WHO WAS GIANNI BALLERIO Gianni Ballerio was born in Asmara on February 15, 1943 where he spent his childhood. He completed his higher education there after which he moved to Padova where he graduated with a degree in Biology. Since his youth he demonstrated a particular interest in social and humanitarian fields. His open character enabled him to get to know different races and cultures. In 1971 he was introduced to the Writings of the Bahá’í Faith and after serious study and consideration he realized the truth of what he read. He developed a new consciousness which offered him greater opportunities and specific goals towards improving the well-being of humanity. From 1992 he represented the Office of the Bahá’í International Community for the advancement of women in Geneva and he was among those few men representing the NGOs for the promotion of equality of women to the Congresses of the United Nations Office(UNO). He was moreover responsible for the development of the relations between the Bahá’í International Community and the World Health Organization, and of the consolidation of the permanent representation of Bahá’ís to the UN in Geneva He left this earthly life on the 13th of December 2001 leaving a legacy of inviting a constant commitment to the promotion and support of the advancement of humanity towards a civilization of peace and unity.