United Nations Association - UK

Despite provisions in the UN Charter aiming to limit state monopolies on senior UN posts, the practice of “ringfencing” persists at the UN. A new article from our friends at Plataforma CIPÓ for the International Peace Institute (IPI) Global Observatory highlights how monopolies on top UN positions perpetuate gender and racial inequalities. The article builds on their research for Blue Smoke Campaign's recent policy briefing 'Uncovering Blind Spots: Racial Equality and Representation in the UN System'. Representative leadership and effective policies against workplace racism are essential in order for the UN to be internally consistent with the values it aims to promote. ➡️ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eD4x3Eta ➡️ Read Blue Smoke's policy briefing on Racial Equality and Representation in the UN System here: https://lnkd.in/eX3QPkga

The UN is under unprecedented pressure from every angle, as peacekeepers are targeted, funding shortfall is at its worst in years, and the credibility of the system is being questioned. Last month UNA-UK partnered with the World Food Programme to mark the 79th anniversary of the UN Charter, and reflect on the importance of the UN amidst the challenges it faces in today’s geopolitical climate. We were honoured to present this year’s Sir Brian Urquhart Award for Distinguished Service to the UN to Sir Charles Petrie, former Senior UN Official and human rights expert, who has consistently advocated for a credible and effective UN. Sir Charles delivered an honest and inspiring keynote speech on the challenges facing the UN, its shortcomings, and how faith in the institution must be matched with action. ➡️Read or watch Sir Charles' full speech here: https://lnkd.in/gKbhDqRa

The UK’s involvement in nuclear testing in Kiribati, largely overlooked in UK parliamentary and media discourse, remains a dark chapter. To this day, the UK has paid no compensation or apologised for the devastation to the landscape and lasting physical, mental, social, and economic impacts on the population caused by the testing. Furthermore, the government’s claims that the island was fully cleaned up in the 2000s are disputed by Kiribati’s government and survivors. Now, the last remaining nuclear test veterans are asking the Prime Minister to meet with them before it's too late. A new documentary film 'Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story' is airing on BBC Two and iPlayer tonight at 9pm, exploring the catastrophic effects of Britain's race to become a global nuclear power. With renewed support from the Marmot Trust, UNA-UK will continue to promote the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), advocate for a more just approach to the UK’s nuclear legacy, and encourage the UK to take meaningful action towards a nuclear-free world. ➡️Watch the BBC documentary here: https://lnkd.in/ejAhqzTt ➡️Read our full article here: https://lnkd.in/eT4UwYxS

Vacancy: UNA-UK Trustee (voluntary) About the post: UNA-UK is looking for an outstanding individual who can help the charity improve its ability to respond to the challenging funding environment and increasingly unpredictable global context. The UNA-UK Board is looking to ensure that it has the skills, experience, contacts and diversity needed to sustain UNA-UK. The past few years have seen our operating environment change drastically, with unprecedented global turmoil and domestic political volatility. We are proud to have risen to the challenge, with a dynamic team, significant campaign wins and a strong medium-term financial position.  As UNA-UK believes diversity is crucial to its success, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.   The candidate: You will be passionate about the need for global cooperation and for institutions that are open, inclusive, accountable and effective. The Board is currently looking to appoint a Trustee who can support UNA-UK with their Financial and Accounting skills, to support our compliance and best practice procedures. Additionally, a Trustee should be able to demonstrate as many of the following as possible: - Understanding and commitment to UNA-UK and its objectives - An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity Trustees and company directors - Integrity and transparency - The ability to make good, independent judgements - The ability to think strategically, objectively and creatively - The ability to work effectively as a member of a team - A willingness to speak their mind, as well as to accept group decisions   Duties: Trustees' primary duty is to ensure that the charity operates within its charitable remit and legislation pertaining to charities and companies in the UK and that it is well-managed with sufficient resources to deliver its objectives.     You will be expected to attend 4 yearly board meetings, and to review board papers prior to the meeting and contribute to the development of UNA-UK with your skills and experience. Please note that this is an unpaid position.   How to apply: The closing date for applications is 10am, Monday 25 November 2024 and interviews may be arranged at short notice. Please note that UNA-UK may reject an application if in UNA-UK’s view the candidate has not followed the application process as outlined in the candidate pack. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.    Please carefully read the candidate pack here for eligibility details and how to apply.

Vacancy Announcement: Administration Coordinator   About the post:   UNA-UK is at an exciting stage as we embark on new campaigns and streamline our activities. The Administration Team will play a key role in moving forward these developments forward by providing high-quality administration support across UNA-UK’s operations and activities.    The post-holder will report to the Head of Outreach (line manager).   Annual salary will be in the range of £25,600 per year.   The appointment will be for 12 months, extension will be subject to funding and performance.    This is a full-time position (35 hours per week, excluding lunch hours, 4 days per week) with a minimum 2-3 mandatory days per week at the UNA-UK offices in central London or at UNA related events. The remaining hours can be remote as agreed with the line manager.   Please see the attached document for the full job description and details of how to apply.   We are fully committed to encouraging diversity and ensuring there is no discrimination in all our operations, in line with our values. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

LONDON: Happening tomorrow - GQUAL Campaign and Purpose are hosting a discussion on "Shaping Tomorrow's Justice: Women's Equal Participation in Law". Natalie Samarasinghe will be discussing 1 for 8 Billion and the call for a woman Secretary-General. 6-8pm, 15 October (tomorrow) in Shoreditch - register here: https://lnkd.in/exCkxwz9

Breaking: UN Secretary-General has today announced the appointment of Tom Fletcher as the next Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). We welcome the long awaited news of who is to succeed Martin Griffiths as the UN Relief Chief after he stepped down on 1 June. This appointment marks the sixth consecutive British national to hold the post, and while it has taken three months to find a new postholder there appears to be no news of when we can expect Mr Fletcher to start. https://lnkd.in/egyJneQH

Monday 7 October marked a year since the heinous attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage. It also marks the commencement of the devastating Israeli response that has killed over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and has increased the risk to lives across the region. One year on and there is still no relief - Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of genocide, 90% of Gazans are displaced and the population faces extreme deprivation. Over 100 hostages are still detained in dire conditions, and communities in Israel face indiscriminate rocket attacks and have been forced to leave their homes. In the weeks preceding this anniversary, the world has watched as the devastating cycle of violence has continued unabated and indeed worsened: Israel’s bombardment and invasion of Lebanon has killed over 2,000 Lebanese civilians, while Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at military targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv. This latest escalation, and the harrowing violence of the last year, are a stark reminder that civilians will always pay the highest price as long as the machine of war is allowed to rage on. On this anniversary it is more vital than ever that parties to the conflict, and the wider international community, collectively pursue all diplomatic pathways to end the catastrophic and worsening cycle of violence. UNA-UK reiterates and echoes calls for an immediate, combined and long-term ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon to end the indiscriminate killing of civilians and allow unhindered humanitarian access and safe passage of aid workers. Hostages in Gaza must be freed and all Palestinians unlawfully detained in Israel must be released. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/eXhjbikX

At the United Nations Association - UK event today, #GWLVoices Susana Malcorra, Helen Clark & Flavia Bustreo highlighted the crucial need for a #MadamSecretaryGeneral. Their insights into ensuring a woman at the UN underscore the push for a fair and inclusive selection process. 🌍💪 #1for8Billion

Today we're helping to launch the 1 for 8 Billion policy platform.   The UN is gearing up to select its new chief and the next 12 months are crucial. Our objective is clear: a fair, open, inclusive, and transformative Secretary-General selection process.   All governments and people must be given a chance to shape the process; not only the most powerful.   The UN’s normative power is waning and historical injustice can no longer be tolerated - we need a feminist woman leader who reflects the future we want and the UN we need to get there.   Read the full platform here: https://lnkd.in/evft9ueu