UK Mission to the United Nations

"Last year was the deadliest year on record for aid workers.” 2024 is on course to be no better. Humanitarian Outcomes' Abby Stoddard briefed the United Nations Security Council today on the need to protect humanitarian aid workers in conflict.

1 in 3 women will experience violence in their lifetime. It is the most prevalent human rights violation in the world. It must end. For #16DaysOfActivism, 16 diplomats talk about the UK's work to end gender-based violence across the world. #EndGBV #NoExcuse

Without action on antimicrobial resistance, millions more lives will be lost. The UK is leading efforts to fight and prevent this global health threat. Swipe to learn more. UK Health Security Agency | Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

“It’s time now we use all the leverage we have to further incentivise the political process and shift the power dynamics in favour of the Syrian people” Madaniya's Sawsan Abou Zainedin briefed the United Nations Security Council today on the vital role Syrian Civil Society plays in Syria.

On World Children’s Day, 400 million children are living in a conflict zone. Sudanese children are enduring a brutal war. UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations James Kariuki and UNICEF's Sheldon Yett discuss how we’re working to help. This week the UK doubled our aid to help the Sudanese people. The UK will not forget Sudan. #sudan #unicef #worldchildrensday #ukaid

Ukraine wants peace. Russia wants to destroy Ukraine. 1000 days since Russia's full-blown invasion, David Lammy was at the United Nations with a clear message: our support for Ukraine is as strong as ever. We're with you as long as it takes. Slava Ukraini 🇬🇧🇺🇦 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Today at the United Nations, Russia vetoed a UK-Sierra Leone-led draft Security Council resolution to demand the warring parties in Sudan protect civilians and increase aid access. "Britain doubled aid. Russia blocks aid access." "Britain works with African partners. Russia vetoes their will."– David Lammy

“Every so often, there is an opportunity for the global community to take stock across a wide range of issues and bring people together to set a course for where we want to go.” So Archie Young CMG, Ambassador to the United Nations General Assembly at the UK Mission to the UN, describes the recent Summit of the Future. The past few months have been busy for Archie and his team, negotiating the Pact for the Future, ensuring all went to plan for UNGA High-Level Week and now deep in negotiations in the UN Committees. The Pact, which was adopted by consensus at the Summit of the Future ahead of High-Level Week, charts a new course for humanity to meet existing commitments and solve long-term challenges. “The real test is: does it lead to real outcomes on the ground for real people?” reflects Archie. Tangible results from every commitment, speech and event will ultimately determine the success of these processes, he notes. This was Archie’s seventh UNGA, but his first in this role. “I really valued having seen it from different perspectives,” Archie adds, “We also sought input from others to help us consider how UNGA looks and feels for the different people with whom we are working.” He values this mindset in his team as they strive to develop partnerships with the full range of UN Missions, civil society and other organisations in their work. “I have a fantastic team of really expert, experienced, insightful individuals,” says Archie. “My task is to enable them to deliver and use their experience and expertise in the most effective way,” Archie said. Another aspect of this is his focus on the team’s resilience, encouraging them to prepare for high-pressure moments, so they can look after themselves and others when most needed. Archie was the UK’s lead climate negotiator for six years before joining the UK Mission to the UN, including overseeing the agreement of the Glasgow Climate Pact at COP26. He originally came to New York for his wife’s work: Hannah is currently His Majesty’s Consul General at the British Consulate New York. Archie took a year away from the office between roles, undertaking an M-RCBG Senior Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School working with the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations and Climate Philanthropy. “I was able to reset and recharge and look at things from a different perspective. Most importantly, I spent more time with my wife and kids. They are absolutely everything to me,” Archie said. He also had more time to hit the trails. Archie is a keen long-distance runner, maybe that’s why he thrives in long draining negotiations.   He studied Modern and Medieval languages at the University of Cambridge and has lived in France & Argentina. His curiosity for learning about other countries and cultures through literature got him interested in diplomacy. Archie’s biggest advice for aspiring diplomats? Listen. “People see diplomats and they see us speak. Actually, the key skill for a diplomat is being able to listen.”

UNRWA saves lives. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | UNRWA

"Women have been forced to commit suicide to escape rape. People start losing hope." Darfur Women Action Group's Niemat Ahmadi describes the devasting reality for Sudanese people: rape, forced marriage, sexual slavery, and physical attacks. The Sudanese people deserve peace.