The United Nations Association is a voluntary, membership-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). We campaign, educate and fundraise to help turn the ideals of the United Nations into reality. However, UNA does not necessarily believe that the UN is perfect and beyond criticism. It is our job to ensure that the UN is used more effectively, efficiently and creatively in all the areas where it works.

What we stand for:

• To promote greater understanding of the role, functions and potential of the United Nations and its agencies in securing peace and freedom from poverty and oppression among all peoples
• To encourage and generate governmental and public support for UN initiatives in conflict avoidance and resolution, peacekeeping and disarmament; and for sustainable economic and social development, environmental protection and human rights
• To promote and lead discussion of new structures, new roles and all measures which could strengthen the United Nations
• To work to ensure that the United Nations has the resources it requires effectively to fulfil the many responsibilities placed upon it
• In pursuance of the principles of the Preamble to the United Nations Charter, to work for friendship and understanding between the peoples of different countries and their co-operation in the tasks of peace; and to foster among the people of this country a sense of responsibility as world citizens.

Democracy
The United Nations Association is linked, at the international level, with over 80 UNAs through the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). Together we have Class 1 Consultative Status at the UN, enabling us to make direct representations on important issues. This helps give our membership a democratic, international voice at a forum which influences all our lives.

Education
Only through education and public awareness of the issues can effective, lasting change be achieved. UNA organizes Model UN General Assemblies (MUNGAs) where school and college students participate in topical debates, acting as ‘representatives’ of UN member states. We have produced UN education kits, a valuable teaching resource on the UN’s work and structure, for schools in the UK. These have also been adopted by the UN for use around the world. We coordinate overseas study tours for those wishing to develop their knowledge of the UN System and encourage young people to use our organisation to play a more active part in shaping the future of their planet. It is only by educating people to act now that the future well-being of the world can be achieved.

Lobbying
Our work has been crucial in enhancing international cooperation and understanding. We regularly correspond with and lobby the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition, MPs and UN officials to ensure that our government’s actions are consistent with UN resolutions. We work to ensure that the British Government fulfils its international obligations and acknowledges its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Our campaign has kept the issue of Britain’s return to UNESCO alive.

Local Branches and Supporters
Our members are our lifeblood and are the key to our success. There are over 180 local UNA Branches in Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaching a wider and wider audience. They hold talks, events and organize exhibitions in their communities and play an active role in campaigning on the latest issues.

Emergency Relief
Through our work we raise vital funds to support the humanitarian aid programmes of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). Over the years we have raised more than £2 million for them. Most recently we have contributed substantial sums for Bosnian refugees, the general work of UNHCR and for United Nations work to eliminate landmines and for the relief of their victims.

Publicity and Information
Whether it is through letters to the press, advertising, interviews, presentations or seminars, UNA publicises its most pressing campaigns in the media and among the general public. We provide up-to-date information on many important UN issues, informing, challenging perceptions and influencing opinion. We also hold peaceful vigils and collect thousands of signatures for our petitions, both of which often help to shame decision makers into positive action.

Urgent Action Networks
UNA sends information calling for urgent action to its many supporters. We urge them to take immediate action, by writing letters to MPs, leaders of Government and international figures expressing their concern over events – from humanitarian disasters to human rights atrocities. Inundated with a call for change, the government has been persuaded to change its course on key issues.

International Service Programme
UNAIS, our international service section, sends project workers to developing countries to share their skills in a spirit of respect, equality and professionalism. UNAIS aims to promote self-reliance, justice and development in communities through partnership with local organizations.