Optimists Without Borders International is an international non-profit association, founded by Luc Simonet in Belgium and set up by a deed enacted by notaries Jerôme Otte and Olivier Brouwers at Brussels City Hall (Belgium) on November 19th, 2008, under the Belgian legislation of May 2nd, 2002.
The 2015 General Assembly of OWB International has been hosted by the Belgian Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier REYNDERS, followed by a reception where he invited all European Ambassadors in Belgium.
The objective of Optimists Without Borders International
is to work across borders to promote the development of new ways of thinking which will lead to a greater degree of optimism and a more positive world mindset. We want to bring a shared enthusiasm and delight for positive thinking, an exultation of entrepreneurial daring, and harmonious contact amongst the world’s communities and citizens.
Since February 2014, Optimists Without Borders became a member with consultative status of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations (UN). The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations System established by the UN Charter in 1945. It consists of 54 Members of the United Nations elected by the General Assembly. Consultative status with ECOSOC provides an excellent opportunity for both NGOs and the United Nations to work closely towards a common global agenda. NGOs in consultative status are encouraged to participate in the ECOSOC activities and to cooperate with the United Nations’ bodies by attending meetings, conferences, or contributing with active participation.
OPTIMISTAN
Optimistan is a metaphoric state with no physical territory, a State of Consciousness of which Optimists are citizens. It is the State of Consciousness described by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, by which the more complex the world becomes, the more we have to raise the state of consciousness within it. It is intended that, in time, every citizen will receive an Optimistan passport.
The citizens of Optimistan will be participating in developing this state of consciousness - with optimism and enthusiasm.
Each international association Optimists Without Borders manages the State of Optimistan at an international level, and each subsidiary League of Optimists does it nationally. Everyone who is a member of one of the subsidiary leagues, or lives in a country where there is no league, is affiliated directly with the international association Optimists Without Borders and is a citizen of Optimistan.