and the vision of national poet Robert Burns to care for others got a boost from the Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan through an innovative event in New York in early January 2004. The inaugural Robert Burns Memorial Lecture on the theme of the State of the World and Brotherhood of Man, has been devised to provide a platform for the delivery of an annual tribute by an International Statesman in memory of Robert Burns and his vision of the brotherhood of man. The Lecture based on the State of the Union, in the USA was the brainchild of Iain McConnell from East Lothian who has extensive experience in the production of major events.

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan has agreed to deliver the inaugural lecture at a dinner attended by specially invited guests. Profits from the dinner will enable more Scottish volunteers to undertake BESO assignments in the developing world to help others less fortunate. “Something that Robert Burns would have endorsed with relish and enthusiasm” said Iain, who is Director of BESO Scotland (British Executive Service Overseas), and a former BBC broadcaster and producer.

“This event is a dream come true for me,” said Iain. “I am an enthusiastic admirer of Robert Burns. I have proposed the Immortal Memory and other toasts at Burns events throughout the UK for the past 25 years including no fewer than 23 in one particular year. I also presented the Burns Night programme on Radio Scotland when I was the founder of BBC Radio Solway in Dumfries. Over the past few years, I have been convinced that there was another event that would bring even more credit to our national bard. His vision of the brotherhood of man is more appropriate today than ever and this new lecture will enable us to focus on the progress we have made since Burns’s time” concluded Iain.

Over the past two years, he has been working closely with the retired UK Ambassador to the UN, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, on establishing the event.

Sir Jeremy said: "The Robert Burns Memorial Lecture is a very appropriate way of marking the vision of a man whose message is still so very relevant today. I was delighted that the Secretary General was able to accept our invitation to deliver the inaugural lecture in New York."

The dinner featured a short appropriate, colourful musical pageant produced by Iain. Over the past years, he has produced and presented many major royal events in the UK featuring children and adult choirs and military bands. Never planned to replace the traditional Burns anniversary suppers, it is hoped that this annual event, supported by Visit Scotland and a cross section of Scottish politicians and influencers, will also boost the impact of the Robert Burns season and will act as a catalyst to persuade more visitors from all over the world to visit Scotland.