12/4/2002
The United Nations Association

The United Nations Association (UNA) is often described as the 'peoples' movement of the UN'. It is made up of ordinary people around the world wishing to support the work of the UN and its agencies in securing a more just and peaceful world.

In his Millennium Report the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan summed up the ideals of the UN as a world free from want, free from fear, and with a sustainable future. The UN is made up of governments, but such a vision cannot be achieved by governments alone - it requires the active participation of citizens across the world. This in itself requires information provision, understanding, co-operation and solidarity, and it is these crucial platforms that UN Associations seek to provide.

UN Associations were founded in many countries in 1946 as the United Nations rose from the ashes of the Second World War. Their main goal included promoting tolerance and co-operation among men, women and children throughout the world without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion, or political orientation. The promotion of human rights in all aspects has therefore become a central platform of the work of these bodies, as has dialogue and information exchange.

For over 50 years UN Associations have raised awareness of the increasing role of the UN in preventing war, protecting human rights, and improving the lives of millions of people through better health care, education and environmental protection. UNA members work in different ways, campaigning, educating and lobbying in their own countries, to ensure that this vital work is not neglected.

UNA's independent status as a voluntary organisation, not funded or controlled by the UN, leaves the organisation free to analyse - and even criticise - the UN's structure or actions. Its role is to contribute to making the UN an effective, democratic and representative world body where problems can be addressed at a global level. It is also to ensure that individuals can play their part in making UN goals a reality through their own actions.

Today the World Federation of UNAs (WFUNA) brings together Associations from every region of the world. It remains the only global NGO that exists to support the United Nations family.

By joining the global network of UNA you add your voice to many others working for a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable international society. To learn more, and to find your nearest UNA, look on WFUNA's website at www.wfuna.org