In Haiti, UN Workers Endure the Strife as Part of the Job

Setting the Record Straight:
The Aftermath of Obama’s Visit to the UN

UNA-USA Statement on 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Tom Miller

Dec. 16 – In President Obama’s speech accepting the Nobel Prize last week, he attempted to justify continued US involvement in Afghanistan. Using World War II and Hitler’s scourge as one prime example of fighting a “just” war, Obama told the Nobel Academy audience in Norway that though the US is scaling up the fight in Afghanistan, it is at the same time striving for peace.

The principles of a “just” war have been widely neglected in the domestic arena of foreign policy until now. But the president reminded us that force can be acceptable when it is used in self-defense, as a last resort or proportionally to prevent excessive harm to civilian individuals and properties.

The president also expanded this somewhat traditional definition to include genocide. Though he did not mention the term “responsibility to protect,” a relatively new UN doctrine governing the use of force based on humanitarian grounds, it is logical that force can be justified “to prevent the slaughter of civilians by their own government,” as he said.

For the United States, a busily occupied military superpower, the responsibility to protect remains more a question of ability and practicality than legality.

Pakistani peacekeeping troops working in Liberia for the UN. UN Photo.

The president’s Oslo speech also made a case for pursuing a “just” peace at the end of a conflict. Permanent peace is not merely the absence of war, as “only a just peace,” Obama noted, “based upon the inherent rights and dignity of every individual can truly be lasting.”

These words reinforce UNA-USA’s longstanding position that peace without justice does not endure. UNA emphasized this stance after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this year. Since then, many called on the UN Security Council to block the execution of the warrant, saying it could undermine the fragile peace negotiations by angering the Sudanese leader. UNA insisted, however, that peace that was bought with impunity for Bashir would be fragile and temporary. (Read UNA-USA’s earlier statement on the ICC prosecutor’s action on Darfur)

America’s Leading Role for Peace

President Obama also reminded the Nobel audience that the US has historically led the pack in setting up institutions and norms to prevent conflicts.

After the destruction of two world wars and the birth of the nuclear age, he said, “it became clear to victor and vanquished alike that the world needed institutions to prevent another world war.”

Nuclear nonproliferation is one area that UNA hopes the president can follow through in his quest for peace. Efforts to rewrite the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty are under way, but its ratification cannot be taken for granted.

The president singled out Iran and North Korea as countries that should not “game the system.” Unfortunately, part of the system that he is referring to is the nuclear nonproliferation regime, which is overseen by the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency. Next year’s treaty review conference on nonproliferation offers a crucial opportunity to address the system’s shortcomings.

Some of Obama’s other remarks reinforced not only America’s role in promoting peace but also the UN’s role.

Obama Speaks to the World: UNA-USA's Coverage of President Obama's UN Visit

He said: “A quarter century after the United States Senate rejected the League of Nations -- an idea for which Woodrow Wilson received this prize -- America led the world in constructing an architecture to keep the peace: a Marshall Plan and a United Nations, mechanisms to govern the waging of war, treaties to protect human rights, prevent genocide, restrict the most dangerous weapons.”

It is gratifying that Obama acknowledged the role – the undeniable, unremitting role – of the UN in protecting individuals’ rights based on the tenets of the Declaration of Human Rights, one of the founding documents of the UN. This is a powerful endorsement from the US presidency that the UN, an institution that the US was instrumental in setting up, remains a vital element in the never-ending journey to peace.

It’s valuable to recall Wilson’s foresight in creating the League of Nations. Many scoffed at his ideas -- upholding the rights of women, disarmament, diplomacy and other high-falutin aspirations. Alas, the league was repelled by our own Senate and could not rally the support it needed to stall Hitler and got swallowed up by the rage of Nazism.

We at UNA and surely at the UN appreciated hearing President Obama also emphasized that: “Peace requires responsibility. Peace entails sacrifice. That is why NATO continues to be indispensable.”

“That is why we must strengthen UN and regional peacekeeping, and not leave the task to a few countries,” he added.

To strengthen the UN, I add to this, we need to improve the UN’s peacekeeping missions, which need many, many resources.

I close this last column of 2009 confident that the US and the UN will not abandon the people in countries that hang on the precipice. The League of Nations died, but the UN, inspired by the League’s spirit and taught some strong lessons by its demise, has endured for more than 50 years.

To share your views, send your e-mail to yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Subscribe to UNA-USA's World Bulletin Today!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:35:00 GMT

A new issue of UNA-USA's World Bulletin is coming out tomorrow. Featuring original reporting on the UN, a regular column by UNA-USA's President Tom Miller and video content, the World Bulletin is an easy way for you to stay informed about issues on the UN's agenda and UNA news. Main stories are written by Barbara Crossette, whose long career as a foreign correspondent gave her a well-trained eye to seek out the subtle and not-so-subtle goings-on at the UN. Don't miss her column tomorrow on the UN's role in Afghanistan given the US's new policy there.

Subscribe now to begin receiving the World Bulletin tomorrow

View the Dec. 2 issue of the World Bulletin

Webcast: Senate to Review Human Rights Treaties

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:53:55 GMT

While the Senate has yet to schedule hearings on the unratified UN treaties endorsed by President Obama, including the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Law of the Sea, it will hold a hearing on Dec. 16 to assess carrying out existing US human rights treaty obligations.

The judiciary subcommittee hearing, titled “The Law of the Land: U.S. Implementation of Human Rights Treaties,” will be held at 10:30 a.m. and broadcast online.

View the hearing here

Find out if your senators sit on the subcommittee here.

As a loyal supporter, we are asking for your help

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:14:11 GMT

As a loyal supporter, we are asking for your help.

While more than 2.5 billion people live on less than $2 per day and war, disease and global climate change continue to ravage the world, it is often the work of the United Nations that addresses these needs. Through our distinctive programs, UNA-USA helps educate, inspire and mobilize the American public to support and connect with the vital work of the United Nations as the global leader in the fight against crises of these proportions.

This year alone we have accomplished several significant milestones which you can read about by clicking here. Although we are proud of these accomplishments, we have more work to do.

In these difficult economic times, this year has been extremely tough and we are counting on you for your continued generous support.

Your past charitable contributions have made a significant impact on UNA-USA’s goals of furthering the mission of the United Nations and we greatly appreciate it.

Would you consider making an additional end-of-year gift to support our ongoing efforts?

Sincerely,

Tom Miller
President and CEO

Human Rights Day 2009 - Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:25:00 GMT

On Human Rights Day, December 10, UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon urges everyone everywhere to join the fight against discrimination in all its forms.

UNA-USA is holding events around the country for Human Rights Day, including a human rights panel for teachers, a discussion on environmental justice, screenings of the movie "The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court and more.

View UNA-USA's calendar to find an event in your area.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights.

The UN’s Face-Lift to Disperse Many Staffers

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:56:17 GMT

From the Dec. 2 World Bulletin

By Irwin Arieff

The UN’s temporary North Lawn building, under construction. It will house the General Assembly, conference rooms and the offices of the secretary-general and staff during the renovations of UN headquarters. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

A looming $2 billion renovation is proving a distraction at the United Nations as it copes with the usual challenges of war, poverty and abuse of human rights.

UN officials are temporarily relocating some 6,500 staffers as part of the project, which, when completed in 2013, will leave the New York headquarters a greener, healthier, more productive workplace. While most employees are being shuffled within the UN compound or among nearby buildings, nearly 3,000 are being transferred to leased office space blocks away.

The project will complicate the lives of everyone from support staff and tourists [see the sidebars, “UN Rehab Could Mean Shorter Visits” and “UN Offices: Who Will Be Where”] to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose offices and staff will soon decamp to a temporary new building on the compound’s once-pristine North Lawn. The Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace and world order, is leaving its elegant silk-lined chamber for a meeting room in the basement.

Logistics and Costs

UN planners say that dispersing the staff for several years has its bright side, as some divisions that are already spread across several locations in and around the compound will be housed in a single building.

UN Rehab Could Mean Shorter Visits

UN Offices: Who Will Be Where

“Not every single UN staffer needs to see the secretary-general every day,” says Werner Schmidt, spokesman for the project, known as the Capital Master Plan. “Our feedback from staff at this point is that they really appreciate that department units that belong together are for the first time close together.”

But staffers say something is missing.

“Our new building has nice offices and is convenient to transportation, but there’s not a UN feel to the place,” says Robin Della Rocca, who works in the UN Strategic Communications Division, which has been moved half a mile to an office building on Madison Avenue. “My co-workers and I talk about this: how do you stay connected, and how do you keep that sense of UN family, when we are so scattered around?”

The top-to-bottom makeover has been under study since 1999. But it took far longer than a New York minute to agree on the plans, arrange financing and procure transitional office space. The delays led to a doubling of the initial $1 billion price tag put forward in 2003.

Barring more delays and cost overruns, the US share of the expenses will be $413 million. Washington at first offered a loan to cover the entire cost of the Capital Master Plan, but UN members ultimately decided to pay upfront via a special assessment, collected over five years.

The UN complex, situated on 17 acres along the East River in Midtown Manhattan, includes the landmark 39-story Secretariat tower, the domed General Assembly hall and the Conference Building with its many large meeting rooms. Designed by a team of distinguished architects, including Le Corbusier of France and Oscar Niemayer of Brazil, it was completed in 1950 for $65 million. The Dag Hammarskjold Library, the South Annex -- housing the staff cafeteria -- and an underground printing plant were added later.

Considered a jewel of modern architecture, the original complex was meant to accommodate 70 member-states and 700 meetings a year. Its support systems were built to last 25 years.

Crumbling Walls and Ceilings

Six decades later, 192 members and some 8,000 meetings a year keep the compound busy. The roof leaks and asbestos seeps from the walls. The heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems are frail; the structures do not meet local fire code; and the Secretariat tower’s striking glass-and-steel skin, New York’s first such “curtain wall,” is crumbling and vulnerable to terrorist attack.

The redo will include asbestos removal, installation of blast-resistant glass and better office layout. It aims to cut energy use in half and water consumption by 40 percent; greenhouse gas emissions are expected to drop 45 percent.

If the job goes as planned, the complex will emerge as good as new but looking about the same. That can be said for the main public spaces, their midcentury modern furnishings and world-class art, which will be cleaned or restored.

Work will be staggered to minimize disruption and costly temporary office space. With most of its staff already moved out, the Secretariat is the first building to go under the knife, with workers scheduled to begin stripping it to its beams late this month and to finish by mid-2012.

The Dag Hammarskjold Library and South Annex will be the last to undergo renovation, with a completion target of late 2013. Once employees are back in place, the temporary building will be leveled and the North Lawn restored.

Irwin Arieff covered the UN for Reuters from 2000 to 2007.

Have a question about climate change? Ask world leaders in Copenhagen.

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:05:26 GMT

From YouTube

Have a pressing question for world leaders about climate change? This is your chance to ask it on television.

CNN and YouTube are conducting a live debate in Copenhagen on December 15, where leaders and activists at COP15 will come together to answer your top-ranked questions on climate change.

Click here to submit your questions and vote on your favorites until Dec 14!

Follow UNA-USA’s Iowa Division in Copenhagen

Landmark UN climate change conference kicks off in Copenhagen

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:11:42 GMT

From the UN News Centre

7 December 2009 – The highly-anticipated United Nations climate change conference kicked off in Copenhagen, Denmark, today with countries issuing urgent calls for action to curb global warming.
Over 15,000 people, including government officials and representatives from the private sector, environmental organizations and research institutions, as well as 110 heads of State and government are expected to take part in the two-week summit, making it the largest gathering on climate change ever.

“The costs of responding to climate change will become progressively higher as time goes on,” Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said at the conference’s opening. “Therefore, we must take action now.”

According to Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), there is unprecedented political momentum for a new deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“World leaders are calling for an agreement that offers serious emission limitation goals and that captures the provision of significant financial and technological support to developing countries,” he said.

“At the same time, Copenhagen will only be a success if it delivers significant and immediate action that begins the day the conference ends.”

The IPCC has found that to stave off the worst effects of climate change, industrialized countries must slash emissions by 25 to 40 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020, and that global emissions must be halved by 2050.

More to follow…

Follow UNA-USA’s Iowa Division in Copenhagen

After 2015, What’s Next for the Millennium Goals?

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:55:30 GMT

From the Dec. 2 issue of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

By Barbara Crossette

When 2015 rolls around barely five years from now and countries tote up their successes and failures at meeting the Millennium Development goals, there will be no final flag at the finish line. For countries that have done well, the challenge is to maintain gains or build on them. For those that have done poorly, some introspection is due and more work planned.

The MDGs track trends and are not ends in themselves, says Stefano Pettinato, who monitors the goals in Latin America and the Caribbean for the UN Development Program from his base in Panama and has learned what leads to success. What matters more than figures on the board at the finish line will be how nations have built or strengthened the institutions that turn trends into lasting elements of daily life that can survive political and economic upheavals. Otherwise, gains can disappear in short order.

The Latin America-Caribbean region has mostly done well by MDG standards, far better than large parts of Africa or the South Asian region. Only Southeast Asia has done better as a region, with strong human development before the goals were agreed on by UN member nations in 2000.

What are the Millennium Development Goals?

From Talk to Action: Goals for Women’s Rights

UNA-USA Talking Points: The Millennium Development Goals

Solar Solutions to the MDGs

In Thailand – an example that reflects regional trends or feasible aspirations -- literacy is virtually universal, and 100 percent of girls and boys are enrolled in primary education. Fertility rates are low, and population growth has slowed. Abject poverty remains a concern only in rural pockets.

Even in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia, with the largest number of the world’s poor, some countries show that solid progress is possible with good government policies, despite poverty, AIDS and, in places, civil war.

Botswana, in the heart of southern Africa, has moved from a least-developed nation to an upper-middle-income country in two decades, held back only by an HIV-AIDS epidemic. In South Asia, Sri Lanka has remained a model of development through years of civil war and natural disasters, albeit with lingering poverty and a tarnished democratic image. Sri Lanka achieved parity in education for boys and girls long ago and is now focusing on how to give its educated women more economic and political power.

Latin America’s Accomplishments

In Latin America, Peru recently released a progress report on meeting the MDGs, and it appears on the verge of success in halving the number of people living on $1 a day or less by 2015, one target of Goal 1. In absolute numbers, however, the country still has a far to go toward total eradication of poverty and hunger. But with an eye toward the future, a committee in Peru’s national legislature has been running a campaign called No Excuses 2015 and has mandated that national budgets include enough resources for meeting and sustaining the MDGs.

Peru’s approach illustrates the how-to advice of Pettinato, the UN Development Program specialist on Latin America, which has been battered by a food-price crisis and the backlash of the global economic slump. Pettinato hastens to point out that while progress has been good, problem areas remain.

“The goal where the region is lagging behind the most is one on improving maternal health,” [Goal 5] he said in an interview from Uruguay, “and along with that, combating HIV-AIDS, malaria and other diseases.” [Goal 6] He also said that protection of biodiversity and forest cover, Goal 7, need attention.

A mother and her newborn at the Ramón González Coro maternity hospital, in Havana, which advocates breastfeeding instead of breast milk substitutes, thus helping to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. Unicef/Barbour

Nevertheless, he noted that a pattern of achieving success toward the MDGs in this region and elsewhere is emerging. “I can think of five things that have been quite important that you tend to see in the successful countries,” Pettinato said.

“First of all, it’s sticking to policies that work, and by sticking to policies I mean making them survive political cycles, with laws that make them become a reality in the long term,” he said. “That is key. We see some social protection programs that have been there for many years and have been enormously successful.” He cited Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, where cash transfers, like welfare, to poor families have been “very, very successful, particularly programs that have been politically sustainable.”

The second characteristic of successful nations, he said, is containing inequalities. “Not only income equality, but equalities of many sorts – of opportunities, of access to basic services such as education, health. There is no country today that I am aware of that doesn’t mention inequality as a plague.”

Third, some of the same countries in the Latin American region that have put substantial money into social programs have also established funds as insurance against future crises, “when you need certain social safety nets … and the government has the least money coming in from taxes and so forth,” he said. “In Chile, some of the copper royalties and taxes levied on that were able to fend off some of the fiscal shortages they [recently] started facing.”

“Fourth, countries were able to understand -- consciously or not with an MDG focus – that you really need to address many things at the same time,” he said. “This is really the whole idea behind the MDGs, that this is a package.” The synergies you create by making an advance in one goal energize other goals, he said.

And finally, Pettinato said, it is important to include citizens who are the recipients of policies at every stage. That means “how many were included or consulted or invited at the table when policies were designed and implemented and evaluated, especially at the local level.”

From the vantage of Americans and others in rich nations, scant attention has been paid to the MDGs because they seem to be just another UN plan of little relevance. But as 2015 approaches, evidence from the developing world is showing that with the goals established as landmarks, more governments and nongovernmental organizations are using them to measure their own national accomplishments or failures in concrete terms and, more important, to start taking charge of their own long-term development priorities.

In the eyes of the world and their own people, politicians know they can’t really argue, given the specific targets in the MDGs, that they don’t know what needs to be done.

To respond to this article, send your comments to publications@unausa.org.

Barbara Crossette is the United Nations correspondent for The Nation and a former New York Times UN bureau chief.

Keywords:

Success and MDGs, Latin America, UN Development Program, Stefano Pettinato, Peru and MDGs

At UNA’s Annual Gala, a Snapshot of the World

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:34:54 GMT

Ban Ki-moon's remarks at UNA-USA's Global Leadership Awards

Learn more about UNA-USA's Global Leadership Awards and past honorees

Tom Miller
The President’s Corner

Dec. 2 -- Last week, UNA-USA celebrated the 10th anniversary of Global Classrooms^® at its annual fund-raiser, popularly known as the UNA gala. The celebration gathered 400 guests at Cipriani 42nd Street, the group consisting of diplomats, national and international civil servants, elected officials, UN press corps, civil society, business leaders, philanthropists and New Yorkers who appreciate the UN. For UNA members who were not present, this President’s Corner is for you.

Among those present were Stephen Spear, a social studies teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Manhattan; what more appropriate place than that?

At UNA-USA’s 51st Annual Gala, a Celebration of Global Leadership Awards

View photos from the event

“No single educational tool has assisted me more in instilling both the knowledge and principles” in my students than Global Classrooms, Spear told the gala audience His words sum up why UNA excels in its extraordinary use of the UN conference model, teaching students about global issues and the skills they need to solve such complex problems. Through Global Classrooms, the students learn to “set aside their natural desire to win an argument and replace it with a desire to find common ground and achieve a compromise solution” Spear added.

Global Classrooms is UNA’s own brand of Model United Nations. In the early 1990s, UNA’s education team noticed that Model UN activities tended to take place in mostly suburban and private schools. To diversify the Model UN population, UNA introduced the experience to urban public schools. While teachers were enthusiastic, they were reluctant to introduce a yearlong classroom-based program into an already jammed schedule. Model UN was also an unknown to many of the teachers. With these concerns in mind, UNA developed the Global Classrooms curriculum.

In the last 10 years, Global Classrooms has grown from a New York City phenomenon to a network of students, teachers and other partners in 24 cities around the world. The program operates in nine major school districts across the US as well as in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Chicago Public Schools recently integrated the Global Classrooms curriculum in its mandated ninth-grade world studies classes.

In addition to middle school and high school students, UNA plays a critical role in higher education. Through UNA’s special alliance with the John. C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, we sponsor a weeklong UN intensive summer study program for students around the world to explore the inner workings of the UN right here at its New York headquarters. To commemorate our close relationship with the Whitehead School, UNA presented John C. Whitehead, a dedicated UNA board chairman for a decade and a board member for many more decades, with our Global Change award. This honor recognizes Whitehead’s unstinting support of UNA’s work and reflects our gratitude for his leadership and service.

The night was a pleasant reminder of UNA’s welcome place in the UN community. The world celebrated with us on Monday night as we were joined by guests from Argentina, Bahrain, Britain, China, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda and Vietnam. (I know I am leaving a country out!) To view some photos of the gala, click here.

View a slideshow of photos from the event at Flickr.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, our gracious closing speaker, emphasized that we should not give up our expectations for the UN’s Copenhagen summit as he announced that Indonesia, Russia, Brazil, Japan, Norway, the European Union and Korea have all stepped forward with new proposals for cutting carbon emissions. The recent news that the French and British are backing a plan to build a multibillion dollar fund ($10 billion annually by 2012) to help developing nations cope with climate change and cut polluting gases is one example of the need to press on.

Ban expects at least 65 heads of state to take part in Copenhagen next week – including, as announced by the White House, President Barack Obama. The decision signals Obama’s determination to see progress made on climate change, an important factor in bringing China and India closer to an agreement.

On a personal note, we continue to mourn the loss of an inspirational world citizen in the human rights arena as well as the longest-serving UNA board member, Leo Nevas, who died this summer. His presence was truly missed, as if he had just stepped away from his table and we were waiting for him to come back. We presented the third annual Leo Nevas Human Rights Award to celebrate the outstanding contributions that Sheryl WuDunn – through her powerful new book, written with her husband, Nick Kristof -- has made to advance the rights of girls and women.

While the narratives in “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” show the worst sides of humanity, they have also galvanized a grass-roots movement that proves how a little help and effort by individuals around the world can bring about economic progress for women and girls – half the world’s population -- who need it most.

As Jo-Ann Nevas Price, Leo’s daughter, said in presenting the award to Sheryl, the book inspires us by showing “how we each can do our part and must do our part – a mission my father embraced and espoused his whole life.”

That’s why UNA-USA needs your help more than ever to carry out its mission, as we strive to keep our members informed about the UN. Let us continue our vital role in bridging the US and the UN by supporting UNA today.

To share your views, send your e-mail to yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

World AIDS Day 2009 - Statement from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:32:00 GMT

The world is seeing signs of progress in reversing the AIDS epidemic in some countries. Investments in the AIDS response are producing results and saving lives. At the same time, in global terms new infections are outpacing the gains achieved in putting people on treatment, and AIDS remains one of the leading causes of premature death globally.

On World AIDS Day this year, our challenge is clear: we must continue doing what works, but we must also do more, on an urgent basis, to uphold our commitment to reach universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010.

This goal can be achieved only if we shine the full light of human rights on HIV. That means countering any form of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It means eliminating violence against women and girls. It means ensuring access to HIV information and services.

I urge all countries to remove punitive laws, policies and practices that hamper the AIDS response, including travel restrictions against people living with HIV. Successful AIDS responses do not punish people; they protect them.

In many countries, legal frameworks institutionalize discrimination against groups most at risk. Yet discrimination against sex workers, drug users and men who have sex with men only fuels the epidemic and prevents cost-effective interventions. We must ensure that AIDS responses are based on evidence, not ideology, and reach those most in need and most affected.

People living with HIV can be powerful role models in guiding us to better approaches to prevention, health and human dignity. We must recognize their contributions and promote their active participation in all aspects of the AIDS response.

On this World AIDS Day, let us uphold the human rights of all people living with HIV, people at risk of infection, and children and families affected by the epidemic. Let us, especially at this time of economic crisis, use the AIDS response to generate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Most of all, let us act now.

Learn more about World AIDS Day

Find out more about MDG 6 to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

At UNA-USA’s 51st Annual Gala, a Celebration of Global Leadership Awards

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:47:00 GMT

The United Nations Association of the USA and the Business Council for the United Nations celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Global Classrooms^® program at UNA’s 51st Annual Global Leadership Awards Gala on Nov. 23. Among the speakers was UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

In addition, the gala honored Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize winner and co-author of “Half the Sky,” with the UNA Leo Nevas Human Rights Award for her humanitarian work. The UNA-USA Champion for Global Change Award was also presented to John C. Whitehead, a vice chairman of UNA’s board of directors.

The gala, chaired by William J. McDonough of Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and by Janet C. Ross, a longtime UNA supporter, was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan. The event was attended by more than 400 people and presented by Lesley Stahl, the CBS News correspondent for “60 Minutes.”

Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, a co-chairman of UNA, spoke about the success of Global Classrooms in diversifying the Model UN population through the participation of more public schools.

“Global Classrooms is an effective catalyst to bring out the best in our students in world affairs and in all areas,” Pickering said.

Ibrahim Diallo, a Global Classrooms graduate and recipient of the 2008 Leo Nevas Student Advocate Award, thanked UNA-USA for encouraging a new generation of “global citizens that will rise to the challenge.”

Emphasizing the value of using Global Classrooms in school curriculum, Stephen Spear, a social studies teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Manhattan, said that the material has helped his students realize that “conflict in the world is rarely simple” and that the “American perspective is not always the correct one.”

Before the formal presentation of the evening’s awards, UNA President and Chief Executive Thomas J. Miller spoke about the organization’s recent achievements, citing, among other successes, UNA’s role in encouraging the US to stand for election to the Human Rights Council.

UNA’s Leo Nevas Human Rights Award was then presented by Jo-Ann Nevas Price to Sheryl WuDunn, who wrote “Half the Sky,” a book on the abuses women suffer worldwide, with her husband, Nicholas Kristof, a New York Times columnist. WuDunn and her husband are the first couple to win a Pulitzer Prize.

The Leo Nevas award, inaugurated in 2007, is named for UNA’s longest-serving board member, Leo Nevas, a lawyer and human rights advocate who helped establish UNA’s human rights program. It is financed by a grant from Newman’s Own Foundation.

In her speech, WuDunn used an old Hawaiian tale to illustrate the value of small gestures to solve large problems. A boy was throwing stranded starfish into the ocean, she said, when someone looked at the shore, strewn with the starfish, and told him he couldn’t possibly make a difference. The boy picked up another starfish, threw it back into the water and replied, “I just made a difference for that one.”

John Whitehead accepted the UNA-USA Champion for Global Change Award for his legacy of leadership and life of service. Whitehead served as deputy secretary of state in the 1980s, after rising through the ranks at Goldman Sachs, where he was made a senior partner and co-chairman in 1976. In 1985, he became deputy secretary of state, serving until 1989. In 1998, with UNA-USA he helped found the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

“At the crux of John’s partnership with UNA has been his passion for education and knowledge that through this comes global change,” said William J. McDonough, co-chairman of UNA.

Delivering the final remarks of the evening, Secretary-General Ban acknowledged in a heartfelt 15-minute speech the contributions that WuDunn, Whitehead and Global Classrooms have made in improving the world. He also touched on the difficulty of carrying out the UN’s work, adding, “We are lucky to have the UN Association as our friend and ally.”

Click here to read Ban’s speech in full

Learn more about UNA-USA's Global Leadership Awards and past honorees

Stephen Rapp addressing the ICC's Assembly of States Parties in The Hague

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:56:50 GMT

From AMICC's blog

Above, U.S. Ambassador to War Crimes Stephen Rapp addressing the ICC's Assembly of States Parties in The Hague, November 19th. Read the statement here.

AMICC's Convener John Washburn and Deputy Convener Matthew Heaphy are at the ASP meeting, so follow them at the AMICC blog or on AMICC's website.

Celebrating 10 Years of Global Classrooms Tonight

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:13:00 GMT

At Cipriani 42nd Street tonight, UNA-USA will be holding its 2009 Global Leadership Awards Gala. Hosted by Lesley Stahl, the event will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Global Classrooms program with honorees in the four cornerstones of its curriculum - economics of globalization, sustainable development, human rights and peacekeeping.

John Whitehead will also be honored for his extraordinary leadership at UNA, diplomatic efforts over decades and as a champion for US engagement with the UN.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Global Leadership Awards and past honorees

UN Agencies Say: This Is About People

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:00 GMT

From the Nov. 18 World Bulletin

By Barbara Crossette

Nov. 18 - Two leading United Nations agencies are warning governments worldwide that unless women are factored into climate change policies and solutions, the long-term hopes of the coming environment conferences beginning in Copenhagen in December will be undermined.

Women produce about half the world’s food, and in many poor countries the majority of the farmers are women living on the frontlines of the droughts and severe weather that threaten cropland. They are also the wood-gatherers, roaming ever farther afield in dwindling forests for cooking and heating fuel. They are largely responsible for feeding families overburdened by more children than they want because they have no access or right to family planning, according to a report published today by the UN Population Fund.

“This report shows that women have the power to mobilize against climate change, but this potential can be realized only through policies that empower them,” the Population Fund’s executive director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, wrote in the introduction to “Facing a Changing World: Women, Population and Climate,” the 2009 edition of the annual State of World Population surveys.

The report follows one from Unicef, which found that 200 million children under age five in the developing world -- where almost all this century’s population growth and much degradation of farmland will take place – suffer from chronic undernutrition. The Unicef report, “Tracking Progress on Child and Maternal Nutrition,” links the condition of dangerously undernourished children to the status of women.

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“Women do not have enough decision-making power to either take care of themselves or of their children and, in general, are seen as lower-class citizens,” Werner Schultink, Unicef’s associate director of nutrition, said in a statement when the report was released on Nov. 11. Eighty percent of those chronically undernourished children live in only 24 countries of Asia and Africa. India leads the list numerically, with nearly 61 million stunted children in an already threatened environment. China is a distant second, with 12.7 million, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Women who have rallied themselves through nongovernmental organizations to save or replant forests, which absorb carbon dioxide, the most lethal of greenhouse gases, have proved on a small scale that these programs benefit families, communities and countries. The UN Population Fund refers to a study done by three American universities – SUNY Stony Brook, Brown and Clark – that demonstrated that where large or numerous women’s environmental organizations existed there were much lower levels of forest loss.

Managing Family Size

When women obtained the family planning tools they needed, they chose smaller families, and strains on food supplies were reduced while health and educational levels improved. Indeed, there is a huge unmet need for family planning services. As Obaid said, there is no investment in development “that costs so little and brings benefits that are so far-reaching and enormous.”

Family planning, in particular the use of condoms, also stops the spread of disease. Last week, the World Health Organization reported that the leading cause of death in girls and women from ages 15 to 44 globally is HIV-AIDS, a reflection of the powerlessness of women to resist unwanted or unprotected sex.

Yet the scientists and other advocates of urgent action to mitigate and reverse climate change have consistently treated the role of women as marginal to environmental policies, and are either oblivious to or squeamish about the need for contraception. During the same period that concerns about global warming, the depletion of resources and larger migration flows were rising, family planning funds were plummeting, the Population Fund report says.

Richer countries providing help to poorer regions backed off inexplicably even as the world population raced toward 7 billion. Perhaps blinded by all the publicity given to shrinking populations in industrial nations (except for the US, where population is still rising) international donor assistance for family planning services in developing countries fell to $338 million in 2007 from $723 million in 1995.

Women Parked on the Sidelines

Institutionally, women have been relegated to the outer edges, too. In thousands of pages of reports from the globally significant Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, only one-half of a page mentioned differing impacts on men and women and acknowledged that women were disproportionately involved in activities such as agriculture.

The word “gender” – implying that men and women may have separate if complementary roles -- was nonexistent in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in 1992 as the blueprint for tackling global warming. It was not until late 2008 that the convention’s permanent bureaucracy, based in Bonn, recognized that “the gender dimension of climate change and its impacts are likely to affect men and women differently.”

Both the Population Fund and Unicef are in effect joining many nongovernmental organizations worldwide in asking governments that are meeting in Copenhagen to broaden discussion beyond the statistics about emissions and arguments over who is to blame, what to do about it and how much it will cost. Humanizing the debate, apart from recognizing the role and potential of women, could also make the scientific issue of climate change more easily understood if not compelling to millions everywhere.

Keep your eye on the ball, the Population Fund says in its report: “Climate change is about people. People cause climate change. People are affected by it. People need to adapt to it. And only people have the power to stop it.”

To respond to this article, send your comments to publications@unausa.org.

Barbara Crossette is the United Nations correspondent for The Nation and a former New York Times UN bureau chief.

Key words:

UNFPA, UN Population Fund, Unicef, climate change, women and family planning, women and climate change

Read the Nov. 18 issue of the World Bulletin

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Ban Ki-moon Fasted for a Day. Will You?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:23:00 GMT

From the Nov. 18 issue of UNA-USA's World Bulletin

More Hungry People, but Less Food Aid

Grassroots Blog: The Difficulties in Climate Change Policy and the Place of NGO’s

The President’s Corner
Tom Miller

Nov. 18 -- While the UN World Summit on Food Security ends in Rome today, more than one billion people around the world – one-sixth of the population, primarily in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – will go to sleep hungry, if not die hungry. It is not surprising that the UN, an organization committed to alleviating suffering in the world’s poorest places, is taking the lead in dealing with the crisis.

Last year, Ban Ki-moon set up a high-level task force to find solutions to the global food disaster. (He also went on a fast last weekend in solidarity with all who starve.) The task force outlined a strategy to provide safety nets and help for small-scale farmers and to support long-term agricultural productivity and resilience, social services, market access and fair trade.

Ban did not stop there. He convinced the Group of 8 and the Group of 20 leaders who have been meeting in the last year to address the global financial crisis to not only save banks but also the poor. He put food security and climate change -- invariably linked, as droughts and floods reduce agricultural output -- on their agenda, too. (To read more about climate change effects and the coming conference in Copenhagen, check out the other articles in this issue of the World Bulletin.)

Homeless, Sick and Hungry: Climate Change Wreaks Havoc on Humans

Help Make Last-Ditch Push for Climate Change Legislation!

One result of Ban’s efforts was an agreement in July by the G8, meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, to commit to a $20 billion food security program.

The food security initiative is the right move. It targets the development of agriculture in poor countries by enabling small-time farmers to grow and sell their own food as opposed to waiting for food to be handed to them. But the aid agencies are skeptical of such commitments, given that the world’s top economic leaders often make bold promises in their media-friendly forums, complete with handshakes and smiles for the cameras, and then fly home and put the vows aside. (A case in point: only one country of the G8 – Italy, not surprisingly – attended the food summit.)

Moreover, skeptics wonder how much of the $20 billion will actually be new money? In 2005, the G8 pledged $50 billion in development aid by 2010. Yet according ActionAid, an international antipoverty group, most countries, including the United States, have been falling behind in honoring their commitments. We know for sure, however, that Ban remains dedicated to the cause.

What exactly is food security and why does it matter? Food security ensures that people get the nutrients and calories they need to get through the day. It matters to you and me in America, where food may be plentiful but not necessarily within reach of all household budgets. This week, the US Department of Agriculture reported that hunger in America reached a 14-year high last year, totaling 49 million people, since the government began tracking “food insecurity” 14 years ago.
We have already witnessed the effects of large-scale food insecurity in regions that many of us have never set foot in.

Indeed, when a human’s basic needs are not met, a country or region can become politically unstable because hungry people are often angry, desperate people, justifiably so. (A Greek proverb comes to mind: you cannot reason with a hungry belly; it has no ears.) So when a country becomes pocked with instability, as in Somalia and Haiti, that situation can lead to bigger conflicts. All this means more displaced people and refugees migrating to wealthy countries or subsisting in tented camps in the middle of nowhere, sometimes turning the inhabitants away from hope and toward terrorism.

Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, recently acknowledged the fact, saying: “Massive hunger poses a threat to the stability of governments, societies and borders. Food security is not just about food. But it is all about security – economic security, environmental security, even national security.”

Between 2007 and 2008, the IMF said that global food prices increased at an average of 43 percent, contributing to food insecurity in poorer populations. FAO/Giulio Napolitano.

The UN food security summit in Rome is meant to address this issue as urgently as possible A few positive notes have been sounded. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the Islamic Development Bank announced a $1 billion agreement to finance agricultural development in poor countries that belong to both organizations. The summit also approved a declaration in which countries pledged to substantially increase aid to agriculture in developing nations, though no commitments were made to reach the $44 billion a year for agricultural aid that the UN says is needed in the coming decades. The agency also hoped that countries would adopt 2025 as a deadline to wipe out hunger. Instead, the declaration focused on a pledge set nine years ago in the Millennium Development Goals to halve the number of hungry people by 2015.

Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that another 100 million will be added to the hunger rolls this year. It doesn’t have to be this way. According to a UN report published last week, 31 of 79 countries monitored by the agency have shown a marked decline in the number of undernourished people since the early 1990s. So you see, eradicating hunger is a tangible goal. By promoting economic growth and investment in rural areas, four countries that have significantly reduced hunger are Armenia, Brazil, Nigeria and Vietnam.

One billion may be an abstract figure for many of us in the West, yet as we celebrate one of America’s most cherished holidays, Thanksgiving, next week, remember that one billion is far too large a number to let slip from your consciousness. So is one million; and a thousand, for that matter. The only number we can all live with is zero.

What can you do? Organize an educational event on food security http://www.unausa.org/worldbulletinin your local UNA chapter or division. Check out John Teton’s proposal for an international food treaty (www.treaty.org.) Visit the UN’s antihunger campaign at www.1billionhungry.org. Send an e-mail message to your Congressional representative and ask if the US is fulfilling its development aid pledges.

Or try fasting for a day, as Secretary-General Ban did.

To share your views, send your e-mail to yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Read the Nov. 18 issue of the World Bulletin

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IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei talks to Charlie Rose

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:32:39 GMT

from IAEAVideo on YouTube

IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei talks to Charlie Rose about nuclear issues. This is a five minute video of a longer 30 minute interview that was broadcast this week. Video Credit: Charlie Rose

Success! U.S. Participation in Assembly of States Parties comes after months of AMICC's Obama/ICC advocacy campaign

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:28:59 GMT

from Amicc Blog

Yesterday's announcement by U.S. ambassador-at-large to war crimes Stephen Rapp is a major victory for the U.S. movement for the International Criminal Court. At a press conference in Nairobi Rapp told journalists that he would lead the delegation to the ICC's annual meeting of the Assembly of States Parties. The U.S will participate as an observer.

Two weeks ago, AMICC issued an Action Alert to asking our supporters to tell Obama to make sure the U.S. was present at the ASP meeting, and more than a thousand of our members and supporters took action. Today's announcement is a directly result of the pressure from the American public on the administration, and evidence of the power of advocacy. AMICC welcomes this decision as a positive step forward in U.S./ICC relations.

As a reminder, AMICC's Convener John Washburn and Deputy Convener Matthew Heaphy will be at the ASP meeting, so follow us here or on AMICC's website.

From AP:

William R. Pace, an official of a global network of organizations that tracks the work of the court, said his group welcomed the change in the U.S. position.

"With virtually all the international tribunals in closing-down mode; in a few years the ICC will be the only game in town," said Pace, the convener of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. "It is thus very important that the Obama Administration returns to participate in the development of the court and the new system of international criminal justice."Read the whole article here.

Career Event: So You Want to Work for the State Department?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45:00 GMT

UNA-USA's NYC chapter will be hosting a career event with Joe Mellott, a career diplomat, who will share his experiences at the State Department, explore career opportunities and give advice on taking the Foreign Service Exam. The event will take place on Thursday, November 19, at the Hungarian Mission to the UN at 227 East 52nd Street.

Event Details:

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Registration, Networking, Reception
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Program

UNA Members free
Guests $10

YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION TO ATTEND.

For reservations call (212) 907-1353 or e-mail: info@unanyc.org.

Learn more about UNA-USA's NYC chapter.

View UNA-USA's event calendar.

Upcoming Event: Excerpts of "The Reckoning" and Panel Discussion on the ICC

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:44:00 GMT

On November 16 in Washington, DC: The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court and panel discussion featuring Ruth Wedgwood, Professor of International Law and Diplomacy and Director of the Program in International Law and Organizations at John Hopkins University; Kenneth Anderson, Professor of Law at Washington College of Law, American University, and a research fellow of the Hoover Institution, Stanford University; John B. Bellinger III, Partner in Arnold & Porter's national security and international practice and Adjunct Senior Fellow in International and National Security Law, Council on Foreign Relations; Gary D. Solis, Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University; and Jane E. Stromseth, Professor of Law at Georgetown University. Johns Hopkins SAIS Rome Auditorium, 1619 Massachusetts Ave NW.

November 16, 2009, 4:30-6 PM
Johns Hopkins SAIS Rome Auditorium
1619 Massachusetts Ave NW

Screening excerpt of the film from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, followed by panel discussion from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP. To find out more, email MatthewJOwens@gmail.com.

Click here to learn more about UNA-USA's American NGO Coalition for the ICC

Visit the AMICC blog for updated information and news on the ICC

Help Make Last-Ditch Push for Climate Change Legislation!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:28:00 GMT

In just a few weeks, representatives of 192 governments will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to craft a global response to one of the greatest challenges of our time - climate change.

Despite the severe consequences of failure facing all nations, the hopes for success are fading. Many blame the United States, in large part, for the conference's falling prospects, due to America's reluctance to commit to specific emissions reduction targets.

For their part, U.S. negotiators are beseeching Congress to pass effective climate change legislation that will strengthen their negotiating position by demonstrating that America is committed to serious action and to joining a new climate treaty.

In fact, lead U.S. negotiator Todd Stern said the most important help the United States can provide to international negotiations is to pass climate change legislation as soon as possible.

Time is running out! Help ensure success at the global climate change conference by urging your legislators to pass a climate bill without further delay.

A Welcome Decision From the White House

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:56:00 GMT

UNA-USA sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, commending his decision to appoint a full-time ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and urging him to select an experienced nominee.

Read the full letter here.

Council of Organizations Event: A Child’s Right to Health

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

Upon the occasion of the 20th anniversary of entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), UNA-USA’s Council of Organizations invites you to an event on Novemeber 12 to explore the evolution of child rights over the last twenty years, and in particular a child’s right to health.

Featured speakers include Nancy Brinker, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control and founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Meg Gardinier, director of Arigatou International's New York Office and co-chair of the US Campaign for the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and David Anthony, editor of UNICEF's State of the World’s Children Report.

Speakers will focus on the importance of the CRC at 20, in terms of what it means to the world and those engaged in the rights of children; successes and challenges around children’s rights; and potential for US ratification of the treaty. Speakers will also address the implications of ratification for a child’s right to health, as well as inform the audience about specific childhood illnesses challenging their right to health.

Event Information:
Thursday November 12, 2009
1:15-2:45 p.m.
Church Center for the UN
777 UN Plaza, 2nd Floor
(44th and 1st Ave.)
New York, NY 10017

The Council of Organizations is a division of the United Nations Association of the USA and consists of more than 100 non-governmental organizations that share the common goals of promoting greater public awareness about global issues and strengthening the United States-United Nations relationship.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Council of Organizations

Find out more about Council events

The UN Builds Democracy in a World of Enemies, By Barbara Crossette

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:21:00 GMT

From the November 4 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Nov. 4 -- The horrific dawn attack that killed five United Nations staff members at a Kabul guesthouse on Oct. 28 was part of a direct attempt to undermine the Afghan presidential election already in disarray. Several of the dead were working to keep the tortured political process on track. Within hours of the suicide bombing, a man purporting to speak for the Taliban confirmed that the election – and by extension, democratic government itself – was the target.

In an unannounced visit to Kabul on Nov. 2, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the Afghan election as "the most difficult the United Nations has ever supported." He spoke as Afghanistan’s election commission decided to cancel a runoff vote and declare President Hamid Karzai re-elected after the sole opposition candidate quit the race.

The guesthouse tragedy is magnified by the reality that this attack, in which at least six Afghans were also killed, had little or nothing to do with east-west, north-south, or even Afghan-American or NATO-Afghan tensions. Those who work within the UN to build democratic institutions and the rule of law, and too often give their lives in the cause, come from everywhere and from all religions.

Barbara Crossette on working toward security in Arab nations

Afghan Refugees Journey Home

UNA-NY Brings Drinking Water to Afghanistan

Two of the UN election officials killed in Kabul were Jossie Esto from the Philippines and Lydia Wonwene of Liberia, along with an American protection officer, Lewis Maxwell, who was a 27-year-old former US Navy serviceman. Among the 22 people killed in the bombing of UN headquarters in Baghdad in August 2003 were the Brazilian head of the mission, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and his Egyptian assistant, Nadia Younes. In an attack on the UN in Algiers by a North African version of Al Qaeda in December 2007, in which 11 staff members died, at least three were Asians, far from home.

UN Workers’ MotivationsAbout 300 UN staff members have been working in Afghanistan on the election. Why do they do it?

Emma Mefful, whose husband, Laurence Mefful, a Ghanaian security officer who also died in the Kabul attack trying to fight off the terrorists while waiting for help from Afghan forces, said that her husband “lived a life based on two philosophies: loving his Lord and loving his neighbor.” That he died trying to save others’ lives, she said, “That’s really just Laurence.”

It is not always easy to find volunteers for the most dangerous foreign assignments. Several secretaries-general have tried with limited success to enforce a rotation system that would end the cushy practice of sticking close to jobs in cities like New York, Geneva, Paris or Bangkok. Crime and violence have deterred some UN employees from going to other cities such as Nairobi even when they are not in conflict zones.

But for those who do go into the field on humanitarian as well as political missions like election assistance, the security trend is increasingly bad. Secretary-General Ban is asking the General Assembly to speed up the approval of $50 million from the safety budget for UN missions. Twenty-seven UN civilian staff members have died this year.

Money is not all that is needed. Report after report has found serious problems in the organization and administering of UN security. After the Algeria attack, a report led by the top UN legal official who recommended disciplinary action in 10 cases of negligence, also said that some security officers refused to cooperate with the investigation. There was no strong single authority in control of a dysfunctional system, the report found, and security officers were short of training, supervision and resources.

“However, in the panel’s view, the dysfunction of the present system is not attributable to a lack of resources alone,” the investigators concluded.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, center, and Kai Eide, left, the chief of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, arrive in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Nov. 1. UN Photo/Eric Kanalstein.

Gauging the Worth of UN AdministrationSamir Sanbar, a retired UN under secretary-general who served in Beirut in its most dangerous recent years from 1975 to 1982, when no UN deaths occurred but multiple militant groups fought over the city, said in an interview that the quality of the UN leadership on the scene matters. In the case of Kabul, he said, it did not help the UN’s position to have a public fight going on between the leader of the UN mission, Kai Eide of Norway, and his American deputy, Peter Galbraith.

To complicate matters, both UN security officers and officials in the host countries that they serve in have wildly different levels of training and professionalism as well as varying commitments to their responsibilities. They are sometimes lax in guarding vulnerable targets and policing local militant groups, which may be infiltrating UN offices. More often than not, the UN cannot control the security environment as it ideally should.

Afghanistan is a good if sad example of the unpredictability of violence and the weakness of government precaution and response. The UN has demanded to know why it took an hour for Afghan troops or police to get to the guesthouse being attacked. It has also asked NATO where its forces were. A NATO spokesman said they were never asked for help by the Afghan government. The government denies it took an hour to reach the besieged guesthouse. Another report is already in the works.

The UN’s electoral assistance teams now have two more enormous challenges ahead. They will be guiding Iraq through a national election early next year, where violence is already on the upswing. And a day after the UN staff in New York gathered to remember and honor the victims of the Kabul attack, election experts began their largest-ever delivery of voter registration material – to Sudan.

People who are willing to do these jobs know that a new generation of militants often sees them as more dangerous than foreign soldiers. Troops eventually go home; democratic government is planted to stay, and the UN may be the enemy.

To respond to this article, send your comments to publications@unausa.org.

Barbara Crossette is the United Nations correspondent for The Nation and former New York Times UN bureau chief.

The President's Corner: Tom Miller

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:29:00 GMT

From the November 4 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Watch a video of Tom Miller interviewed by the Carnegie Council on the power of grassroots commitments

Read the full transcript of the interview

Listen to the podcast and audio RSS

More opinions and interviews from Tom Miller

Ban Swings Through the Northwest, Pausing to Reminisce

Nov. 4 -- My trip to Seattle with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the end of last month involved two days of full schedules to meet not only civic and business leaders but also reserve time to converse with local UNA members. In a city that combines the drama of the Olympic Mountains with the beauty of Puget Sound, the setting could not have been more serene for our whirlwind itinerary.

I was eager to go, especially since Ban, who was joined by his wife, Yoo Soon-taek, had personally requested that I accompany him. Robert Orr and Choi Soon-hong, Ban advisers, were also on board, as were others from the UN.

In Ban’s efforts to promote the United Nations to the American public, a tough act in the last few years, he has been making periodic forays to US cities. This year, he traveled to San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis and now Seattle. UNA often helps arrange these trips, and I was gratified to be part of the planning. As we hopscotched from one event to another, it was clear to me that Ban’s immersion in Seattle was leaving an indelible impression in a city that may be far from UN headquarters but close to its democratic principles.

We arrived Sunday afternoon, at which point Ban took off from the hotel to meet staff from The Seattle Times and moved on in his motorcade to a session with Steve Ballmer, the Microsoft chief executive, and other company officials.

Dinner was organized by Jonathan Roberts, UNA-USA’s executive committee chairman and a Seattle venture capitalist, and held at his house with his wife, Elizabeth. The party included Bill Gates Sr. and other Gates Foundation people as well as Microsoft executives, about 50 guests in all. For UNA, the dinner was also a fund-raiser, resulting in a successful turnout. In the morning, Ban ate breakfast with more Gates family members -- Bill Gates Jr. and his wife, Melinda, at their home in Bellevue. The UN collaborates on various programs with the couple’s foundation.

Ban headed back downtown to address several hundred people at a World Affairs Council meeting, where we were welcomed by Ian Moncaster, the council’s president. Like UNA, World Affairs is a membership organization; it is also a leading light in the Pacific Northwest for its global forums and community programs. Its main supporters include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Boeing, Microsoft and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

A Chamber of Commerce lunch was spiked with the proverbial media stakeout as well as short speeches provided by local business leaders from the likes of Starbucks, Weyerhaeuser and MTI Worldwide Logistics. Next: the University of Washington, where a ceremony awarding Ban an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws awaited.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, seated at right, listens to a presentation on Oct. 25, 2009, by Jonathan Roberts, chair of UNA's Executive Committee and founder of Ignition Partners, a venture capital firm for Information Technology services.

Before he received his degree, Ban spoke to the audience about the UN and the work that every country must do to resolve international problems, reminding everyone that "America's great strength," he said, "is that its citizens trace their heritage to all corners of the world.”

He also reinforced the UN’s role in fixing these problems, including the negotiation of 170 peace agreements; helping to establish over 500 multinational treaties; and assisting more than 80 countries to gain independence. Besides these long-term efforts, the UN feeds more than 100 million people a day and helps more than 30 million refugees, mostly women and children, find safe havens and sustenance. Moreover, about 115,000 peacekeepers are deployed in the toughest corners of the world to restore order where it can.

In a classic Ban moment reflecting his good will and innate modesty, he then told the story of how he competed among other young Asians more than 40 years ago for an international scholarship to study at the Washington campus, way back in the Nixon years. (Remember then?)

The program was meant to draw more Asians to the US, an appropriate venture for Ban, who was a young diplomat in Korea at the time. Ban won the Korean portion of the contest but faced more competition among the rest of the Asian candidates. Ultimately, as the runner-up, he stood close to winning the chance to live in the US – but only if the winner could not make it.

Forty years later, the call was finally made, Ban said, but at least it came with an honorary degree.

Needless to say, this was a heartwarming event for Ban and everyone else, including 20 Seattle UNA members, who were seated in a VIP section at the ceremony. Yet their proximity to the secretary-general did not stop there, as UNA members later gathered at the hotel for a photo-op with him in his suite.

What happened next was a surprise for everyone – perhaps even Ban himself – as he sat down and engaged in a long conversation with the group to talk, really talk, about his mission on global warming and what UNA members could do for the UN’s cause.

We couldn’t have asked for a more illuminating moment than this – the secretary-general of the UN conferring with UNA members on particulars of the climate change conference and what needs to be done to achieve success in Denmark. As I observed this turn of events, I couldn’t help think that the whole reason for UNA-USA was encapsulated in that half hour, as our members listened to Ban and Ban listened to our members.

What did they come up with? A plan for UNA’s Seattle chapter to pester Washington’s two senators to push forward on the climate bill under consideration in Congress -- a grassroots approach to a whole-earth problem.

I am very impressed with the secretary-general. Climate change is at the top of his list. He doesn't miss an opportunity to push for a Copenhagen success. But by the same token, he doesn't neglect all the other issues. He is concerned with the impact of the financial crises on the poor. He constantly shuttles among world capitals, trying to persuade governments and people to work together toward peaceful resolutions of conflicts. He has a lot on his plate and tremendous amount of responsibility in these endeavors, yet he lack the necessary authority to carry out those duties.

He is at all times a very hard worker. He has meetings after meetings and is always well prepared. Indeed, returning on the plane with him from Seattle, I dozed for a little while. Just before I went to sleep, I saw him working, and when I woke up, he had not stopped.

To read more about the trip to Seattle, click here.

Learn more about this event (.pdf)

Learn more about the Nashville chapter of UNA-USA

Your comments are welcome: yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Tom Miller is president and chief executive of UNA-USA.

UNA President Tom Miller to Deliver Foreign Policy Lecture at Tennessee State University

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Thomas Miller, president and CEO of the United Nations Association of the United States and former US ambassador to Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina, will speak to students, faculty and the public at Tennessee State University on Nov. 9.

Miller's foreign policy lecture is titled "The Obama Administration's Foreign Policy Challenges and the Role of the United Nations: A Practitioner's Perspective." His visit is part of TSU's annual Samuel Shannon Distinguished Lecture Series. The event is being held in conjunction with the United Nations Association-Nashville.

Future Challenges: The US and the UNA. Carnegie Council's David Speedie Interviews Ambassador Thomas Miller

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:33:00 GMT

President and CEO of the UN Association of the USA, Ambassador Miller discusses the US role in the world and the power of grass roots commitment. Citizens can change policy by reminding leaders of their obligations on issues such as climate change.

Watch the video (Source: Carnegie Council)

Read the transcript of the interview (Source: Carnegie Council)

Listen to the audio (Source: Carnegie Council)

The UN Tour, When Outsiders Can Look In

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:51:00 GMT

from the UNA-USA World Bulletin

By Mirva Lempiainen

Oct. 21 –- Are you curious about the United Nations headquarters but not a holder of the coveted UN pass? The next best thing is to sign up for a guided tour. That way you, too, can wander around the historic hallways and play diplomat for a day.

Produced by Mirva Lempiainen for UNA-USA.

A UNA-USA test team recently checked out the tour and found that there is a lot more to the headquarters than the General Assembly podium you see on TV.

During the 45-minute visit, you get to admire the various gifts that were given by member countries, walk through current exhibitions in the lobby areas and learn the ins and outs of UN programs. You can even take a quick peak into the General Assembly chamber, but you are only allowed to be there for a few minutes –after all, this is international diplomacy at work.

“I thought the tour was very informative,” said Giselle Chang from the UNA-USA team. “I’d say that it’s a good overview of everything the UN is involved with, from peacekeeping to hunger programs.”

Chang, who especially enjoyed an exhibition on disarmament, said she would recommend the tour to anyone visiting New York who is interested in international relations, history or culture.

The downside of the tour is that you can’t go to the Trusteeship Council building, where the Security Council meets.

“I felt like that was a major part of the UN that we didn’t get to experience,” Chang said.

The good news is that the guided tours are expected to continue uninterrupted at least until December 2011, as the General Assembly building undergoes renovations.

The tours depart every day from the main lobby of the UN Headquarters from 9.30 am until 4.45 pm. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and students. The visitor entrance to the UN is located at 1st Avenue and 46th Street.

In addition to English, tours are regularly conducted in French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Italian, Japanese and German. For more information, call (212) 963-8687.

Mirva Lempiainen is a student at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.

Subscribe to the UNA-USA World Bulletin, our bi-weekly newsletter.

Tell the Obama Administration to Support the International Criminal Court's Future

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:13:13 GMT

The United States must attend International Criminal Court (ICC) preparations in The Hague next month for a Review Conference in 2010 which will make vital decisions on the ICC's future. There is a real danger that the U.S. will not go to the preparations. If not, the U.S. would find that the conference's agenda and many of its decisions were predetermined in the preparatory meetings and thus is likely to be frustrated and alienated by its experience at the conference.

The decisions of the preparatory meetings may make it nearly impossible for the U.S. to achieve its eventual policy goals and a closer relationship with the ICC. Before time runs out, tell President Obama and key cabinet leaders that the U.S. needs to go to the preparations.

You can tell the Obama Administration to support the International Criminal Court's future by clicking the button below.

Learn more about UNA-USA's AMICC program supporting the ICC

Read the AMICC blog by clicking here.

Darfur | Abu Garda Case at the ICC

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:34:00 GMT

UNA-USA's AMICC is following the confirmation of charges hearing for Zaghawa rebel leader Bahr Idriss Abu Garda, which runs through October 29. AMICC is featuring analysis of the case and video updates on its blog. Watch the video below and check out AMICC's website and blog for updated information.

Case Background | Schedule | Webcast | More | Video: Opening

Visit AMICC's blog

Learn more about UNA-USA's Seattle Chapter

Do You Subscribe to the UNA-USA RSS Feed?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:28:00 GMT

If so, we'd like to hear from you.

In our effort to continually improve upon the website, we're looking to get to know our readers better. If you're following our Weblog, please contact Ben Fortney, UNA-USA Interactive Media Manager.

Thanks, and as always, stay tuned.

UNA-USA Joins Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Seattle

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:59:00 GMT

Oct. 27, 2009 – UNA-USA President Tom Miller accompanied United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on a trip to Seattle on Oct. 25-27, marking Ban’s first visit to the city in his UN post.

UNA helped organize the three-day trip, during which the secretary-general participated in a City of Seattle event to raise awareness of climate change among students; received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Washington; and spoke at a World Affairs Council of Seattle event about the urgent need for multilateral efforts to protect the environment.

The secretary-general and his wife, Yoo Soon-taek, were guests at a dinner on Sunday, Oct. 25, hosted by Jonathan Roberts, chair of UNA-USA’s Executive Committee.

Before the dinner, Ban and Tom Miller met with Seattle business executives to discuss how the UN can improve its use of the Internet and new-media outlets. The meeting was organized and chaired by Roberts.

In his speech to the World Affairs Council on Oct. 26, Ban spoke about four major areas where the UN and multilateral efforts could make a difference: climate change, nuclear nonproliferation, poverty, human rights and peace and security.

He stressed that the effects of climate change would destabilize regions and deplete resources if nations fail to respond collectively to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development.

“Some say tackling climate change is too expensive,” Ban said to about 500 attendees at the Fairmont Hotel. “They are wrong. We will pay an unacceptable price if we do not act now.”

Among the guests at the World Affairs Council event and the ceremony at the University of Washington on Oct. 26 were members of UNA’s Seattle Chapter.

“Seattle is one of the oldest chapters of UNA-USA, and it was exciting to meet the secretary-general and Tom Miller,” Joan Lawson, treasurer of the Seattle Chapter, said. “We were treated like part of the elite and it felt good.”

Watch for photos from the Seattle trip in the Nov. 4 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin.

UNA-USA Delivers Global Classrooms Curriculum in Chicago

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:52:00 GMT

Oct. 23, 2009 – UNA-USA President Tom Miller joined Chicago public school officials and city leaders today at an international education conference on world studies held at the University of Chicago.

Chicago teachers at the conference learned how to enhance their global issues curriculum by including Global Classrooms resources in their lesson plans.

The conference also formally reintroduced the expanded Global Classrooms curriculum to educators in the Chicago public school system, where 9th grade students are now required to take world studies courses.

Those present at today’s conference were Eileen Hubbell, Mayor Richard Daley’s director of international relations; Ron Huberman, chief executive, Chicago public schools; Barbara Eason-Watkins, chief education officer, Chicago public schools; Evalyn Tennat, associate director, University of Chicago Center for International Studies; and Leroy Allayla, executive director, Chicago Sister Cities International Program.

Teachers at the conference were introduced to the Global Classrooms curriculum material by Amy Ruggiero, UNA-USA’s director of education, and Alba Martinez, UNA-USA’s manager of program implementation.

The Chicago school system has been a Global Classrooms partner for seven years. The Global Classrooms curriculum units -- peacekeeping, human rights, sustainable development and the newly released economics of globalization – include step-by-step lesson plans. The peacekeeping, human rights and sustainable development units are divided into two parts: a teacher’s guide and a student resource guide. A volunteer guide has been added to the economics of globalization.

Ruggiero and Martinez also outlined Global Classrooms’ Model UN preparation tools – curriculum, professional development workshops and Model UN training sessions.

Established to help educate students in underserved communities, Global Classrooms teaches young people to be global citizens by developing literacy skills including the ability to read critically and communicate effectively in writing.

To learn more about Global Classrooms and UNA-USA, visit www.unausa.org/globalclassrooms.

Climate change the focus as Ban kicks off visit to Seattle; Meets with UNA Chapter

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:49:00 GMT

From the UN News Centre

25 October 2009 – Climate change was the focus today as Ban Ki-moon kicked off his first visit to Seattle as United Nations Secretary-General, setting out to see firsthand the efforts of United States citizens, communities and businesses to protect the environment.

There are just 42 days left until countries meet in Copenhagen to 'seal the deal' on a new global pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, which Mr. Ban has called “the defining challenge of our era.”

Today in Seattle, the Secretary-General is slated to attend an event for children as part of the Shrinking Bigfoot programme, an interactive project sponsored by Seattle City Light to help young people learn about climate change and environmental issues.

Launched in November 2008, the initiative focuses on empowering children to shrink their carbon footprints with easy, everyday actions such as turning off the lights and recycling.

Mr. Ban is also scheduled to meet today with local leaders, civil society groups, the private sector and community representatives to discuss climate change and environmental and economic sustainability.

In addition, he will call for renewed multilateralism and greater engagement on the major challenges of the day, including for climate change and for an agreement in Copenhagen, when he addresses the local chapter of the UN Association of the US (UNA-USA).

Learn more about UNA-USA's Seattle Chapter

UN Day 2009 | Global Cooperation

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:02:00 GMT

Tomorrow, Oct. 24, we reflect on the founding ideals of the UN and the work it accomplishes around the world. This year's commemoration is particularly significant as the United States embarks on a new era of global cooperation and engagement with the United Nations.

We at UNA-USA are energized and more committed than ever to our mission to educate, inspire and mobilize Americans in support of the UN's principles and vital work to create a better, safer world. Here is a snapshot of UNA-USA news and events and information on how you can participate:

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

UNA Delivers Global Classrooms Curriculum in Chicago
UNA-USA President Tom Miller joined Chicago public school officials and city leaders on Oct. 23 at an international education conference on world studies held at the University of Chicago. The conference also formally reintroduced the expanded Global Classrooms curriculum to educators in the Chicago public school system, where 9th grade students are now required to take world studies courses. Learn more

Board Member Nominated for US Ambassador Post in Geneva
Betty King, a UNA-USA board member and former Unesco ambassador, has been nominated by the White House to be the next US ambassador to the UN in Geneva. Among other roles, this office maintains oversight of the Human Rights Council, which the US joined in May 2009. UNA-USA congratulates Ambassador King on her nomination. More here

++ Take Action Now ++
In September, President Obama addressed the UN for the first time, calling for a new era of engagement through the world body. Although he was speaking to world leaders, the president's message can be directed to all of us as individuals. Tell Congress you support international cooperation

The International Criminal Court is a major achievement of the UN, and UNA has a program, AMICC, to support it. Celebrate this success on UN Day by reminding the administration to support the ICC by clicking here

++ UN Day Events ++
UNA-USA chapters nationwide are holding events to commemorate UN Day. From university campuses to city halls or governors' mansions, serious debates of issues before the UN are taking place. Find an event in your area by visiting our event calendar or learn more about local events here

++ Program Events ++
UNA’s Council of Organizations most recent event highlighted milestones that reflect the international community’s efforts to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women. Read about it here

++ Official UN Day Messages ++
US President Barack Obama's UN Day Proclamation

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's UN Day YouTube Message

US State Department Fact Sheet: US Multilateral Engagement: Benefits to American Citizens

Take Action: President Issues UN Day Proclamation, Calls for Global Cooperation

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:37:00 GMT

The White House has issued President Obama's official proclamation of October 24, 2009, as United Nations Day, to be observed with appropriate activities commemorating the 64th anniversary of the UN's founding.

United Nations Day provides an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the UN's unique mission, its work in support of international peace and prosperity, and the lead U.S. role in creating the organization.

But we can do more than simple reflection.

In his proclamation, the President states, "Now is the time for all of us to assume our share of responsibility to meet global challenges." You can help by telling your representatives in Congress about the importance of U.S. engagement at the United Nations.

Visit our UN Day website to find out about events near you

The President's Corner: Tom Miller

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:07:00 GMT

From the UNA-USA World Bulletin

The US Needs an Experienced Ambassador to the Human Rights Council

Whenever the United Nations Human Rights Council comes up in discussions, people’s eyes glaze over. That is because it is an institution that is not well understood or well known beyond a coterie of UN watchers. The council is, in fact, a complex structure with even more complicated procedures. For instance, the 192 countries of the UN elect the council’s 47 members by secret ballot. Nominations are put forth by five groups, based on geographical distribution to ensure equality, with 13 seats allocated for Africa, 13 for Asia, 8 for Latin America and the Caribbean, 6 for Eastern Europe and 7 for Western Europe and other countries that include New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United States.

The intricacies do not end there. These so-called semiregional and semipolitical groupings were organized during the height of the cold war. (There is no mention of them, for one, in the UN Charter.) For lack of a better alternative and mostly out of convenience and habit, member states still resort to these groupings to select members to other UN bodies, including the Security Council and to make high-level appointments. The notion behind the groupings is to avoid the dominance of a single country or region and to maintain an international character. In reality, the groupings rarely serve this purpose and undermine qualified representation.

What this all boils down to is the selection of countries with undesirable human rights records to the Human Rights Council.

Like the rest of the UN, the council is a multifaceted, evolving experiment that demands patience, flexibility and fortitude. Solutions do not come easily. Nevertheless, considering the alternatives the council deserves our support. That is why UNA-USA advocated for the US to join the council when it was created in 2006, having replaced the discredited Human Rights Commission, and why we were so gratified when the US finally came on board in May 2009. Full-time membership was one small step in the right direction. The administration also took an equally significant step to create a position with the rank of an ambassador whose sole job is to be the US representative to the council.

Historically, the Human Rights Commission always had a separate ambassador; that is, a US-designated representative confirmed by the Senate. Since the US actually voted against the creation of the new council under the Bush administration (I told you this was complicated) and never joined until Obama’s presidency, participation was limited to more junior officers taking notes and observing.

A designated high-level representative at the Human Rights Council is meant to continue an American tradition of sending such an individual to the UN’s principal human rights organ. Such action, however, must come with the assurance that the council has the full-time attention of a well-versed representative, minimizing the opportunities for manipulation by states that have poor human rights records. While the council may not be a caterpillar, to use a critic’s phrase, it is a long way from being a butterfly.

Indeed, we stress the need for the appointment of a well-versed, experienced ambassador because the council meets more often than the commission did, conducting sessions throughout the year as opposed to meeting just six weeks annually. By allocating undivided, authoritative attention to the council’s agenda, the US can try to prevent efforts by countries that question the universality of human rights and strive to place cultural values above the rights of people, including women and children. States with poor human rights record often attach more resources and more attention to the council than the moderate members and our allies do. We cannot allow these countries to hijack the world’s human rights agenda. America’s voice in promoting and protecting human rights must be heard loud and clear.

The council has useful instruments which the US should utilize. Universal Periodic Review for instance, allows scrutiny over the rights records of each country and gives the US and other like-minded countries an opportunity to draw attention to rights violators. UPR process also offers an opportunity for the US government to share its own performance record on human rights, a lengthy process that includes consultations and engagement with civil society domestically – providing an open door for all eyes to take a look at the US and its own faults. A US ambassador who is familiar with the processes and the relevant people can help to ensure that the review delivers desired results, having worked with both national and international constituencies. In short, having an experienced US ambassador to the Human Rights Council will allow us to be an active player and shape its evolving role.

Is there a downside to appointing an exclusive ambassador to the council? Sure, it’s costly to hire someone to live in Geneva, where the council is based. Yet those dollars are small potatoes when it comes to protecting human rights and possibly preventing conflicts down the road that spill over from rights abuses.

We trust that the Obama administration will assign a highly capable individual to become the next US ambassador to the council and support President Obama’s decision to create such a post. A timely, well- qualified appointment would send a powerful signal to the rest of the world and enable America to be a leader in safeguarding human rights.

Visit the World Food Program website.

Your comments are welcome: yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Tom Miller is president and chief executive of UNA-USA.

Tell the Obama Administration to Support the International Criminal Court's Future

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:13:00 GMT

In commemoration of the 1945 signing of the United Nations Charter, this year the U.S. marks renewed commitment to the UN and its goals of global cooperation. The ICC is a major achievement of the United Nations, which struggles for the ideals of justice proclaimed by the UN Charter. Celebrate this achievement on UN Day by reminding the U.S. to support the ICC! The U.S. has less than a month to decide whether it will participate in the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) meeting, beginning November 18th in The Hague. Crucial decisions to the future of the ICC will be made, and the U.S. is running out of time.

Tell Obama that the U.S. should decide to participate at the ASP now! Click here to send a personalized letter.

For Europeans, Ban Remains an Enigma

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:00 GMT

from the UNA-USA World Bulletin

By Barbara Crossette

In the complicated cultural milieu of the United Nations, no official, not even a secretary-general, is immune from interregional friction – sort of ethnic politics on a global scale. Ban Ki-moon, the first secretary-general from an East Asian economic power, Korea, has been drawing some criticism in the West, particularly in Europe, for his style of leadership: low-keyed, informal and nonconfrontational. It is an Asian style. Cotinue reading...

Click to subscribe to the UNA-USA World Bulletin, our bi-weekly enewsletter

UNA-USA National High School Essay Contest on the UN is open!!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:00 GMT

Want a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship and a trip to NY!?

UNA-USA’s National High School Essay Contest on the United Nations provides motivated high school students with the opportunity to engage in scholarship and critical thinking while addressing global issues.

Each year, UNA-USA publishes a topic and question of particular importance to the international community. Students then conduct research and write a response to the question. This year's contest focuses on Millennium Development Goal Eight, and asks students to tackle the challenge of promoting development through international partnership.

Learn more at www.unausaessaycontest.com

World Food Day 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:45:00 GMT

From the UN Food and Agriculture Organization "Food insecurity in around 30 countries is severe enough to warrant emergency assistance. But if we are to achieve the goal of achieving food security in times of crisis, development efforts must go beyond coping with todays problems by addressing the challenges of the future. This short video illustrates how in Afghanistan, and throughout the developing world, sustained investment is the only way to shockproof the agriculture sector against future crises. "

In a world which spends 1,340 billion dollars on arms every year, this PSA is a reminder that investing more in agriculture would improve the lives of more than 1 billion people who go hungry every day.

Event: Stand Up - Take Action Against Poverty!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Join in an interactive videoconference with civil society participants and be part of this year’s attempt to break the Guinness World record for UN Millennium Campaign program. It is expected that more than 2% of the world’s population will have programs to “stand up and fight poverty” over a 72 hour period.

This is a time of extraordinary challenge. The global financial crisis is having a devastating impact on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. The climate crisis threatens to undo the gains that have been made towards achieving the MDGs. With less than six years left to the 2015 deadline, where are we?

Together, we can make it happen. Please join with the millions worldwide to 'STAND UP and TAKE ACTION' today.

Event Details:
The Council of Organizations, Global Education Motivators, UNA-Greater Philadelphia, and the UN Information Center-DC invite you to:

STAND UP-TAKE ACTION TO FIGHT POVERTY:
A VIDEOCONFERENCE DISCUSSION IN SUPPORT OF THE 72 HOUR UN MILLENNIUM CAMPAIGN ON THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Friday October 16, 2009
3:00-4:30 PM
World Bank Headquarters
1818 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20433
(Nearest Metro is Farragut West)

Featuring videoconferencing participants at:
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
World Bank, Washington, DC
St. Joseph High School, Hammonton, NJ
Byrne Creek High School, Burnaby, British Columbia

RSVP to Jessica Hartl at jhartl@unausa.org or 202-462-3446.

Learn more about International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Visit the UNA-USA calendar of events

COO Event in DC Today: This is the UN Seminar - UNAIDS

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:36:00 GMT

Each year, UNA-USA's Council of Organizations in Washington DC has hosted a five-part seminar series designed to give new Congressional staff members and interns, as well as Council of Organizations staff and interns, an overview of the different issues and agencies of the United Nations and an opportunity to meet and network with others working on international issues.

Today's seminar, entitled "Coordinating Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS", will focus on UNAIDS. Featured speakers include Gregory Smiley, Senior Policy Officer for UNAIDS and Smita Baruah, Senior Policy Associate for the Global Health Council.

Event Information
Coordinating Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS
Wednesday October 14, 2009
(Please note this is a Wednesday, due to the Oct. 12 Columbus Day holiday.)
3:00-4:00 PM
Rayburn House Office Building Room 2255
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
(Capitol South Metro Station - Blue/Orange lines)
Contact: Jessica Hartl, jhartl@unausa.org or 202-462-3446

*****

The Council of Organizations is a division of the United Nations Association of the USA and consists of more than 100 non-governmental organizations that share the common goals of promoting greater public awareness about global issues and strengthening the United States-United Nations relationship.

Visit the UNA-USA calendar of events

The President’s Corner: Tom Miller

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:15:26 GMT

From the Oct. 7 edition of UNA-USA's World Bulletin

Setting the Record Straight:
The Aftermath of Obama’s Visit to the UN

Oct. 7 – Out in California, where I met with UNA members up and down the coast last week, from San Francisco to Monterey to Santa Barbara to Pasadena, I heard how overjoyed everyone was that President Barack Obama spoke so powerfully at the opening of the General Assembly; as president of the Security Council; and at the UN’s Climate Summit – all in one week.

The president also squeezed in a meeting with leaders of sub-Saharan Africa; with the Friends of Democratic Pakistan; and at the other side of Midtown Manhattan at the Clinton Global Initiative. He also met with leaders of countries that contribute to UN peacekeeping. The meeting clarified once and for all that the US will not contribute troops to the peacekeeping operations but will pay US bills to the UN and on time.

On Friday of the same week, Obama also went to Pittsburgh for the G20 conference, where he and Prime Minister Brown and President Nicholas Sarkozy of France together rebuked Iran for concealing a major nuclear facility.

I was present at the General Assembly Hall when the president delivered his much-anticipated speech on Sept. 23, interrupted with applause often. The atmosphere was remarkable; the mood was optimistic and energized, and the speech’s focus – titled “Responsibility for Our Common Future,” could not have been more welcome by member states.

Yet throughout the speech, I and many others waited for President Obama to bring up a term -- the “responsibility to protect.” This relatively new UN norm, if universally accepted, will help the UN galvanize resources and the will of member states to protect people when their governments either fail to do so or when their own governments commit atrocities against them. The scope of “responsibility to protect” is restricted to four crimes: genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. The doctrine was debated this summer, and a resolution was overwhelmingly passed by member states in the 63rd General Assembly supporting R2P, as it is known, which represents the first step in moving this initiative forward.

Though the term did not come up in Obama’s speech, the word “responsibility” did. (UNA researchers report that he used the word at least 15 times.) This was gratifying to hear, as we at UNA and other nongovernmental organizations do not want the concept of “responsibility to protect” to become simply more UN rhetoric. When the basic human rights of people – their lives -- are in danger, the rights of states are secondary. If the doctrine had been in place sooner, we mostly likely would not have witnessed Rwanda, Srebrenica, Darfur and other incredible mass crimes unfold.

Like my own judgments of Obama’s speech, some media – in newspapers, radio, blogs, Twitter feeds and talk shows – generally applauded but also found fault with what he said at the UN. More important, there was so much coverage around the world that it served to reinforce that the UN remains the most important international forum for addressing world affairs and is an indispensable venue for the US to advance its foreign policy agenda.

I savored the opening line in an editorial in The New York Times about Obama’s speech to the General Assembly: “President Obama took another step toward repairing America’s battered image.”

And though some criticism was slight – one columnist called the UN an “international zoo” – and others took a more hardhearted approach, I read as much as I could, finding the arguments stimulating and provocative.

Why does the UN, some pundits asked, let tyrants like Col. Muammar Qaddafi of Libya and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran even a chance to speak for 15 minutes (or longer, as the case with Qaddafi)? Because the UN is meant to be a democratic forum, allowing everyone who belongs, which is 192 countries, a chance to express their homeland’s gripes, concerns and grievances, regardless of how unsavory the comments might seem to many of us.

Despite Qaddafi’s 90-minute ramble to the General Assembly, many of the speakers who followed were succinct and to the point. Thalif Deen covered the opening of the 64th assembly extensively in the Inter Press Service, a media outlet that caters to the developing world. Yes, he devoted much space to Qaddafi’s speech, but he also delved into other addresses, including a look at what Chinese President Hu Jintao said (that the international community “should adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN charter and seek peaceful solutions to regional hotspot issues and international disputes”); as well as reporting on the remarks of Dmitiri Medvedev of Russian and Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

Obama’s foreign policy approach, specifically his “engagement” methods with certain world leaders, was debated by members of the media as well. Obama’s new method of multilateral diplomacy, one op-ed stated, suggested that he has “embraced the UN enthusiastically.” Others found the president’s willingness to talk to tyrants dubious. Yet, Obama’s engagement approach to threatening world problems and ominous world leaders took an interesting turn last week, when the first steps toward interacting with the Iranians on nuclear weapons bore modest results: Iran agreed to open its recently discovered uranium enrichment plant to international inspection. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said of the meeting, which took place in Geneva, it “opened the door.”

We at UNA were encouraged by the events at the General Assembly and the variety of reactions to the speeches, galvanizing us more than ever to disseminate fact-based information about the UN and to continue to provide Americans with the knowledge they need to make informed judgments about world affairs. Here are some important nuggets far removed from the speeches in New York: Did you know that last week the UN came to the rescue of the victims of the earthquake in West Sumatra, setting up a joint mission to help coordinate assessments for relief and search for survivors? Or that more than 116,000 peacekeeping personnel are deployed in 15 hot spots around the world? That the UN’s refugee agency is now taking care of about 10 million homeless. That the World Food Program will feed 108 million people in 74 countries this year? And that at least five people were killed on Monday at the agency’s office in Islamabad, Pakistan, from a suicide bombing?

Read Tom Miller's column "Setting the Record Straight: The Aftermath of Obama’s Visit to the UN"

Your comments are welcome: yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Tom Miller is president and chief executive of UNA-USA.

UNA-USA Statement on the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Oct. 9, 2009 -- Ambassador Thomas J. Miller, president of the United Nations Association of the USA, has issued the following statement on the Nobel Committee’s awarding of the 2009 Peace Prize to President Barack Obama.

The United Nations Association of the USA congratulates President Barack Obama for winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. During his term in office so far, the president of the United States has demonstrated a strong commitment to international cooperation and problem-solving. His speech on Sept. 23 to delegates at the opening of the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as his chairmanship of a summit-level meeting on Sept. 24 at the Security Council on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament underscore the president’s belief that solving global challenges requires global responses.

“We very much agree with the Nobel Committee’s view that President Obama has ‘created a new climate in international politics,’ ” said UNA-USA President Thomas J. Miller. In addition, Miller cited Obama’s address to the UN in which the president emphasized the potential of the UN, saying, “We have sought in word and deed a new era of engagement with the world.”

Read UNA-USA’s op-ed on Sept. 22, 2009, in the International Herald Tribune/New York Times titled “Do as I Do Diplomacy,” calling on President Obama to lead by example.

President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:33:34 GMT

From Nobelprize.org

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

Read UNA-USA's Talking Points: The US at the General Assembly

A New UN Resolution Zeroes In on Rape as a Weapon

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:44:00 GMT

from the UNA-USA World Bulletin
By Dulcie Leimbach

Oct. 7 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s highly visible campaign for women’s rights around the world found a stage at the Security Council last week, where she presided over the unanimous adoption of a resolution to combat sexual violence – including rape -- in armed conflict. Her chairmanship of the meeting not only ensured backing for the resolution, but also reflected her intention to keep the protection of women in focus and on the agenda in the United Nations.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rice after meeting on the Adoption of a UNSC Resolution to Combat Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict.

“Under the UN Charter, the 15 members of this council bear primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security,” she said in her opening remarks on the passing of Resolution 1888 at the high-level “Women, Peace and Security” meeting. “Now, satisfying that responsibility includes us to protect the lives and physical security of all people, including the women who comprise half the planet’s population.”

Resolution 1888, drafted by the United States, outlines the actions that the United Nations and member states can take to secure the lives of women and children in war zones. It builds on two previous resolutions, 1325, which calls on parties in conflicts to respect women’s rights and to increase their participation in peace and postconflict restoration efforts; and 1820, which links the maintenance of international peace and security with preventing and responding to sexual violence when it becomes a weapon against civilians. Continue reading...

Read the full article here

Subscribe to the UNA-USA World Bulletin

COO Event Tomorrow: Defending women’s human rights through the United Nations

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:04:41 GMT

With the 40th anniversary of UNFPA this year, the recent adoption of a General Assembly resolution on gender equality architecture reform, the 10th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2010, and the upcoming 2010 summit on the Millennium Development Goals, women’s rights will take a prominent place on the agenda of the United Nations over the coming year. UNA-USA’s Council of Organizations invites you to its October event focusing on defending women’s rights, featuring Pollyanna Truscott with Amnesty International. Ms. Truscott will take this opportunity to talk about NGO efforts at the UN on women’s rights, including goals for the NGO community for the Resolution 1325 anniversary and the MDGs summit, particularly surrounding MDGs 3 (women’s equality) and 5 (maternal health). She will also discuss latest developments at the UN, such as expected Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security, and next steps for gender architecture reform implementation.

Event Information:
Thursday October 8, 2009
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Church Center for the UN
777 UN Plaza, 2nd Floor
(44th and 1st Ave.)
New York, NY 10017

Visit the UNA-USA calendar of events

UNA-USA Member Speaks at Non-Violence Day Event

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:41:00 GMT

from the Central Florida Future

UCF celebrates Ghandi's birthday
By Viloc Pham
Published: Sunday, October 4, 2009

Three years ago, the United Nations declared the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who helped lead India to independence, the International Day of Non-Violence.

On Oct. 2, UCF celebrated Gandhi's 140th birthday with a conference led by speakers with various backgrounds and religions, a peace march and a cultivation workshop.

The event, which was hosted by the United Nations Association of UCF, UCF Sustainability Alliance, Campus Peace Action, Hindu University of America and the Office of Diversity Initiatives, covered not only the social activism of Gandhi but also his philosophy, spirituality and ahimsa, which means “no harm.”

Christina DeParis - Central Florida Future

“We're trying to bridge the different organizations, trying to form coalitions of peace and just trying to share with the campus community what we're about and what we’re trying to promote, which is fellowship and collaboration,” said Miguel Rodriguez, a member of Campus Peace Action.

Sabrina Stein, senior political science major, said her organization, United Nations Association of UCF, wanted to participate in the celebration because of similar missions and goals. Stein suggested seeking nonviolent solutions to solve problems. Violence is part of the past; there’s little that can be done to change it but to help prevent it in the future, Stein said.

“Right now, there [is] a lot of vehement rhetoric, particularly when we talk about environmental issues, global warming and health care,” Rodriguez said. “Increasingly, we see this society becoming more violent in words as well as in deeds, so we're trying to show a different face. We're trying to be above that and show that we can come together no matter what our differences are.”

Sultana Ali from the Orlando chapter of United Nations Association spoke to a small audience that gathered at the event. Ali said before Gandhi, the philosophy of social activism did not exist. After Gandhi, social activism played a role everywhere.

A quote from Gandhi that Ali discussed during her speech was “action expresses priority.” She told participants the first thing to do is figure out what their priorities are.

“What is it that you want to change in the world?” she asked. “If you’re going to be the change you want to see in the world, what is it that you want to be? Who do you want to be?”

Ali said people complain when they don’t like something and take matters in their own hands, but in a violent way. However, Gandhi represents someone who did the opposite because of his strong belief in peace.

“He represents the diplomacy, the idealism, the opportunity for cooperation and collaboration that is always possible, always possible for the first course of action,” she said.

The peace march, which started outside the Student Union and ended at UCF's Community Garden, simulated the Dandi march Gandhi led in 1930 to protest the British Empire selling salt to the Indians, Rodriguez said. Gandhi wanted to show that the Indians did not have to buy the salt because they can go out to the sea and make it for free.

Jane Compson, a member of the UCF Sustainability Alliance, said what a person eats has a direct and powerful impact on the environment. She suggested that ahimsa, which means to refrain from harm, can be applied to the environment by reducing the consumption of meat and buying and growing organic produce.

The celebration ended with a workshop hosted by the Sustainability Alliance to show participants how to be self-reliant by learning how to grow their own vegetables and herbs.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Orlando Chapter here

Read Ban Ki-moon’s message on the International Day of Non-violence

Talking Points: The United States and the Opening of the 64th UN General Assembly

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:24:00 GMT

October 1, 2009: The following talking points are intended to inform chapter leaders and members across thecountry on what President Obama’s first visit to the General Assembly and Security Council accomplished, particularly with regard to the mutual interests of the US and the UN.

In his speech to the General Assembly on Sept. 23, the president conveyed the US’ commitment to working with UN member states. Interrupted 12 times by applause from leaders and delegates, the president’s assertion of a renewed US role in the world and the UN’s embracement of it are fundamental steps forward to improving America’s standing in the world.
The US raised disarmament and non-proliferation to the top of the international agenda at Obama’s speech to the Security Council on Sept. 24, where he reinforced the US’ role as an integral, collaborative partner in confronting global problems. The US’ decision to devote its Security Council presidency to addressing these issues underscored the significance of the threat of the use of nuclear weapons and reasserted the UN as the “pivotal” forum for tackling hard security questions. This step served to define the Security Council as an authority to not only take on such thorny issues but also find solutions to them. As a result, the Council, including the permanent members Russia and China, unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution that strengthens export controls on proliferation-related materials, among other measures to reduce global nuclear dangers.
In meeting with 13 leaders who provide the often-ignored troops critical for UN peacekeeping operations, the US acknowledged these leaders’ roles in preventing wars, monitoring peace agreements, helping to restore the rule of law and establishing democratic institutions. President Obama’s remarks that America “is ready to do its part” in this capacity bolstered the image of the US in the crucial arena of UN peacekeeping efforts, backed with is recent decision to pay off its significant arrears to the UN for this purpose.
The US offered momentum for pre-Copenhagen negotiations earlier in the week at the UN’s climate change summit and specific discussions among the G20 leaders in Pittsburgh at the end of the week on climate financing and eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels. While many domestic hurdles still await the administration on global warming, the president’s presence at the UN climate summit nonetheless reaffirms that the US will lead in building international consensus in support of an agreement in Copenhagen this December.
The president’s meeting with 25 sub-Saharan African leaders last week in New York also demonstrated that although “Africa's future is up to Africans,” the US is eager to begin an inclusive sustained dialogue with officials from this region. The Administration also stressed that the dialogues will include civil society and private sector actors as well, and that the focus of discussions will center around creating jobs and fighting corruption.
The president co-chaired the first summit-level session of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan group during his week in New York, working alongside Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the UK and President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, as well as 18 other nations and six major international organizations. The event mobilized support to expand on an investment and aid strategy to stabilize a region where US interests are at stake and militants maintain an active presence.
The Security Council meeting on sexual violence in conflict zones, which took place on Sept. 30, was chaired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It focused the world’s attention on the use of rape as a tool of war and efforts to fight sexual brutality in conflict zones. A U.S.-sponsored resolution, unanimously adopted by the Council, calls for the appointment of a high-level UN envoy to advocate to end the “impunity” wrought on civilians in conflict zones by taking steps to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure a better flow of information from UN workers and officials in the field to the Security Council sanctions committee.

Click here to read more about President Obama's visit to the UN

October 2, Gandhi’s birthday, is celebrated as an International Day of Non-Violence

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:54:00 GMT

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the International Day of Non-violence, to be observed on 2 October:

Mahatma Gandhi, whose legacy this annual observance celebrates, once observed that “non-violence, to be worth anything, has to work in the face of hostile forces”. In today’s world, we face many hostile forces -- multiple and persistent crises that demand a response from leaders and grass roots alike.

Gandhi understood that a powerful idea could change the world. He knew that individuals, working alone and together, could realize what others might dismiss as impossible dreams. Inspired by Gandhi’s life of non-violence, the United Nations today works to end violence.

We strive, for example, to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction. Our recent WMD campaign -- we must disarm -- sought to raise awareness about the high cost of weapons of mass destruction. Recent initiatives and meetings, including last week’s Security Council summit on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, have improved prospects for reductions in global arsenals. We must sustain this momentum, and press for success at next year’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and beyond.

The call to non-violence need not apply only to the use of deadly weapons. The United Nations and its grass-roots partners have long campaigned to stop the human assault on our planet. Greenhouse gas emissions have been part of this onslaught, and now threaten catastrophic climate change. I urge activists everywhere to turn up the heat on world leaders to seal a deal at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.

The appalling violence inflicted on women and girls throughout the world must also be at the centre of our concerns. An estimated 150 million women and girls are victimized each year. Rape is increasingly widespread as a weapon of war. Victims of sexual coercion are more likely to suffer sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. I urge all partners to join my UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds to fight this problem in all parts of the world -- since no country is immune.

On this International Day, let us celebrate -- and embody -- the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi by heeding his call for a movement of non-violence. Let us end violence in all its manifestations, and strengthen our collective work for a safer, greener and more peaceful world.

Visit UNA-USA's event calendar to learn about more upcoming International Days

U.N. Association CEO Talks Politics With Santa Barbara Students; Ex-Ambassador Speaks on Climate, Nuclear Weapons

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:33:00 GMT

From the Daily Nexus, University of California, Santa Barbara
By Richard Lau / Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, October 1, 2009

Former Ambassador Thomas Miller met with students and community members outside Robertson Gym yesterday to discuss the United Nation’s evolving relationship with the United States.

Serving as the newly appointed CEO of the United Nations Association of the USA, Miller works to help realize U.N. objectives in the United States through local activism. Although not associated with the U.N. itself, the United Nations Association is a non-governmental organization dedicated to educating Americans about the U.N. through various programs and events, including the Model U.N.

According to Miller, the organization has a long history of educating the public about the role the U.N. plays in international affairs.

“We are the oldest grassroots organizations that connect the American people to the United Nations,” Miller said.

Miller covered several topics, including climate change, the United States’ role in the world and his take on the Obama Administration’s recent dealings with the U.N.

Miller praised the president for his openness and his continued attention to U.N. objectives regarding nuclear disarmament and global warming — issues that have been overshadowed in the media by more recent issues such as the economic crisis.

However, Miller said he is highly critical of the U.S.’s continuous refusal to sign many U.N. conventions.

“It’s a great contradiction,” Miller said. “We say we’re a global leader and we’ve ratified none of these conventions. … The only other nation that has yet to sign the Convention on the Rights of a Child besides the U.S. is Somalia, and while we have sufficient and effective laws to [prevent child abuse] it is embarrassing to be lumped into such a small minority.”

In regard to global warming, Miller emphasized the influential role the United States must play in the international community’s ongoing debate regarding climate change.

“There still is a long way to go before [The COP15 Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen] — and I cannot predict the outcome at this point, but the results will depend on the U.S. and China,” Miller said.

Kazu Furuta, vice president of communications for the Santa Barbara Chapter of the UNA-USA, said Miller’s visit would facilitate a greater understanding of the U.N.’s role beyond what the Security Council does.

“The U.N. is well-known as a peacekeeper, but it has many agencies to do so much more [including] projects and activities such as empowerment of women, child education, humanitarian aids, sustainable environment and more,” Furuta said.

Although Miller spoke on behalf of the UNA-USA, the event was co-sponsored by UCSB’s Human Rights Group and UCSB’s Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies.

Nicolas Pascal, the founder and advisor to the UCSB Human Rights Group, said his organization and the other co-sponsors hosted the event at UCSB to empower students.

“[These co-sponsors have collaborated] on this event in the effort to engage our community at large, not just a segment of it,” Pascal said.

Prior to joining UNA-USA in May 2009, Miller worked for 29 years as a career diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. His career includes ambassadorships to Greece and to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Read a UNA-USA op-ed published today in The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

Read a recent interview with Tom Miller in the Council on Foreign Relations.

Learn more about the Santa Barbara chapter of UNA-USA.

UNA-USA President Tom Miller Talks Policy in Monterey

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:36:53 GMT

From Monterey County's The Herald

By Kevin Howe
Herald Staff Writer

Speaking as a man who knows the limitations of a president's power, Ambassador Thomas J. Miller gave a practicing diplomat's perspective on President Barack Obama's foreign policy Tuesday to members of the United Nations Association in Monterey.

Miller, who spoke to a packed audience at Monterey Institute of International Studies' Irvine Auditorium, is president of the United Nations Association of the USA. He retired from the U.S. Foreign Service after serving as ambassador to Bosnia, Hercegovina and Greece.

He was long involved in the Israeli-Arab conflict negotiations, and he talked about the Middle East, the issues a president must deal with, and the conditions that often tie his hands.

The president "is not the most powerful man in the world," Miller said. "He's the biggest deal-maker."

While the United States swings a lot of weight on the world stage and is looked to for leadership by others, Obama, like his predecessors, must work with the constraints of political opposition at home and conflicting national interests abroad, Miller said.

The president must balance his concerns on foreign affairs with domestic issues. The domestic agenda, Miller said, demands 75 percent of the president's time and can determine how strong a hand he has in foreign policy.

Obama has to play before a demanding audience with a very short attention span.

"We're a multi-tasking, attention-deficit society," he said.

Miller said that while he sat in the gallery of the United Nations last week, listening to Obama's speech to the U.N. General Assembly, "half the people were working their Blackberries. We're always double-tasking."

Americans like their presidents to be decisive and take action, Miller said, but "sometimes the best solution is to just let the situation play out."

Aside from wars being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, Obama finds himself dealing with crises in the Sudan, North Korea and Iran. The president also faces issues of terrorism, narcotics, arms and human trafficking, arms control, human rights, poverty and climate change, which Miller called "the silent tsunami."

The United Nations isn't perfect and, in the words of Dag Hammarskjšld, its second secretary general, it "was not meant to deliver us to heaven, but to save us from hell," Miller said.

Despite its bloated bureaucracy and reputation for corruption and fecklessness, he said, it does a good job through its many organizations working in the field to take care of international chores — peacekeeping, refugees, education, health care and famine relief. It is the main forum for resolving regional conflicts that don't necessarily make world news.

The U.N. "is not the answer to every problem," Miller said, "but it's a venue, and an opportunity, that we don't take enough advantage of."

Miller retired from the Foreign Service in 2004 and became president of the U.N. Association in May.

Read a UNA-USA op-ed published today in The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

Read a recent interview with Tom Miller in the Council on Foreign Relations.

Learn more about the Monterey Bay chapter of UNA-USA.

The 2009 Fall Issue of The InterDependent is Here -- In Time for the Opening of the General Assembly

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Featuring:

A cover story on Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the UN by Barbara Crossette, with sidebars on the Nos. 2 and 3 at the US mission;

An inside look at the International Criminal Court’s jail in The Hague;

Articles on disarmament by Kennette Benedict; the Copenhagen climate change treaty by Karen Freeman; UN reform by Irwin Arieff; Haiti by Evelyn Leopold.

A book review by Stephen Schlesinger on a new memoir by China’s premier Zhao Ziyang;

A photo essay of UN fashion.

The ID, available for a limited time, is $5, including postage, at www.unausa.org/store.

Buy Now!

Security Council calls for world free of nuclear weapons during historic summit

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:21:00 GMT

From the UN News Center

The Security Council affirmed its commitment to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and established a broad framework for reducing global nuclear dangers, in an historic summit-level meeting chaired by United States President Barack Obama.

The meeting – only the fifth in the Council’s history to be held at the level of heads of State and government – began with the unanimous adoption of a resolution by which the 15-member body voiced grave concern about the threat of nuclear proliferation and the need for global action to combat it.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the resolution, adding that the summit was “an historic event that has opened a new chapter in the Council’s efforts to address nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”

Stressing that “nuclear disarmament is the only sane path to a safer world,” Mr. Ban said in his opening remarks that “nothing would work better in eliminating the risk of use than eliminating the weapons themselves.”

In resolution 1887, the Council called on countries to sign and ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and created additional deterrence for withdrawal from the treaty.

In addition, the Council called on all States to refrain from conducting a nuclear test explosion and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), thereby bringing it into force as soon as possible.

“Although we averted a nuclear nightmare during the Cold War, we now face proliferation of a scope and complexity that demands new strategies and new approaches,” said Mr. Obama, the first US President to preside over a Security Council meeting.

“Just one nuclear weapon exploded in a city – be it New York or Moscow, Tokyo or Beijing, London or Paris – could kill hundreds of thousands of people. And it would badly destabilize our security, our economies, and our very way of life.”

Russia’s President said his country continues to reduce nuclear arms “way ahead of schedule,” adding that all of its nuclear weapons are “located on its national territory and under reliable protection.”

Dmitry Medvedev also highlighted the “unprecedented” reductions of strategic nuclear arsenals by Russia and the US.

Removing the threat of nuclear war is vital to realizing a safer world for all, China’s President Hu Jintao, told the Council, while acknowledging that nuclear disarmament remains a “long and arduous” task.

He put forward a series of measures, including abandoning the nuclear deterrence policy based on first use and taking credible steps to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons.

President Óscar Arias of Costa Rica said the UN had been founded on the promise that all people would able to sleep peacefully, but that promise had not been kept.

“While we sleep, death is awake. Death keeps watch from the warehouses that store more than 23,000 nuclear warheads, like 23,000 eyes open and waiting for a moment of carelessness,” he stated, adding that it did not seem plausible to discuss disarmament as long as existing agreements were not being honoured.

While affirming the right of nations to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the resolution called for stronger safeguards to reduce the likelihood that peaceful nuclear programmes can be diverted to a weapons programme, as well as stricter national export controls on sensitive nuclear materials.

Director General Mohamed ElBaradei spoke of the need to strengthen and empower the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if it is to play a role in nuclear disarmament.

“Our verification mandate is centred on nuclear material. If the Agency is to be expected to pursue possible weaponization activities, it must be empowered with the corresponding legal authority,” he said.

During the meeting several delegates voiced concern about the challenges to the non-proliferation regime posed by the nuclear activities of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The world cannot stand by when Iran and DPRK reject the opportunities of peaceful civil nuclear power and instead take steps to develop nuclear weapons in a way that threatens regional peace and security, stated Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom.

“Today, I believe we have to draw a line in the sand. Iran must not allow its actions to prevent the international community from moving forward to a more peaceful era,” he said, adding that as evidence of Iran’s breach of international agreements grows, tougher sanctions must be considered.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that DPRK shows what happens when too much time is allowed to pass. After years of diplomatic efforts, the country is now at the point of conducting nuclear tests and long-range missile tests, and it exports sensitive technologies to unstable regions, he stated.

“I call on those with the means to put pressure and exert influence on Pyongyang to use them so that it puts a halt to these schemes.”

The meeting came ahead of the nuclear security summit to be convened by Mr. Obama next April and the NPT Review Conference set for next May. It also coincided with a two-day conference that began at UN Headquarters to try to promote the CTBT and its entry into force.

Click here to read more about President Obama's visit to the UN last week

The President’s Corner: Tom Miller; Obama Leads by Example

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:51:00 GMT

The key issues are clear from President Obama’s schedule at the UN: pushing for discussions to address the threat of climate change; preventing the spread of nuclear weapons; searching for ways to help Africa sustain itself while reaching out to the poorest; and strengthening alliances to stabilize hot spots like Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Take global warming and energy: the president cannot persuade, let alone force, other countries to reduce their emissions, particularly the developing world and China, if he cannot show that we in America are serious about reducing our own emissions. If China and the US can’t agree on the numbers for these goals, there is little prospect for meaningful progress on climate change.

The all-day summit that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held yesterday at the UN on climate change offered a valuable opportunity for mobilizing political momentum to agree on an international treaty in December in Copenhagen. With participation by President Obama and Hu Jintao of China, among others heads of state, yesterday’s well-attended summit provided a central forum for frank exchanges that would not occur at lower levels, making this event particularly worth watching.

The president’s efforts to persuade non-nuclear states to fulfill their obligations to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, another major topic to be addressed tomorrow at the Security Council, will be strengthened if the US meets its own obligations to disarm as a nuclear state. Indeed, it is our desire to see that when President Obama chairs the council on Thursday, he will not only inject confidence in the international nuclear non-proliferation regime but also win over Russian and Chinese support to achieve compliance from North Korea and Iran.

Related Links

More on the President's speech

Take Action! Support the US/UN relationship

Take our Reaction Poll

Watch video of the full speech

Read the transcript of the full speech

Analysis in the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Read a UNA-USA op-ed in the New York Times

An interview w. UNA-USA President Tom Miller

This same “do as I do” diplomatic approach applies to human rights as well. US efforts to persuade other countries to heed America’s policies on human rights can be enhanced if the US ratifies such international treaties as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Critics contend that signing such treaties will diminish US sovereignty because the treaties would establish compliance-monitoring mechanisms. Nothing could be further from the truth. Such treaty-monitoring bodies have no enforcement authority and can make only nonbinding recommendations. Treaties, on the contrary, enhance our sovereignty. Without ratifying the Convention on the Law of the Sea, for example, the US could lose a crucial role in debating the freedom of maritime navigation and the health of our oceans.

Signing such treaties would also reinforce the US’s ability to lead by example -- which is why UNA-USA has been furthering the cause of the International Criminal Court since 1999. Our hope is to see the US reinstate its signature on the Rome Statute as soon as possible. To this end, beginning in 2001, we have convened a coalition of 32 nongovernmental organizations to work collectively to solicit support for the ICC in the United States nationally and locally.

We were encouraged to hear President Obama mention Sudan in his address to the General Assembly this morning, saying that “we will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve.” Indeed, as the chances of an all-out conflict between the north and south re-emerge, it is a critical time to stay focused on this country’s ills. And while it is true that the atrocities in Darfur have decreased somewhat in the last year and a half, I have visited the place and can attest that it remains hell on earth. We should not take our eyes off Darfur – or the rest of Sudan -- too soon.

One last thing: the financial crisis. The fact that the US is participating in the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh tomorrow and Friday does not mean that the UN is irrelevant on this global crisis. A recent UN report voiced concerns on the effects of the global financial crisis specifically on poor countries – particularly the number of unemployed and hungry -- and while we in the West work to fix our own domestic economies we must not forget that there is much worse suffering far beyond our borders.

The 64th session of the GA’s general debate is a perfect time to reinforce the valuable partnership between the US and the UN. To do that, President Obama needs support from Congress, and to get that support, we need you. None of these issues that I’ve discussed in this column will be solved soon, which is why your participation is so important. Many of the problems have been with us for a decade or even longer. Let us know what you think of Obama’s speech by sending your e-mail to yourviewsmatter@unausa.org.

Until next time,

Tom

Read a UNA-USA op-ed published today in The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

Read a recent interview with Tom Miller in the Council on Foreign Relations.

President Obama Addresses the World

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:31:00 GMT

Click for the full transcript of this morning's General Assembly speech (.pdf)

Watch President Obama's Climate Change speech from yesterday's summit

TAKE ACTION: Follow Obama's Coattails in Support of Global Cooperation!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:25:00 GMT

Although the United Nations is the world's preeminent diplomatic forum and an organization with unprecedented peacekeeping, development, and humanitarian programs on a global scale, the institution's work receives scant media attention in the United States.

Thanks to President Obama's first visit to the United Nations, we can help change this situation and increase public knowledge of and support for the UN's valuable and unparalleled contributions to global peace and prosperity.

When Obama speaks to his fellow world leaders in the UN General Assembly on September 23^rdand the next day becomes the first American President to chair the UN Security Council, it will provide a rare-and fleeting-opportunity to raise awareness about the unique and underappreciated work of the United Nations.

This is not just about building support for the United Nations. It is about laying the groundwork for a broader public understanding about the benefits of collaborative international solutions to shared global problems that no nation can resolve acting alone - problems such as climate change, infectious disease, human trafficking, and terrorism.

In the days leading up to and immediately following the President's historic UN trip, newspapers across the country will feature articles covering the events. These articles will provide numerous opportunities for submitting letters to the editor highlighting some of the UN's important activities and the benefits of a strong U.S.-UN relationship.

Writing and submitting letters to the editor is surprisingly easy to do. You don't need to write much, and you don't need to be an expert. Since the letters need to be original and sent in response to a specific article, we are not providing a sample letter for you. You simply need to click here, select a newspaper from the list, and write your letter in the space provided.

For some basic tips on writing your letter, click here.

Here are a few resources to help you write your letter:

Talking Points: U.S. Participation in the United Nations

Talking Points: UN Peacekeeping

Talking Points: U.S. Funding of the United Nations

Sixty Ways the UN Makes a Difference (UN document)

Once you get your letter published, be sure to let us know so we can spread the word. Please e-mail published letters to Alan Averyt at aaveryt@unausa.org. Thank you!

To find out more about the President's UN trip, visit: www.unausa.org/obamaspeakstotheworld.

Secretary Clinton Previews US Agenda for the United Nations General Assembly

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:35:00 GMT

from www.state.gov

Friday, September 18, 2009
Brookings Institute
Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton delivered remarks in advance of the United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary said:

"As President Obama leads our U.S. delegation at this year’s General Assembly, I hope we can demonstrate that the United Nations does not have to be just a diplomatic talk shop on First Avenue. At its best, it can be an institution that brings the world’s nations together to solve global problems through adherence to rules and principles set forth in the UN charter. And it is the responsibility of the 192 member nations during the General Assembly and beyond to capitalize on the opportunity for global cooperation and progress that the United Nations affords to each of us.

I outlined earlier this summer at the Council on Foreign Relations the Obama Administration’s efforts to advance our interests and solve today’s problems through a global architecture of cooperation and partnership. And we must begin by taking responsibility ourselves, something that, under President Obama, we have already begun to do on issues from climate change to nonproliferation. And we have called on others to do the same. By building and strengthening partnerships, institutions, and international regimes, we can forge a global consensus and use that leverage to offer clear incentives to all nations to cooperate and live up to their responsibilities. And we can also devise strong disincentives for those who would act in isolation or provoke conflict.

The United Nations and this month’s General Assembly offer us a venue and a forum for nations to work together to live up to that founding charter and abide by and enforce international rules in service of global peace and security."

Read the Secretary's full remarks here.

Learn more about President Obama's at the United Nations this week.

Click here to attend our online event.

Talk about the week on Twitter - #ObamaUN

UNA-USA Online Poll Results: Presidential Performance Poll

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:52:00 GMT

UNA-USA members and supporters have an overwhelmingly positive view of President Obama’s performance so far in addressing the issues on UNA-USA's advocacy agenda and restoring US leadership through global cooperation.

How has President Obama done so far in strengthening the US/UN realationship?

How has President Obama done so far in advancing human rights and international justice?

How has President Obama done so far in renewing the United Nations?

How has President Obama done so far in building international consensus on climate change?

How has President Obama done so far in achieving the Millennium Development Goals?

How has President Obama done so far in promoting arms control and disarmament?

President Obama received his highest marks in his work to strengthen the US-UN relationship with 78 percent of the respondents saying that his performance has been “above average” or “outstanding.

A majority (68 percent) say that President Obama has exceeded expectations on advancing human rights and international justice.

While half (51 percent) of the respondents approve of President Obama’s work renewing the United Nations, UNA-USA supporters see room for improvement on this issue, with 27 percent citing his performance as “average,” and 19 percent disapproving of his efforts to reform the UN so far.

69 percent strongly approve of the president’s work to build international consensus on climate change, while 17 percent say his work on this matter has been “average” and 13 percent disapprove.

UNA-USA members and supporters are split on the president’s efforts to address the Millennium Development Goals thus far. Just over half (51 percent) had a positive view of the president’s efforts to improve the lives of the world’s poor, while 46 percent feel his efforts have been “average” (28 percent) or “below average” (18 percent).

A majority (58 percent) approve of the Obama administration’s efforts to strengthen the US’ commitment to international arms control, whereas 24 percent deemed his work on arms control and disarmament as “average”; 18 percent found it be be "fair" or "poor."

Tom Miller, the president of UNA-USA, said of the results: “Our members and supporters seem to be responding to the new administration, which has been quite positive about the value of the UN and the importance of multilateral diplomacy.”

UNA-USA conducted the online poll of more than 700 respondents from Aug. 19 to Sept. 16, 2009, a week before President Obama will give his first address to the UN General Assembly, on Sept. 23.

Learn more about UNA-USA's initiatives around President Obama's visit to the UN here

Watch video clips of past Presidential addresses to the UN here.

Online Events to Focus on President's Visit to UNHQ

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:51:00 GMT

In conjunction with President Obama's visit to the UN next week, UNA-USA will be offering numerous ways for you to interact and get your voice heard.

Talk about it on

Follow UNA-USA on Twitter so that you can join the conversation before, during, and after the speech. Use the hashtag #ObamaUN.

Streaming video and live chat via

UNA-USA will be presenting President Obama's speech live video streaming on Wednesday the 23rd. Additionally we will be hosting a live chat through the Facebook application located here.

By signing into Facebook and leaving your comments in the application box below, others watching the speech here will be able to see your reactions and respond. These comments also appear on your status update so that your Facebook friends can see what you're thinking and chime in.

RSVP to our Facebook Event invitation here.

The Age of Stupid Global Premiere - September 21

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:55:00 GMT

UNA-USA is a supporting partner of the film, The Age of Stupid. Come and be inspired to take action on the world's most pressing problem – climate change.

Fathom Events and Spanner Films are partnering to bring to the US the critically acclaimed film The Age of Stupid Live from New York. This one-night event will be simulcast live from a solar tent in downtown New York to over 400 movie theatres nationwide on Monday, September 21st at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/tape delayed 8PM PT).

The Age of Stupid is the new four-year epic from McLibel director Franny Armstrong. Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?

The premiere kicks off the UN’s official Climate Week in New York City. In addition, key climate NGOs have just called for a Global Wake Up Day on September 21st, ensuring that it will be a day to remember.

More info on the film - ageofstupid.net
Book tickets for US cinemas – fathomevents.com/ageofstupid
Join Age of Stupid mailing list for all latest news - send mail to addtolist@ageofstupid.net

UNA-USA President Tom Miller's Interview With the Council on Foreign Relations

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:56:00 GMT

Obama Will Play A Major Role at UN General Assembly
from cfr.org

Interviewee: Thomas Miller, President and CEO, UN Association of the United States of America
Interviewer: Bernard Gwertzman, Consulting Editor, CFR.org

September 14, 2009

Thomas J. Miller, a veteran U.S. diplomat, says that President Barack Obama's maiden appearance at the United Nations later this month will attract considerable attention. Obama has "talked very much about working cooperatively with other countries and about multilateral diplomacy and the importance of it," Miller says, and "people are going to be looking very carefully to what he has to say." Obama will speak at a special summit meeting on climate control on September 22, address the General Assembly on September 23, and chair a special Security Council meeting on arms control and nonproliferation on September 24. He will then go to Pittsburgh for a G-20 meeting focused on economic issues. Miller says that Obama will have to cover "the waterfront" in his main UN speech, including such issues as the north-south tensions in Sudan.

The sixty-fourth annual UN General Assembly meeting will convene in the middle of September. This year there will be particular focus on what President Barack Obama will have to say. Since the United States is the president of the UN Security Council this month, he will be chairing a session on arms control and nonproliferation issues. How important do you think Obama's appearance at the UN is?

It's very important for a couple of reasons. This is the first appearance of a new president who has talked very much about working cooperatively with other countries, about multilateral diplomacy, and the importance of it. People are going to be looking very carefully to what he has to say along those lines generally, and I'm sure there will be a lot of contrast drawn with the past administration. The two big issues that are going to be highlighted are disarmament and nonproliferation. That is very significant. And obviously climate change as well.

Talk a bit about climate change. There's going to be a special summit chaired by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon which will be preparatory to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. What can we expect?

Copenhagen is the meeting everyone's aiming toward and expecting to see if they can get some meaningful results out of it. The real work gets done before Copenhagen. These are very difficult issues, and they are issues that ultimately have to be decided by heads of state. And there are obviously trade-offs. The trade-offs are apparent but difficult. When the secretary-general brings people together on September 22, there will be some real opportunities for exchanges that frankly can't get done at lower levels.

There are several options that could come out of this meeting. There could be a simple reaffirmation of the Kyoto Protocol or a brand new statement. It's too early to say what will actually happen out of Copenhagen, right?

It's too early. There's going to be a lot of scrambling around. People whom I have been talking to--who've been very close to this--are talking very guardedly, as I used to when I worked for the State Department. It's like a three-ring circus. There are discussions going on in our government between the administration and Congress on these issues as well. Everyone's looking to us to take leadership. Where we come out on the legislation, particularly on the bill passed in the House that the Senate will be considering, will be looked at by the rest of the world. Continue reading...

Click here to read the full interview

Learn more about UNA-USA's initiatives around President Obama's visit to the UN here

Read an interview with Tom Miller upon taking the helm of UNA-USA

Nuclear proliferation dangers highlight need for safeguards, says Ban

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:19:00 GMT

from the UN News Centre

IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei

14 September 2009 – Concerns stemming from the dangers of the proliferation of nuclear weapons underscore the importance of the safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

Such worries also highlight the need for universal adherence to the additional protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Mr. Ban said in his message to the start of the 53rd General Conference of the IAEA in Vienna.

That protocol is a set of safeguards aimed at boosting the agency’s ability to ensure that a State does not have undeclared nuclear material.

“I urge all parties to cooperate fully with the IAEA in resolving issues that might arise relating to safeguards agreements,” the Secretary-General said in the speech delivered by Sergio Duarte, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.

He also called on the 25 non-nuclear-weapon States who are party to the NPT but have not signed on to the additional protocol to do so before next year’s NPT Review Conference.

“The IAEA has a strong foundation upon which to build,” Mr. Ban said. “It has expanded international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while reducing the risks of nuclear proliferation and terrorism.”

He welcomed the incoming agency chief, Yukiya Amano, and hailed IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, who steps down in November, for his “many years of outstanding service to humanity and to international peace and security.”

Last week, Mr. ElBaradei warned the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors that the agency has reached a deadlock with Iran over most aspects of its nuclear programme as he urged the country to credibly answer the international community's concerns over potential military dimensions to the programme.

Although Iran had cooperated on some issues, such as improving safeguards at a fuel enrichment plant, “on all other issues, however, there is stalemate.

"Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities or its work on heavy water-related projects as required by the Security Council, nor has Iran implemented the additional protocol,” Mr. ElBaradei said.

He called on Iran “to respond fully to all the questions raised by the agency in order to exclude the possibility of there being military dimensions to its nuclear programme.”

President Obama will be chairing a summit-level meeting of the Security Council, dealing with nuclear proliferation, September 24th.

Learn more about President Obama's appearance at the UN here.

Watch a video clip of President Eisenhower proposing to the General Assembly the creation of what would become the IAEA

A life under fire for Ban Ki-moon

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:50:00 GMT

By Ian Williams
From the Asia Times, September 10, 2009

WASHINGTON - United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon has been under attack in the Anglo-American press. This is perhaps why, despite a recent global poll showing him to be the second-most popular political figure in the world after President Barack Obama, his ratings are not so glowing in the United States and Britain.

In August, the leak of a negative assessment from Norwegian deputy ambassador to the UN, Mona Juul, seemed to suggest that the criticism extended beyond the Anglo-Saxon neo-liberal consensus, but its effect was rather countered by a previous Norwegian invitation to the secretary general. Norway provided the UN's first secretary general, Trygve Lie, and helped organize Ban Ki-Moon's visit to the North Pole last week to see the effects of climate change.

The Norwegian leak is puzzling. Unsourced, relying on gossip and clippings from conservative press outlets, the "highly confidential" report [2] to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry was relentlessly negative, calling Ban "spineless and charmless".

However, for UN insiders, its effect was somewhat mitigated by the recent, unsuccessful but active interest of its author, Juul, in an assistant secretary general's job under the same direly assessed Ban. That her husband, Terje Rod-Larsen's expectations of a UN position had also been allegedly frustrated by Ban did not add to her credibility.

Half-way through Ban's first term there is indeed room for a critical assessment of the former South Korean foreign minister, but the sources cited by Juul in her report bear similar examination of their motivation. For many of them, like Rupert Murdoch's London Times or the National Interest's Jacob Heibrunn - who wrote a blistering assault on Ban in Foreign Policy magazine (which in fact looked like the main reference for Juul's report) - the UN is always wrong.

Indeed, their attacks could suggest that Ban has in fact outgrown the do-nothing role that former US envoy to the UN John Bolton allegedly scripted for him on his election. This has led to him joining the long line of UN secretaries general to be excoriated by the conservative press for not following orders.

Read the full article

UNA-USA President Thomas Miller to Speak at Michigan Policy Forum

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:57:00 GMT

from The Eastern Echo

Ambassador to speak at policy forum
By Alyssa Eckles | THE EASTERN ECHO
Added September 8, 2009 at 9:49 pm

U.S. Ambassador Thomas Miller will speak at Eastern Michigan’s “America Engages the World: A Public Forum on the International Role of the United States” on Friday, Sept. 11.

Miller, who is currently the president and CEO for the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), will be discussing “The Foreign Policy Agenda of the Obama Administration” at noon in the Student Center Ballroom.

“America Engages the World: A Public Forum on the International Role of the United States” will be a daylong event that will cover topics from international security to global poverty to climate change.

Other speakers for the event will be from the American Red Cross, Amnesty International, Michigan Peaceworks and the Arab American Center.

“The event will bring together students, citizens and experts to discuss the issues and U. S. participation in the global community,” said Judy Kullberg, an EMU political science professor and an organizer of the event.

Junior Mauyad Mahmoud, the director of student relations and political science major, said, “I’m really excited because I think 9-11 has been a tragic event, but we haven’t been able to discuss how to prevent this happening again in the world.”

Mahmoud said he’s worried some might think the forum is overshadowing the deaths of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but he thinks it will bring to light just how Americans can affect the world. Mahmoud has also been assisting in organizing the forum.

“It’s a good thing to get kids involved on campus, especially going to see an ambassador,” said Keith Dunn, the chairman of the College Republicans on campus.

Miller has had experience in Greece, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus as well as with Plan International, a 72-year agency that focuses on improving the lives of children in third world countries, according to the UNA-USA.

The forum begins at 9 a.m. and will continue until 5:30 p.m.

Read a recent interview with Ambassador Miller here

Watch a video slideshow of Ambassador Miller discussing what UNA-USA does

Click here for Ambassador Miller's biography

Global Classrooms partners to fight malaria

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:20:00 GMT

This Friday, Ambassador Susan Rice and Kathy Calvin, Executive Vice President for the United Nations Foundation will join DC area students at an anti-malaria workshop hosted by the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, as part of the official September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance activities.

Students will learn about malaria prevention and the importance of service. Ambassador Rice and Calvin will interact with D.C.-area young leaders from the United Nations Association’s Global Classrooms to educate them about malaria and encourage them to work within their communities to help prevent the deadly disease.

Malaria infects more than 500 million people around the world each year, killing more than 1 million. The disease is a leading killer of children in Africa, where 90 percent of malaria deaths occur. Every 30 seconds, a person in Africa dies from a malaria infection. Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by delivering long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets to families in Africa. Bed nets are an easy and cost-effective method of preventing the spread of the disease.

In April, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and officially recognized September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance for the first time to honor the sacrifices of 9/11 heroes, and engage more Americans in serving their communities. This September 11, Americans will join together in service projects across all fifty states and re-commit to serving their communities.

Learn more about Global Classrooms by clicking here

Visit Nothingbutnets.net to find out more about malaria prevention

Amb. Susan Rice Speaks to the Media

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:40:57 GMT

from MaximNewsNetwork

September 2, 2009 - UNTV: As the United States took over the rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of September, American Ambassador Susan E. Rice announced today (2 September) that US President Barack Obama will chair a summit-level meeting of the Council on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament when world leaders gather at the UN for the annual high-level segment of the General Assembly.

Rice said that the meeting on 24 September will be only the fifth occasion in United Nations history for a meeting at the summit level and the first time in history that an American president will chair the United Nations Security Council.

Taking questions from reporters, the US Ambassador referred to the recent controversy over the release from a Scottish jail of Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, convicted for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on 21 December 1988.

Rice said that virtually every American has been offended by the reception accorded to Mr. Megrahi in Libya upon his return from the UK and added that how Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi chooses to comport himself when he attends the General Assembly and the Security Council in New York, has the potential either to further aggravate those feelings and emotions or not.

Libya currently holds a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. Libya has also been elected to preside over the 64th session of the UN General Assembly, which opens on 15 September 2009.

On Sudan, Rice stated that the priority for the United States has been and remains to stop the killing and the dying in Darfur and to focus on steps that can be taken to reduce the suffering of people, the displaced, the refugees, other civilians, in Darfur and throughout Sudan.

The American representative also announced that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will chair a Security Council meeting on women, peace and security on 30 September.

MaximsNewsNetwork: News Network for the United Nations and the International Community.

Amb. Susan Rice Outlines the Security Council's September Program of Work

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:13:00 GMT

from ReliefWeb.int

Date: 02 Sep 2009
in the UN Press Briefing Room

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York, NY

Ambassador Rice: Well, good afternoon, everybody. Thank you for coming. I'm pleased to be here to share with you an overview of the month of September's program of work in the Security Council. You should all have copies. And it was unanimously adopted a couple of hours ago, in what I am told by the Secretariat officials was in fact record time.

We have several important meetings on the calendar this month. I'd like to give you an overview of the principal ones among them, and then take your questions.

The first meeting and session I'd like to highlight is the one you're well aware of: On September 24th, the President of the United States will chair a summit-level meeting of the Council on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament. This will be only the fifth occasion in United Nations history for a meeting at the summit level, and the first time in history that an American President will chair the United Nations Security Council.

The Council, as you well know, has a very important role to play in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons, and it's the world's principal body for dealing with global security cooperation. The session will focus on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament broadly, and not on any particular countries. Key areas to be highlighted will include arms control and nuclear disarmament, strengthening the NPT regime, and denying and disrupting trafficking in and the securing of nuclear materials. We are consulting with colleagues on a potential product for that session, and will keep you posted as that evolves. Continue reading...

Susan Rice: A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN

UN report proposes new Marshall Plan to promote development and save the planet

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:55:00 GMT

From the UN News Centre

1 September 2009 – A United Nations report launched today recommends a new Marshall Plan of more than $500 billion per year, or one per cent of global output, to help developing countries ease the impact of global warming and adjust to its effects while continuing on a path of economic growth.

“The science is clear. We need to drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions in order to protect the planet and avoid dangerous temperature rises globally,” stressed Rob Vos, a Director of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

“If we do not significantly reduce emissions the damage to poor countries as a percentage of GDP [gross domestic product] will be up to more than 10 times greater than in the United States and most other developed countries,” Mr. Vos told reporters in New York at the launch of the 2009 World Economic and Social Survey: Promoting Development, Saving the Planet.

Mr. Vos noted that for every rise of one degree in global temperature, the annual average growth in developing countries drops betweens two and three percentage points with little impact on advanced countries.

However, to satisfy development needs, energy demands will have to rise in developing countries, posing a challenge in how to combine the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with economic objectives.

“To do this we will need huge adjustments in developed, but in particular developing countries,” said Mr. Vos. “The transformation of energy services will be key… This will have to go hand-in-hand with large-scale interrelated investments in order to address simultaneously the climate change and development goals.”

The World Economic and Social Survey suggests that market solutions, including the development of a carbon market, through “cap and trade” mechanisms or taxation schemes in developed countries, are not the solution for developing countries. Rather, it recommends a combination of large-scale investments and active government policy interventions for developing countries.

Among the possible multilateral measures in support of a global investment programme set out in the report is the creation of a global clean energy fund, a global feed-in tariff regime in support of renewable energy sources, a climate technology programme and a more balanced intellectual property regime for aiding the transfer of clean energy technology.

“We are suggesting that we need a globally funded public investment programme to allow developing countries to engage both in cleaner generation of energy and still meet their development objectives,” said Mr. Vos.

“The ballpark figure that we think is needed would be one per cent of global output, [or] around $500 to $600 billion per year starting well within the coming decade, and not – as many other studies suggest – that those levels should be reached by 2030 or beyond.”

Read the report: 2009 World Economic and Social Survey: Promoting Development, Saving the Planet

Learn more about UNA-USA's Advocacy Agenda, which includes information on building international consensus on climate change

Ban emphasizes key role of UN in tackling today’s challenges

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:50:00 GMT

from the UN News Centre

August 31, 2009 – The United Nations plays a critical role in addressing the current food, climate and other crises, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today in Oslo, as he stressed that Norway is one of the Organization’s strongest partners in tackling global challenges.

The financial, flu, fuel and other emergencies cannot be solved by nations acting alone, Mr. Ban told reporters after meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

“The United Nations is the forum where we can all discuss our different agendas towards a very harmonious resolution for the common well-being and the common prosperity of the world,” he noted.

“People know that the United Nations is front and centre right now in addressing all these multiple crises.”

Acknowledging that it is natural for the international community to expect the world body to step up to the plate in addressing the simultaneous crises, he called for support from all 192 Member States.

Mr. Ban singled out Norway – home to the UN’s first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie – for its “steadfast” contributions in the realms of climate change, development, health, human rights and peacekeeping.

“Norway has been and is delivering,” the Secretary-General said. “It is among the most dynamic and generous supporters of the United Nations.”

Following a working breakfast with Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, he expressed appreciation for the country’s leadership and initiatives for Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Sudan. Continue reading...

Read the full article @ UN News Centre

Previously from UN News Centre: Ban "Multilateralism keys to tackling today's crises"

Obama Speaks to the World

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:00 GMT

President John F. Kennedy addresses
the UN General Assembly, 1961

In the lead-up to President Obama's address at the UN's 64th General Assembly on September 23, UNA-USA will be featuring a number of different ways for you to get involved.

In addition to archival footage of past presidents addressing the UN (the first clip posted on the right), we want to invite you to share your point of view about what President Obama should focus on in his first speech at the United Nations. To do this, we've set up an online poll and are requesting video submissions from readers like you on what issue you think the President should be focusing during his speech.

Take our poll. How has the president performed so far in restoring US leadership through global cooperation, and on other important issues? We will analyze the results of the poll and send a message to President Obama, Ambassador Susan Rice and their advisors as they finalize the president’s address to the UN General Assembly.

VOTE NOW

Submit your ideas on video. Send us a one minute video telling President Obama what you would like him to focus on in his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly. A select grouping of videos will appear on UNA-USA's Web site and in our newsletter, the World Bulletin.

Click here to learn more

UNA-USA Mourns the Passing of Leo Nevas, the Association's Longest-Serving Board Member

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:26:00 GMT

Aug. 27, 2009 -- Leo Nevas’s death, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, is mourned by his many friends at the United Nations Association of the USA. Leo was UNA-USA’s longest-serving board member, a true proponent of the importance of the United Nations’ principles as well as a patriotic American and a dear adviser to many of us.

His passion for the protection and advancement of human rights is exemplified by the establishment of UNA-USA’s Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights. Under Leo’s leadership and with the support of his good friend Paul Newman, UNA-USA launched this initiative in 2007 to re-energize the Association’s efforts to advance powerful ideas that support human rights through education and advocacy. Leo’s generous contributions to our organization made such programs possible. Leo had accumulated many titles and honorariums in his lengthy and distinguished career, but what we will miss most is his wisdom and sense of caring for his fellow human beings.

We were fortunate to have Leo with us for so many years. All of his friends and colleagues at UNA-USA know the world will be a little less rich with Leo gone, but his legacy and kindness will endure with us forever. We want to extend our deepest condolences to his family as we strive to live up to Leo’s high standards in protecting human rights.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 109 East Ave., Norwalk, Connecticut.

Thomas J.Miller
President

William McDonough
Co-Chairman

Thomas Pickering
Co-Chairman

John C. Whitehead
Vice-Chairman

UNA-USA Mourns the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Aug. 26, 2009 -- The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-UNA) joins millions of people around the world in mourning the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. While Senator Kennedy is being remembered for his many achievements on behalf of the poor, the downtrodden and the disenfranchised in the United States, he is also being recalled as a longtime champion and leader in advocating for the poor and for those without a voice in other countries.

Senator Kennedy led the effort to secure for refugees and immigrants the right to a life with dignity while also fighting for greater resources for those around the world who suffer in poverty and with sickness. He was a strong supporter of the United Nations and its mission. And while Senator Kennedy was beloved in this country, he will also be sorely missed by people far outside our borders, especially those who will no longer have his voice to rely on for their behalf.

William J. McDonough
Co-Chair

Thomas R. Pickering
Co-Chair

Thomas J. Miller
President

Gender Violence Roundtable Discussion

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:55:00 GMT

from the August 19 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

A Roundtable Discussion with Female UN Police Officers Deployed in Peacekeeping Operations: Investigating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Haiti, Liberia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Visit our YouTube page for more videos

REMINDER: Join today's national call-in day in support of global women's rights!

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:22:00 GMT

Today, advocates around the country will participate in a national call-in day to support US ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Drafted thirty years ago, CEDAW has been ratified by 186 countries, including every democracy in the world, except the United States. The treaty provides a global standard for women's rights, a critical tool for holding governments to account.

However, the United States is unable to credibly demand that governments abide by their treaty commitments as long as we refuse to ratify CEDAW ourselves.

Help strengthen America's voice in support of international human rights and women's equality by calling your Senators today!

To ACT NOW, click here.

Fact Sheet on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Talking Points: The Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW)

UNA-USA is a supporting partner of the film, The Age of Stupid.

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:48:00 GMT

Come and be inspired to take action on the world's most pressing problem – climate change.

Fathom Events and Spanner Films are partnering to bring to the US the critically acclaimed film The Age of Stupid Live from New York. This one-night event will be simulcast live from a solar tent in downtown New York to over 400 movie theatres nationwide on Monday, September 21st at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/tape delayed 8PM PT).

The Age of Stupid is the new four-year epic from McLibel director Franny Armstrong. Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?

After your trip into the future, hear from a panel of experts about ways to fight climate change and avert the film's predicted disaster. This green-carpet event will include a live pre-show, the US debut of The Age of Stupid, and a panel discussion on climate change. The event will include director Franny Armstrong, star Pete Postlewaite, world renowned scientists, actress Gillian Anderson, and political figures from around the world including Kofi Annan. Audiences will also hear from field scientists working in the Himalayas and Indonesian rainforest via live satellite uplink. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke will wrap up the evening with an acoustic performance of the film’s title track.

The Age of Stupid's global premiere on September 21st 2009 aims to be the biggest and greenest live film event in movie history. The UK launch produced just 1% of the emissions of an average Hollywood premiere and the global event looks to repeat that accomplishment. From the transport to the heating to the drinks to the power supply - all will be genuinely green, not "greenwashed." Guests will arrive in solar-powered cars, bicycle rickshaws, electric cars, pedal bikes, and sailing boats.

The film and live event will be take place across 400 cinemas in the USA and 60 cinemas across South America. Over the following 24 hours, it will be rolled out across the world, appearing in another 250+ cinemas in over fifty-five countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The aim is to reach over 800 screens worldwide, setting a new world record.

Peacekeeping, the Agency That Never Sleeps

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:51:00 GMT

from the August 19 UNA-USA World Bulletin
By Giselle Chang

With 1,093 staff members working in headquarters on 20 different operations and helping another 130,000 people in the field, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations is an incessantly busy place and one of the largest departments of the UN system.

Based in simple offices on the upper floors of the Secretariat building, with sweeping views of New York, the major tasks at hand -- monitoring cease-fires and political transitions, providing humanitarian assistance, training police, supporting elections – mean that staffers are always ready.

Click play to view a slideshow from inside the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Take the Situation Center, a crucial hub in headquarters, staffed 24/7, equipped with three televisions tuned to breaking news and clocks on the walls noting the time in different countries and zones. Not to mention lots of maps.

Leanne Smith, the deputy chief of the Situation Center, summarized the room as the information core that connects all peacekeeping missions around the world to the senior decision-makers in New York.

“Our function is to make sure we provide a good flow of information so that they’re able to make good decisions,” Smith said in an interview with UNA-USA.

The Situation Center has three units: the Operations Room, the Information Management Unit, and the Research and Liaison Unit.

The Operations Room is in daily contact with all the missions and features three desks, two covering the work in Africa and one for the rest of the world; the Information Unit ensures the SitCen stays up and running 24/7 with access to the best technology, GIS and other data.

And the Research and Liaison Unit looks “for trends that are developing in different places and tries to identify hot spots for senior decision-makers,” Smith said.

Relaying What’s Important

With the Operations Room staff working round the clock on a shift system, Smith said that the flow of information never stops. The busiest hours are 5:30 to 9 in the morning, when reports from the fields flood the office with the latest information on political developments, security incidents and human rights concerns.

“Our operations room has to absorb that information, filter it and decide what needs to go to everybody else,” Smith said. It is consolidated in two ways, as a briefing note for senior managers, and as an operational update for the secretary-general.

While the Operations Room’s 24-hour communications hub is vital for DPKO, the shift system actually presents the greatest challenge for the staff, according to Smith.

“They work long hours and are often under a lot of pressure because very senior people call through our Situation Center, so they have to be on the job and very focused all the time,” she said.

Coping With X, Y and Z

Smith said that another challenge DPKO faces is “getting people in the field who are dealing with crisis as they are happening to understand the information flow need that people” have at the headquarters.

She explained that as headquarters is “calling and saying we need to know X, Y and Z,” the people in the field are responding, “Can you leave us alone, we’re trying to deal with X, Y and Z?”

Ignacio Saez-Benito, a political affairs officer of the Europe and Latin America Division of DPKO, said in an interview with UNA-USA that maintaining neutrality in all peacekeeping contexts is a constant test for the UN.

He described the mission in Kosovo as particularly difficult because the UN must apply policies only as mandated by the 1999 Security Council resolution and “not take sides,” he said.

But that is not always easy. Saez-Benito said that the department’s work in the field in Kosovo, based on the resolution, is broad in scope.

Specifically, it asks, he said, “for the end of hostilities, the restoration of the rule of law, the security, the protection of civilians and minorities in Kosovo but also the establishment of basically a civilian administration that had not existed” because for different reasons, including the war, “all the local government were paralyzed and were collapsed.”

The structure of the mandate, he said, consists of several pillars: “One for reconstruction and economic development, another one for humanitarian assistance, another one for democratization and democracy building.”

To complicate matters, each pillar was given to a lead organization; for example, the European Union was in charge of primary reconstruction.

It is not unusual for DPKO to share its peacekeeping mission burdens with numerous other agencies. They include NATO, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the International Stabilization Force in Timor-Leste.

While DPKO has successfully kept the peace in many nations with the help of such ally organizations, reforms in peacekeeping are constantly being debated; sending missions to areas of conflict is also being questioned.

“There’s a lot of debate in the Security Council at the moment about the value of a peacekeeping mission in Somalia, for example,” Leanne Smith said. “The basic question there is whether there’s a peace to keep, and if there’s not then maybe a peacekeeping mission is not the right mechanism.”

While establishing new missions is out of the hands of the DPKO, its staffers and peacekeeping officers are always waiting to be told by the Security Council where to go. For now, the current missions around the world give everyone plenty to do.

Here is a link to a photo slideshow of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations: http://www.flickr.com/photos/unausa/sets/72157622037761538/show/.

To read the latest World Bulletin visit www.unausa.org/worldbulletin.

Giselle Chang is a publications intern and an international studies student at Johns Hopkins University.

In Action Abroad - Update on Global Classrooms Student & Leo Nevas Human Rights Student Advocate Award Recipient

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Ibrahim Diallo, former Global Classrooms student, current UNA-USA Model UN Conference volunteer, and recipient of the 2008 inaugural Leo Nevas Human Rights Student Advocate award, writes about his experience with his non-profit, the African Development Coalition (ADC), and his trip to Guinea.

"I just got back from Guinea a couple of days ago. I am happy to tell you that we completed our project. Three other Trinity Students and myself spent 6 weeks in the village working with the people there. We had to modify the project a little to fit the needs of the community. Originally we wanted to build two more classrooms to an existing school and install a water pump. When we got there, the village elders told us that they wanted to make the space they already have usable. They had 4 classrooms which were in really bad shape. The village was in desperate need of a housing for the teachers.

The education system in Guinea works differently. Teachers are trained in the capital and then sent to work in the villages. The teachers live and teach there. This particular village did not have space for teachers to stay and therefore, there was a shortage of teacher in the school. So you had two teachers teaching four grade levels. The community had tried to build a house for the teachers for the last 30 years and no luck. The pump however, they all recognized the need for it and welcomed it. So we ended up renovating the existing school, adding an office for the director, a storage room, a house for the teachers (3 bedrooms, a bathroom and a storage room), and a water pump.

The entire community came out to help. Everyone was so welcoming and extremely pleasant to all of us. After completing the project, we put together a ceremony. We invited the local officials and people in the education system. The entire village came out. We had food and everyone was happy. We said our goodbyes and headed back to the capital.

We spent a couple of days in the capital just talking to people that worked in the education system in Guinea. We met with the education directors of UNICEF and the Peace Corps. We also met with the Chief Political and Economic Officer and the Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Guinea. They all praised our work and talk to us about their experiences working in the country. I would say this was over all a great learning experience. The work we did was very visible and the village was grateful. We are working on a short film to document our project. We are also working on a written report that will go on our website and to all our donors. I will be sure to share all of that with as soon as we are done. In the mean time, I attached few pictures that kind of summarizes the project.

My team and I will be working on that before we head back to school, which is in two weeks. You all played a big role in making ADC what it is today, so I wanted to Thank you so much for your continued support and share this great news with you"

Learn about the African Development Coalition

See what universities and colleges are involved with Global Classrooms

Read about last year's Leo Nevas Human Rights Luncheon

President Obama Speaks to the World: What's your point of view?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:30:00 GMT

SAMPLE SUBMISSIONS

In the lead-up to President Obama's appearance at the UN's 64th General Assembly, we want to invite you to share your point of view about what President Obama should focus on in his first speech at the United Nations. Here are a few ways you can become part of the global conversation:

Take our poll. How has the president performed so far in restoring US leadership through global cooperation, and on other important issues? We'll analyze the results of the poll and send a message to President Obama, Ambassador Susan Rice and their advisors as they finalize the president’s address to the UN General Assembly. Vote now!

Submit your ideas on video. Send us a one minute video telling President Obama what you would like him to focus on in his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly. A select grouping of videos will appear on UNA-USA's Web site and in our newsletter, the World Bulletin. Learn More.

Help Strengthen America's Voice in Support of Global Women's Rights!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:37:00 GMT

On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, advocates around the country will participate in a national call-in day to support US ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Drafted thirty years ago, CEDAW has been ratified by 186 countries, including every democracy in the world, except the United States. The treaty provides a global standard for women's rights, a critical tool for holding governments to account.

However, the United States is unable to credibly demand that governments abide by their treaty commitments as long as we refuse to ratify CEDAW ourselves.

Help strengthen America's voice in support of international human rights and women's equality by joining the national call-in day on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.

UNA-USA in the Press: Letter to the Washington Post Editor 'The International Court'

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Yesterday's Washington Post featured the following letter to the editor from UNA-USA's John Washburn, director and convener of the American NGO Coalition for the ICC.

'The International Court'

John Bellinger's Aug. 10 op-ed ["A Global Court Quandary for the President"] exaggerated the vulnerability of the U.S. military to the International Criminal Court and overestimated the expectations of ICC supporters that the United States will join the court soon.

The court's Rome Statute in Article 98, misused by the Bush administration to try to get immunity for all American citizens, provides the American armed forces the same protection from the ICC through status-of-forces agreements that they enjoy from any other foreign jurisdiction. Most governments and other supporters understand that the inherent difficulties of U.S. treaty ratification mean that full U.S. participation in the court is a long way off. Instead, they work for the extensive U.S. support for and commitment to the court short of ratification, which Mr. Bellinger recommended.

The government's current review of policy on the ICC appears to be focused first on the degree and management of that support. Mr. Bellinger is right that at the same time the United States must defend and explain its interests by joining in the preparatory negotiations underway for the court's 2010 Review Conference.

JOHN WASHBURN
New York

The writer is the convener of the American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a program of the United Nations Association of the USA.

Click here to learn more about AMICC

Click here for 5 Things to Do to Support the ICC. (.pdf)

Young people gather to demand action on climate change – UN

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:35:24 GMT

from the UN News Centre

17 August 2009 –The largest ever youth gathering on climate change has kicked off today in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to demand that nations ‘seal the deal’ on a new pact to slash greenhouse gas emissions at a United Nations conference this December in Denmark.
More than 800 young people from over 100 countries have gathered in the city of Daejeon for a week-long meeting to stake their claim on a low-carbon, resource-efficient and environmentally-sustainable future.

Nations are expected to wrap up negotiations in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, in just over 100 days on a treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, whose first commitment period ends in 2012.

Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), characterized the week-long Tunza International Children and Youth Conference under way in Daejeon as “a gathering of the generation that will inherit the outcome of the decisions taken in December and beyond.”

The world’s three billion children and young people, he said, will see the Himalayan glaciers either persist or melt, sea levels stabilize or rise, and the Amazon either endure or dry out in their lifetimes.

A global town hall meeting using state-of-the-art technology will allow hundreds of other youth to link to the Daejeon meeting to agree on a message to send to world leaders, while a social networking platform for youth on climate change – my.uniteforclimate.org – will also be launched.

Participants at the conference were selected from thousands of applicants based on their outstanding ‘green’ achievements in their respective countries, illustrating strides made by the next generation to address the serious threat of global warming.

The projects included a drive to distribute hundreds of low-energy light bulbs in Nepal, a carpooling scheme in Samoa, a recycling drive in Sierra Leone and efforts to clean up rivers in Russia.

The latest round of negotiations towards a pact in Copenhagen wrapped up last Friday, with only “limited progress” having been made, according to a senior United Nations official.

With only two more conferences, totaling 15 days, scheduled before the December meeting, “negotiations will need to considerably pick up speed for the world to achieve a successful result at Copenhagen,” said Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Some strides were made regarding the negotiating text at the week-long meeting in Bonn, Germany, with countries also discussing how to translate mid-term reduction pledges (for the year 2020) by wealthier nations into legally-binding targets as part of the deal to be clinched in Copenhagen.

“Industrialized countries need to show a greater level of ambition in agreeing to meaningful mid-term emission reduction targets,” Mr. de Boer said. “The present level of ambition can be raised domestically and by making use of international cooperation.”

Learn about UNA-USA's Student Alliance program.

Find out about UNA-USA's 2009 Advocacy Agenda.

US Dramatically Revamps its Approach to the UN

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:23:13 GMT

Susan Rice delivered a powerful speech titled A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN at New York University. Here's an excerpt:

As President Obama has said, the UN is imperfect; but it is also indispensible. There can be no substitute for the legitimacy the UN can impart or its potential to mobilize the widest possible coalitions. There is no better alternative to sharing the costs and burdens of UN peace operations and humanitarian missions around the world. There is no doubt that we are more secure when the UN can foster nonproliferation and promote disarmament. It is we, along with others, who gain when the UN spurs sustainable development and democracy, improves global health, upholds women’s rights, and broadens access to education. And we reap the benefits when the UN sets little-known global standards that enable our cell phones to work properly and our airplanes to fly more safely.

In short, the UN is essential to our efforts to galvanize concerted actions that make Americans safer and more secure.

Today, as we steer a new course at the United Nations, our guiding principles are clear: We value the UN as a vehicle for advancing U.S. policies and universal rights. We work for change from within rather than criticizing from the sidelines. We stand strong in defense of America’s interests and values, but we don’t dissent just to be contrary. We listen to states great and small. We build coalitions. We meet our responsibilities. We pay our bills. We push for real reform. And we remember that, in an interconnected world, what’s good for others is often good for the United States as well.

Read the full text of her speech.

Read an article about UNA-USA President Tom Miller's meeting with Ambassador Rice from the June 24 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin.

Southern Sudan: Humanitarian Aid & Food Situation

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:21:46 GMT

Courtesy MaximsNewsNetwork

12 August 2009 - UNMIS: UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Lise Grande says that spiraling inter-tribal conflict, a massive food shortage and a lingering budget crisis are contributing to a "humanitarian perfect storm" brewing in Southern Sudan.

At least 40 percent of the population in southern Sudan is at risk due to factors like spiraling inter-tribal conflict, massive food shortages and a budget crisis brought about by the global economic crisis.

Highlighting grim statistics of what ails the countrys humanitarian situation, Lise Grande, UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Southern Sudan said the best way to characterize the humanitarian situation in southern Sudan is as a humanitarian perfect storm.

Grande was speaking in Khartoum at a press conference in which she said that inter-tribal conflicts were increasing in number and intensity.

Click here for more stories from UNA-USA on Sudan

Ban Ki-moon's remarks at the WFUNA Plenary Assembly

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:20:00 GMT

from the UN News Center

Dr. Hans Blix, President of the World Federation of UN Associations, Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo, of the Republic of Korea, Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan, of the Republic of Korea,
Distinguished Presidents and members of United Nations Associations, My fellow “global citizens for the United Nations,” I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hans Blix for his outstanding leadership as President of WFUNA.

I convey my appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for hosting this event.

Distinguished members of the United Nations Association,

I share my deepest thanks for your leadership, your example, and your voice.

Thank you for educating, enlightening and promoting a stronger United Nations for a better world.

I have always believed that change does not come from the top-down. It comes from the bottom-up.

It does not begin in world capitals. It comes from people and communities.

That's where you are. On the frontlines, in the vanguard.

In many ways, you are the UN's finest face to the world - intelligent, engaged, committed and strong.

You believe in our vital mission.

You carry forth our word and our principles: justice, human rights, equal opportunity in a world of peace and prosperity for all.

You influence decision-makers. You engage the young. You lead a people's movement for the United Nations.

Read the full text of the Secretary-General's remarks.

Learn more about the World Federation of UNAs.

The UN is Born Again

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:16:57 GMT

From Newsweek's Wealth of Nations Blog, August 6
By Andrew Bast

America is learning to love the United Nations all over again. After several years of flagging support, a new Pew Global Attitudes Project poll reports that 61 percent of Americans--up from 48 percent two years ago--hold a favorable view of the organization. Why the spike? The first, obvious answer: Barack Obama.

Four years ago, on the heels of the Oil-for-Food scandal, George W. Bush appointed John Bolton U.N. ambassador. It was an antagonistic move: Bolton was known for suggesting that 10 floors be lopped off U.N. headquarters. There was "relentless, negative pressure on the U.N.," says Timothy Wirth, former senator and now president of the U.N. Foundation. Obama made an abrupt about-face, installing Susan Rice as ambassador and raising her position to cabinet rank, and placing international cooperation at the center of his foreign policy--and American attitudes have clearly followed suit.

But there is a second, more unexpected source of the shift. In the past few years, American evangelical Christians have turned away from white-hot political issues like abortion and gay marriage to values like fighting poverty and helping the less fortunate. Popular pastor Rick Warren has launched the Peace Coalition to fight poverty and care for the sick around the world. Likewise, megachurch pastor Bill Hybels, head of the 12,000-strong Willow Creek Association, allied with Bono and his global humanitarian One campaign.

The shift has not been lost on the U.N. In 2007, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sat down to dinner with evangelical leaders in Arlington, Va., and said, "More than ever, we need the National Association of Evangelicals ... and others in the faith communities to help the [Millennium Development Goals] to be achieved."

Despite the U.S.'s recent embrace of the U.N. on both the left and right, they could get even cozier--in decades past, approval ratings for the international organization have hovered at nearly 70 percent. Signs in that direction are positive: Congress voted in June to pay all its dues to the U.N. dating back to 1999, and Ban Ki-moon will host a U.N. climate-change summit in New York this fall. What looked like a divorce for the past eight years may end in a lovefest after all.

Learn how UNA-USA builds support for the UN.

To support UNA-USA and the work of the UN, donate to UNA-USA or become a member.

Moving On: A Conversation With Pera Wells

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:51:43 GMT

from the August 5th edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Pera Wells will retire next week as the secretary-general of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. WFUNA Photo.

Aug. 5 – This will be Pera Wells’s last plenary session as the secretary-general of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. Wells, who will be attending the organization’s 39th plenary assembly in Seoul from Aug. 10-12, is also taking the opportunity next week to officially retire.

In an interview with UNA-USA’s Stephanie Rossi, Wells, an Australian, reflected back on the nine years she led the international nongovernmental organization and looks forward to seeing where the United Nations and the World Federation are headed.

What inspired you to work for the World Federation?

I think being secretary-general of the World Federation of UNA is the best job in the world. I say this because WFUNA is unique — no other international organization has a people’s movement to support it. The World Federation is comprised of people all over the world who voluntarily commit themselves to educating the public in their country about the purpose of the United Nations. I personally believe that the creation of the UN in 1945 was one of the great accomplishments of the 20th century. And I think that over the years, United Nations Associations around the world have made a big difference to the UN. The League of Nations failed in many ways because people didn’t understand what it was there to do — it was known as the League of Nonsense. In fact, it was people who understood the failing of the League who were very involved in the creation of the World Federation, which was set up very soon after the UN in August 1946.

What has been the highlight of your time at the organization?

One of the most significant moments for me was when Hans Blix agreed to become president of the World Federation. He’s well regarded as one of the great international leaders. He’s a former foreign minister of Sweden, but he really demonstrated his mettle as an international leader when he led the team that was looking for the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He was very fastidious in maintaining the position that the inspectors believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction, but they could not prove a negative, so they couldn’t categorically draw that conclusion. At the time, there was a big attack on the United Nations by people in the Bush administration, basically questioning the UN’s relevance. It seems to me that it is particularly significant that having gone through that experience, Hans agreed to become the president of WFUNA. He did so at our plenary assembly in Argentina, where he met the winner of an essay competition we had done on the recommendations of the commission he had set up to look into the whole question of weapons of mass destruction.

Hans began his career by winning an essay competition that the World Federation ran in the 1950s. He thought he would become an academic, but it was his experience winning this competition and working for the UN’s Department of Legal Affairs [the office awarded the winner of the prize a job], which changed his whole attitude and made him want to become an international actor through the United Nations. He symbolizes in a very important way the best of the World Federation, and he has given us superb leadership. We are looking forward to seeing him in Seoul, where he will preside over the WFUNA plenary assembly.

Click to watch Pera Wells interviewed by Bill Miller of Global Connections Television
How have the Friends of WFUNA affected your work?

This group was set up by Arthur Ross [an American businessman and philanthropist who supported American leadership at the UN and was a vice-chair of UNA-USA] in 2001, and it’s just been an enormous help to have highly aware and committed Americans supporting the World Federation. They have given us the necessary financial backing to cover our operating costs, but more importantly, because they are people who know and care about the UN, their continued engagement, particularly during the difficult time when the Bush administration was pulling America away from the UN, was very important for us and for what it signaled to the rest of our membership.

How can the UN and organizations that support it stay relevant?

One of the points that Hans and I have emphasized has been engaging young people in the work of the UN, particularly around the issues of disarmament. For me, one of the great highlights at my time with the World Federation has been the very real evidence of young people around the world showing tremendous interest in the United Nations through Model UN programs and other opportunities for engagement. We do see this generation coming of age as a digital generation. It is the first time in human history that people have the networking capabilities to connect with one another globally on all sorts of levels and issues. Our challenge has been to help them see the value of connecting to the United Nations. This, it seems to me, is happening more and more with interesting and varying results. One result is an initiative that we are bringing to the UN to encourage them to use open-source competitions for decision-making. We are doing this in partnership with the organization Ashoka, and it has now been agreed that the pilot phase of this will focus on inviting people around the world to give their ideas on how the UN can be effective in facilitating the transfer of green technologies from industrialized countries to the South.

What would you like WFUNA to do in the future?

Over the last few months, we’ve developed a Global Citizen campaign. I think there is a change taking place which is very exciting. Ban Ki-moon has said that the UN today is facing a more complicated and difficult set of circumstances than when the UN was created in 1945. The difference between 1945 and today is that the challenges facing the UN are global issues that affect us all, such as climate change or the spread of diseases and poverty. In Ban Ki-moon’s view, it requires a new form of global leadership that is more inclusive of all actors. It’s simply not just governments that need to cooperate in order to resolve global challenges, but that the United Nations needs to use its convening power to bring in civil society, the private sector and other actors in a more systematic way. Whereas, in the 1940s, people would think about “We the Peoples” being the basis of the UN charter, we are trying now to define more clearly what this means in terms of people’s actual engagement with the UN and looking at it in terms of global citizenship. There should be a stronger sense that we as global citizens share a responsibility for ensuring the UN and that other international and regional mechanisms serve our shared interest in sustaining the resources of the planet and dealing with the threats of climate change. It is a new way of thinking, and I find it very exciting. It comes at a time when particularly young people have the technological support and capacity to think very creatively.

Any other reflections on the World Federation?

I am very happy that my successor, Bonian Golmohammadi, brings a great deal of valuable experience to the position. He’s been a very successful secretary-general of UNA-Sweden. Hans Blix is stepping down as well, but there is a very good team coming in. The World Federation will continue to grow and live up to its enormous potential to build up a stronger network of UNAs around the world. We see new UNAs coming forward in many parts of the world: the Middle East, the South Pacific and Africa. I’m really happy that I worked for an organization that has an institutional capacity that continues to grow.

Stephanie Rossi is the Web development manager at UNA-USA and a former communications strategist at the World Federation of UNA.

Click to view the latest edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Subscribe to the World Bulletin here

United States Signs UN Disabilities Convention

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:53:25 GMT

The United States last Thursday became the 142^nd signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities when UN Ambassador Susan E. Rice signed the treaty at UN headquarters in New York. The treaty, adopted by the General Assembly in December 2006, is the first new human rights convention of the 21^st century. In announcing the decision, President Obama stated, “Disability rights aren’t just civil rights to be enforced here at home; they’re universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world.”

Learn more about UNA-USA's Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights

WFUNA to hold 39th Plenary Assembly

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:39:00 GMT

The 39th WFUNA Plenary Assembly will be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 10-12 August 2009 on the theme "Global Citizens for the United Nations". The WFUNA-youth Plenary Meeting will be held at the same time. WFUNA President Hans Blix will preside. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Han Seung-soo and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will speak at the opening ceremony.

The Plenary Assembly is the supreme organ of the Federation, responsible for pursuing and achieving our objectives as a peoples’ movement for the United Nations. For more information, and a video message from Hans Blix, click here.

More information on the Assembly

View the Provisional Agenda (.pdf)

Previous WFUNA stories:
UNA-USA named UNA of the Month by World Federation

World Bulletin: Who Are the Global Citizens?

IRAN: So much more than what's on the news

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:24:00 GMT

from the July 29, 2009 issue of The Coloradoan

BY JEANNE NASH

The opinions expressed are those of the author, and may not necessarily be reflective of UNA-USA as a whole.

Sandwiched between the disasters that are Iraq and Afghanistan is the large and beautiful country once known as Persia. Iran is a modern, well-educated country.

That might come as a surprise to someone who knows about the country only from current news reports. Our experience was less than a month before their now infamous election. We saw no posters, no signs of rallies or unrest and almost no pictures of Ahmadinejad. Instead, we were welcomed by a vibrant, young population eager for their country to regain their place in the world.

When my daughter, Heidi, and I applied for and were accepted for spots on a United Nations Association trip to Iran in May, most people wondered why and feared for our safety. There was no need for concern. The trip was sponsored by the Seattle UNA and lead by Abdi Sami, an Iranian-American who was the CEO of Dream Quest Images, an Academy Award-winning visual effects company.

Sami and 25 people from across the U.S. arrived in Tehran in the middle of the night. We were quickly located in a comfortable, modern hotel named for one of Iran's famous poets. (Everyone here loves poetry and can recite it at a moment's notice.) After a short night, we were welcomed at a sumptuous buffet breakfast.

Throughout our journey, we stayed in modern hotels geared to Westerners. Yes, we did adapt to the hole-in-the-ground toilets and one coed restroom. But all Western hotels and restaurants have shining modern bathrooms. The food was good, varied, with lots of lamb and chicken kabobs, salad bars, saffron rice, non-alcoholic beers and ever-present yogurt and flat breads. A favorite was a ground walnut and pomegranate paste that was served on chicken breasts. The food and water in Iran are generally safe to consume, although bottled water is readily available.

As women, we were expected to wear a scarf, long sleeves, pants or long skirt and a loose mid-thigh tunic. One advantage of the scarf is that it can hide a bad hair day. However, we saw many young women with coiffed and blonde-streaked hair with a colorful silk scarf that barely hung on to the back of their head. They were dressed in thigh-length jackets that were skin tight, belted and revealing underneath blue jeans and stylish shoes. Read more...

Continue reading the full article in the Coloradoan

Click here for more blog posts on US / Iran relations

Help UNA-USA Win a $25,000 Social Media Makeover

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:54:47 GMT

The interactive agency MindComet, has launched the CommuniCause campaign, allowing Americans to nominate their favorite charity organization to receive pro bono social media services. The grand prize of a Social Media Makeover is valued at $25,000.

Help UNA-USA improve our social media presence and fundraising outreach by voting for us in this campaign.

Vote Now!

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Prompted by Violence in Darfur and Kenya, Africans Support Global Criminal Court

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:32:00 GMT

from the July 22, UNA-USA World Bulletin
by Barbara Crossette

African citizens, breaking with most of their political leaders, are ready to send politicians who promote violence to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a recent poll found. These citizens can also count on the backing of Kofi Annan, who is playing a major role in bringing justice to Kenya, where more than 1,000 people died after a disputed election in 2007.

Bill Pace, convener of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, said in an interview that it was possible to see a direct relationship between the poll findings and the Annan mission. After Annan’s mediation in the wake of the election violence, Pace said, “the ICC was brought into the equation.”

Pace, who as director of the World Federalist Movement’s Institute for Global Policy in New York has held seven meetings around the world on the “responsibility to protect,” said he found that African nongovernmental organizations were the most expert, nuanced and politically sophisticated in understanding the doctrine, adopted by UN member nations in 2005.

“It is accurate that the informed citizenry is Africa has been increasing geometrically in the last 10 or 25 years,” he said.

Politicians Are Named

Annan, a former United Nations secretary-general and a Ghanaian who has often lectured fellow Africans on issues of governance, has turned over to the international court the names of at least 200 Kenyan politicians and others who were identified by a Kenyan commission as instigators of the bloodshed. In an interview last fall after meeting with the commission in Kenya, Annan said that he had taken possession of the list of names and would lock it in a safe in Geneva, where he heads his own foundation, the Global Humanitarian Forum. Click to read the full story.

Click to learn more about UNA-USA's efforts to support the ICC.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the ICC by clicking here.

General Assembly Could Serve as Stage for US/Iran Dialogue

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:05:00 GMT

While in Jerusalem to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that President Obama's invitation of dialogue with Iran is not an open ended proposition. The timeline for a response from Iranian leaders could tie in with the opening of the UN General Assembly, taking place in New York mid-September.

"The president is certainly anticipating or hoping for some kind of a response this fall, perhaps by the time of the U.N. General Assembly." CNN reported Gates as staying.

Since 2006, the five permanent U.N. Security Council member nations and Germany have offered diplomatic and financial benefits in an unsuccessful effort to persuade the Gulf state to end its uranium enrichment program. Last week US Secretary of State Clinton also weighed in on the subject,

"Neither [U.S. President Barack Obama] nor I have any illusions that direct dialogue with the Islamic Republic will guarantee success, but we also understand the importance of trying to engage Iran and offering its leaders a clear choice: whether to join the international community as a responsible member or to continue down a path to further isolation."

For more UNA-USA stories on Iran, including an editorial about UNA-Seattle's two week trip there in May, click the links below.

Iran: observations from a journey to the heart of Persia.
James Maynard, president of the Seattle Metropolitan chapter

UNA San Diego Targeted by Iranian-American Demonstrators
Mary McKenzie, UNA-San Diego President

Letter to Washington Times Editor 'Engage or Else'
UNA-USA Policy Research Assistant Eriks Berzins

How to deal with Iran
By William Luers, Thomas R. Pickering, Jim Walsh

More on Iran from the UNA-USA Policy Department

Follow UNA-USA online

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:03:28 GMT

Along with unausa.org, the United Nations Association also has a vibrant presence in the online world. Click the links to follow us on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Each online community offers a variety of ways to connect with us, and stay informed on all that's happening. Join us today.

Click to become a fan of UNA-USA on Facebook

Join our Young Professionals for International Cooperation (YPIC) group on Facebook

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Gorillas in Our Midst

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:47:00 GMT

from the July 22 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Although gorillas DNA is 99 percent identical to humans and they are capable of acquiring human sign language, they cannot speak up for their rights at the United Nations General Assembly.

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Khmer Rouge Court Suffers New Blow

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:42:02 GMT

from the UNA-USA World Bulletin

By Barbara Crossette

The tribunal created to try the surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime, which decimated Cambodia in the 1970s, has been hit by a new setback with the resignation of Robert Petit, the United Nations-appointed chief prosecutor and one of the court’s most credible officials. Petit had been blocked by the Cambodian government in his efforts to expand his investigation beyond the five people now facing trial, reopening the debate over whether this war crimes court has been doomed from its inception by meddling from local officials with their own past Khmer Rouge links. Continue reading...

Read the full story here
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Chapter Spotlight: UNA San Diego

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:11:00 GMT

Located in beautiful Balboa Park in downtown San Diego, UNA-USA's San Diego Chapter serves as a resource for the citizens of the San Diego area on the broad agenda of critical global issues addressed by the United Nations and its agencies.

The UNA San Diego Chapter is one of the most active chapters in the country, collaborating with schools, universities, businesses and non-profits to educate and serve San Diego and communities abroad. They have successfully contributed computers to schools in Tanzania, implemented and hosted artistic, educational and cultural campaigns and even provided aid relief to the afflicted South East Asian community after the 2004 Tsunami.

Today, UNA-SD and the San Diego World Affairs Council host Tony Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga. Mr. Meloto’s mission is to provide safe and dignified homes for the neediest people in society. This is where Gawad Kalinga began to take true form, with Tony Meloto formulating the guidelines that governed each Gawad Kalinga project, namely: new homes made through the Gawad Kalinga initiatives would only be allotted to the poorest of families. To date there have been over 1700 villages built throughout the Philippines.

Get all the details about tonight's event here (.pdf)

Click here to visit UNA-San Diego's website

The UNA-San Diego offices were the site of a recent protest by Iranian Americans, upset with the current electoral situation in Iran. Click here to read a full report from UNA-SD President, Mary McKenzie.

In Memorium: Frank McCourt

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt addresses 2,300 Model UN students at the 2008 United Nations Association of the United States of America Model UN Conference opening ceremonies, held in the General Assembly Hall of UN Headquarters.

World International Justice Day

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Today, July 17th, marks the eleventh anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the treaty which established and now governs the ICC. The American NGO Coalition for the ICC (AMICC), a program of UNA-USA works to educate Americans about this permanent court which tries those individuals most responsible for atrocity crimes.

Click here for 5 Things to Do to Support the ICC. (.pdf)

Send an email to President Obama urging greater US participation in the ICC

Download and mail this letter to the White House in support of the ICC (.pdf)

UNA Chapters, and other AMICC affiliates are holding events across the country this weekend, including screenings of The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court.

July 17: 4:00 - 7:30 pm
Los Angeles, CA: The 11th Anniversary of the Rome Treaty of the International Criminal Court: The Need for International Cooperation to Effect the Goals of the ICC. On July 17, 1998, the nations of the world agreed on terms of the Rome Treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the first and only permanent international criminal tribunal established to hold individuals accountable for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, including use of child soldiers, and widespread rape and mutilation used as weapons of war. Join Antônia Pereira de Sousa, David Kaye, Edwin Smith and others to discuss the need for international cooperation to effect the goals of the ICC, why all nations should be parties to the Rome Treaty, and how you can help. Presented by the International Criminal Court Alliance, an AMICC alliance. Bullock's Tower, 2nd Floor, Westmoreland and Wilshire (on the campus of Southwestern Law School, near the intersection of Vermont and Wilshire, three blocks from the Wilshire-Vermont Metro Station). Click here for more information. Please RSVP: info@icc-alliance.org. Suggested Donation $10; if you are unable to donate, please come anyway! 1 hour MCLE credit available. Tune into The Reckoning on Thursday, July 16 at 8:30pm on KCET.

July 18, 12 noon
Albuquerque, NM: International Justice Day Program: Real Life in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Albuquerque Chapter of the United Nations Association-USA presents an opportunity to hear from New Mexicans who have lived in and worked in Afghanistan and Pakistan and Central Asia, including the role of the International Criminal Court in future situations. They will tell of their experiences and their views of the background of the current conflicts and of the present policies. Panelists include: Mr. Craig Barnes, Santa Fe, NM, International negotiator in Central Asia; Mr. Ed Rau USAF retired military attache in Afghanistan and consultant for US policy in Afghan-Soviet war; Professor Tahseen A Cheema, MD, Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, UNM and visiting professor National Orthopaedic Hospital, Bahawapur, Pakistan; and Lt. Colonel Frank Oliveira, NM Army National Guard, Member Counterinsurgency Training Team, Afghanistan 2007-2008. Albuquerque Mennonite Church, Girard Ave. Admission is free. Potluck snacks are welcome. Contact William Pratt at 869-4212 or prattsalwm@comcast.net.

Screenings of The Reckoning:

Monroe Township, NJ: July 14, 12:30 pm, Monroe Township Public Library - discussion to follow
Chicago, IL: July 17, 12 noon, Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams - panel discussion to follow. Advance registration is required: RSVP to Ms. Violeta Jimenez at vjimenez@kentalw.edu.
Honolulu, HI: July 22, 12 noon, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kuykendall Hall 208 - discussion to follow. Contact: Joshua Cooper at joshuacooperhawaii@gmail.com.
San Diego, CA: July 29, 6:30 pm, San Diego Public Library

Click here to order a screening kit.

Learn more about AMICC here.

UNA San Diego Targeted by Iranian-American Demonstrators

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:12:00 GMT

By Mary McKenzie, UNA-San Diego President
from the UNA-USA Grassroots Blog

The opinions expressed are those of the author, and may not necessarily be reflective of UNA-USA as a whole.

UNA San Diego was the target of a demonstration by members of the Iranian-American community on July 21. Approximately 150-200 peaceful protesters joined in a silent vigil outside of our office in the UN Building in beautiful Balboa Park. They carried green signs saying “Where is my Vote?”, some splattered with red paint, symbolizing the violence and death that have met protesters in Iran. The purpose of the demonstrators was threefold. First, they believe that the election results which reinstated President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were fraudulent, based on the speed with which the results were announced and based also on some questionable numbers that were released in certain areas of Iran. Second, they wanted the people of San Diego to be aware of the violence being perpetrated against the peaceful protesters in Iran. And third, they asked us—UNASD—to forward a message to the UN Secretary General asking him to annul the election results.

Because I have a friend who is a part of the Iranian-American community, we knew about the protest the night before it occurred. So I was able to rouse Board members and our office manager to come to our office on that Sunday to talk to the demonstrators and to make sure that our small gift shop was able to keep operating. The latter turned out to be a non-issue, as the participants were happy to provide access to our building. We didn’t make any speeches, but we spoke individually to the demonstrators expressing our support for the human rights of the people in Iran. We offered to forward their message to our national leadership (which we did) and overall, there was more that united us than divided us.

As a relatively new UNA chapter president, I learned a few things from this event. First, despite my best efforts to explain to the leaders of the protest, they did not understand the difference between the UN and the UNA. I offered to forward their statement to our leadership (i.e., Ambassador Tom Miller), and in the end, they gave me a letter to Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. As Ambassador Miller noted at our convention in Washington, this confusion continues to be one of our primary challenges as UNA.

Second, those chapters among us who have an office need to be prepared to confront the public on matters such as this. The Iranian-American community in this case was merely seeking to get its message out, and UNASD—with its focus on human rights and international peace—seemed a legitimate place to raise these very troubling issues.

And third, we have a long way to go in educating the public on what exactly the UN can do. We understand that Ban Ki Moon cannot annul the Iranian election results, but that is what the demonstrators wanted. We know that the Security Council can only act if there is a threat to international peace and security, and as of yet, despite the violence that continues against protesters, it has not been referred to the Security Council because of matters of national sovereignty. Although we have a more favorable atmosphere in Washington regarding the United Nations, we still have important work to do to educate the American people.

There is no question that the politics in Iran are complicated. But it is equally clear that UNA has to defend human rights, regardless of the circumstances. UNA chapters all across the country must stand firm in their defense of human rights, as the United Nations itself does. Ban Ki Moon has called for an end to violence in Iran, and yet the violence continues. Although I felt it a bit unfair that UNASD was the target of protest, we used it to promote dialogue on this very important issue. Our YPIC committee is considering focusing one of its monthly events on the issue, and I encourage all UNA chapters to do the same. UNA must listen to its constituencies and work with them, even—or especially—if they feel disappointed in what we are able to do.

Learn more about UNA-USA's chapters and Divisions by clicking here.

Click here to visit the UNA-USA Grassroots Blog.

Tonight on PBS - The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:15:58 GMT

The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court is a stunning and dramatic film which clearly explains the International Criminal Court, the cases it is handling and the reasons for its creation.

The film premiered at Sundance in January and opened the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York on June 12. The film will be broadcast for first time on national TV on PBS on July 14 as part of the documentary program Point of View (POV). AMICC advised the filmmakers on the production of the film and UNA-USA has partnered with P.O.V. to provide screening kits, including the lending of DVDs. If you are interested in organizing a screening of the film, POV can provide a DVD copy, a discussion guide, a reading list, and information on how to organize an event information.

To request a DVD, visit the POV website at www.pov.org/tunein/2009/reckoning/.

More information, is available at www.thereckoningfilm.com.

Click here to learn more about the American NGO Coalition for the ICC - AMICC.

Council of Organizations Event Today; The UN: Keeping Mothers Healthy

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:36:00 GMT

Sarah Craven, chief of the Washington office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Linda Bales, program director of the Louise and Hugh Moore Population Project will discuss the policies and programs of UNFPA and its work to realize the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Millennium Development Goals, in particular MDGs 4 and 5 (reducing child and maternal mortality).

Linda Bales will focus on the work of The United Methodist Church and its support for maternal health, AIDS prevention and family planning, as well as how UMC is networking with UNFPA on those issues. Ms. Bales will also speak on UMC’s partnership with UNFPA on their Campaign to End Fistula.

The event will take place today from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m at the Rayburn House Office Building Room 2255 at Capitol Hill, Washington DC (Capitol South Metro Station - Blue/Orange Lines).

View the entire UNA Event Calendar

Amano to Head IAEA

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:26:50 GMT

By Mirva Lempiainen
From the July 8 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

July 8 – Second time was the charm for the veteran Japanese diplomat, Yukiya Amano, who was elected the new director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency last week.

Amano, who first ran for the post in March in a stalemate election, beat his main opponent Abdul Samad Minty of South Africa by a two-thirds’ vote majority.

Japanese veteran diplomat Yukiya Amano was elected the new chief of IAEA. He takes office on Dec. 1. UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz.

“Mr. Amano comes to the position with a technical background in nuclear energy and so is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the IAEA’s mandate,” said Kennette Benedict, the executive director and publisher of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, in an interview with UNA-USA.

Amano’s election was not completely free of controversy, as he was largely viewed as the candidate of choice of developed countries, while developing countries voted for Minty.

“Because he is from Japan, many may think him more sympathetic to the industrialized world,” Benedict said. She said that Amano may focus more on stopping countries from getting nuclear technology, rather than focusing on the energy needs of developing countries.

Amano, however, has stated that he is prepared to help developing countries in building nuclear power infrastructures. He also said that he would strongly support disarmament and promised full support for radioactive cancer therapy.

Benedict said that Amano’s election is somewhat symbolic, as Japan is the only country that has suffered a nuclear attack.

“It may mean that he will be more sensitive to the horrific nature of the most destructive technology on earth, and will work even harder than his predecessors to rid the world of nuclear weapons.”

Amano’s term as director-general of the agency begins Dec.1, when he replaces Mohammed ElBaradei, who retires after a 12-year stint.

Mirva Lempiainen is a publications intern and a student at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.

Ambassador Miller's Remarks to the Global Classrooms: London Model UN Conference

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Today, 400 high school students will be at the newly refurbished headquarters of the UN International Maritime Organisation in Lambeth. The conference will draw students from 28 London schools and further education colleges. In addition, we will for the first time welcome international delegations from Israel and Italy, as well as two schools from Cornwall and Somerset, in western England.

The Global Classrooms program in London has proved extremely popular with teachers who have found it complements national curriculum in Citizenship and Geography. It is also enthusiastically received by students who greatly enjoy learning about key global issues through Model UN‐style simulation.

Learn more about the Global Classrooms: London Conference

Become a fan of Global Classrooms on faceboook

UNICEF: Convention on the Rights of the Child Video Contest

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:42:00 GMT

from www.youtube.com/unicef

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS?

NEW YORK, USA,
30 June 2009

People all over the world can talk about childrens rights, but it is children themselves who have firsthand experience on the subject. In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which will be observed later this year UNICEF is inviting young people around the world to share their thoughts on the issue in video form.

UNICEF has launched the CRC Video Contest as a platform for airing those opinions. Young people under the age of 25 are invited to create and submit one-minute films exploring the state of child rights in general or focusing on a specific right and telling a story.

Ten finalists will be featured on the UNICEF Voices of Youth website and on UNICEFs social networking webpages, including Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. Then the winning film will have its world premiere at the CRC 20th anniversary celebration on 20 November; it will also be distributed to broadcasters worldwide.

Click here to get full details on the contest

Ban ranks among most trusted world leaders, says new survey

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:32:00 GMT

from UN News Centre

29 June 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is one of the world’s most confidence-inspiring political leaders, according to a new survey made public today. Mr. Ban ranked second to United States President Barack Obama in the poll by the non-governmental organization WorldPublicOpinion.org, in which nearly 20,000 people in 20 countries were surveyed.

On average, his evaluations across all countries polled were positive, particularly in Asia, Africa and Western Europe.

Some 90 per cent of respondents in the Republic of Korea gave the Secretary-General positive confidence scores, while in Kenya and Nigeria he polled at 70 and 69 per cent, respectively.

WorldPublicOpinion.org, which conducted the poll between 4 April and 12 June of this year, is a collaborative research project bringing together research centres from around the world, and is managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland.

View analysis of the entire public opinion poll here

Read Mr. Ban's welcome letter to new UNA-USA President Tom Miller

UNA-USA Substantive Resolutions 2009

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:32:00 GMT

The 2009 UNA-USA Biennial National Convention, held in Washington, DC from June 12-14, adopted 18 substantive issues resolutions covering a range of topics concerning the United Nations and US-UN relations.

These resolutions were used as the basis for last week's "National Advocacy" campaign, where members sent them to legislators and used them as the basis for letters to the editor, op-eds, and petitions, to help educate members of Congress and local communities about the important work of the United Nations.

The 18 resolutions passed, were as follows:

S. Res. 1 – Rediscovering the United Nations
S. Res. 2 – Care for Civilian Loss and Harms Caused in Conflict
S. Res. 3 – Support Senate Ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
S. Res. 4 – Darfur
S. Res. 5 – Iran
S. Res. 6 – Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
S. Res. 7 – Kashmir
S. Res. 8 – Human Rights in Kurdish-Populated Territories
S. Res. 9 – Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
S. Res. 10 – Support for Human Rights Treaties and Bodies
S. Res. 11 – Support Implementation of the Convention against Corruption
S. Res. 12 – Human Trafficking
S. Res. 13 – International Criminal Court
S. Res. 14 – US Support for International Action on Climate Change
S. Res. 15 – International Education in US Public Schools
S. Res. 16 – Promotion of UN Millennium Development Goals
S. Res. 17 – US Support for UN Population Fund and Other Population Programs
S. Res. 18 – Support United Nations Strengthening and Renewal

Click here to view all the resolutions in their entirety. (.pdf)

Click to learn more about UNA-USA's advocacy efforts.

Efforts to involve America for Kashmir Settlement

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:13 GMT

From the Associated Press of Pakistan - July 1, 2009

The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) has said that it will encourage the US government to facilitate resolution of the Kashmir issue by engaging India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the resolution process. According to Kashmir Media Service, the resolution adopted at the UNA-USA national convention in New York recently, states that the convention resolves to “encourage the US government to call upon India and Pakistan to engage in negotiations with the Kashmiri people on the peaceful future of Kashmir.”

UNA-USA is a leading American center of policy research on the UN and global issues of peace, security, development and human rights. The Association is dedicated to mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the UN, strengthening the UN system, promoting constructive US leadership in that system and achieving the goals of the UN charter.

Hoping that the conflict in Kashmir will end with the recognition of the self-determination of Kashmiri people, the UNAUSA resolution has called upon the parties concerned to utilize all United Nations mechanisms available to them for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The resolution affirmed that every US president from Harry Truman to Barrack Obama have restated the need for this stalemate to be resolved as essential for peace in the South Asian subcontinent and the world. “The resolution of the dispute must take into account the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” the resolution states.

The resolution noted with appreciation that the US was the co-sponsor of UN Security Council Resolution 91 adopted on April 21, 1948 that gave the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. “Governments of India and Pakistan were parties to the resolutions of the UN Commission for India and Pakistan that were adopted in 1948 and 1949 which recognized the Kashmiri people’s right to self determination,” the resolution states.

The resolution recognizes that, freedom and self-determination are basic principals of both the UN charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Read the full article

At Long Last, the US Takes a Seat at the Human Rights Council

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:38:00 GMT

From the June 24th edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

The United States on Friday, June 19 became a full member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, having previously shunned the three-year-old body.

The world now waits to see what this change of course will mean for international dialogue on human rights.

Ambassador Susan Rice told the International Peace Institute Vienna Forum on June 15 that the US was committed to doing its part to strengthen the international human rights architecture.

“We will use that seat to push hard for balanced and credible action, to change the rules of the game, to scrutinize human rights records across the board, and to cast the spotlight on the world’s worst abusers,” she said, referring to the US membership on the council.

Chargé d’Affaires Mark C. Storella, temporary representative of the US to the United Nations Offices at Geneva, where the council is based, took a gentler tone when he delivered the first US statement as a full member of the council on June 19.

“The United States assumes its seat on the council with gratitude, humility and in the spirit of cooperation,” he said, calling for all states to work together to provide a fair and credible forum for the advancement of human rights issues.

He also spoke of the US’s legacy of slavery and called the promotion and protection of human rights “an enduring challenge.”

The council’s supporters in the US welcomed his words.

“Hopefully the days when the US representative gets into fisticuffs with the representative from Cuba are over,” said J. Kirk Boyd, a professor of law at the University of California, Berkeley, and the executive director of the 2048 Project, a group that advocates for international human rights laws. Boyd is also president of the Marin County, CA, chapter of UNA-USA.

But some fear that the council has shortcomings that the US will not be able to overcome. Brett Schaefer, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation who focuses on the UN, said that the council has “demonized” the government of Israel while ignoring abuses in China and making a weak response to the situation in Sudan. The council suffers from the same politicization as the Human Rights Commission it replaced, he said, and the US should not try to fix it from within.

“Its presence will probably change a vote here, a vote there,” Schaefer said, “but the challenges are too steep for any one nation to address. If you look at the composition of the council, a majority of the members are not free.”

Besides concerns that the council is overly influenced by international politics, its mandate reveals that Americans are not in consensus on what constitutes a truly fundamental human right.

When the UN General Assembly created the Human Rights Council in March 2006, it reaffirmed that “all human rights must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis.”

To that end, the council has designated independent experts, working groups and special rapporteurs to establish a global perspective on topics ranging from freedom of speech, the dumping of toxic wastes and judicial independence to the human rights implications of global climate change.

The council’s work to date has placed greater emphasis on such issue-based analyses rather than confronting egregious human rights records of individual states. But Schaefer said this was a weak approach.

“Civil and political rights are given the same weight as things that in my opinion don’t rise to the same level,” he said. He argues that while civil and political rights are the foundation of good government, such a government, once in place, would reflect the opinion of its citizens on topics like access to medicine, water and food. “Things that in my mind are more along the lines of entitlements.”

Boyd, at UC Berkeley, however, praised the council for looking seriously at how social and economic conditions constrain individuals’ rights. The next step is for the US to reclaim its legacy of promoting health and education, he said, because policies under President George W. Bush created a mistaken impression that the US was uncommitted to social and economic rights.

“That’s not our heritage, that’s not our population,” he said. “The US needs to reclaim its real image, instead of the miserly one portrayed by one administration.”

Elvira Dominguez-Redondo, a senior lecturer in law at Middlesex University in London and an adjunct lecturer at the Irish Center for Human Rights, said she thought it would be good for the council if the US encouraged a more aggressive focus by helping to pinpoint human rights abuses in specific countries, but only if all countries were subjected to the same level of scrutiny.

“It’s good, but it’s only good if some of the Western countries are under scrutiny sometimes as well,” she said.

Sarah Trefethen is a publications intern and a student at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.

UN Conference - Cyber Hate: Danger in Cyber Space

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:31:08 GMT

from the June 24 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

Bullies Move Online
By Mirva Lempiainen

Video highlights from the conference, June 16, 2009

When 13-year-old Ryan Halligan from Vermont killed himself in October 2003, his parents suspected it was because he had been bullied at school for years. But they were shocked to find out that Ryan’s classmates had also severely harassed him online, spreading rumors that he was gay through AOL’s instant messaging program.

“My son’s death was an early warning sign of what was back then a newly identified problem called cyberbullying,” said Ryan’s father, John Halligan, adding that since 2003 the problem “has grown to epidemic proportions, resulting in even more teen suicides around the world.”

Halligan was speaking at a conference at UN headquarters titled "Cyber Hate: Danger in Cyber Space," held on June 16. The all-day event, which addressed online bullying and harassment, was part of the United Nations' Department of Public Information’s Unlearning Intolerance series.

“The bully has jumped from the schoolyard to the cellphone and the computer screen,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his opening remarks.

Ban explained that the UN has gone to great lengths to help improve online safety by launching, for example, the Child Online Protection initiative and producing the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. The declaration fights against the abuse of communications technology “for acts motivated by racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, including child abuse and child pornography.”

Ban emphasized that everyone has a role in combating online hatred. “Together, let us make sure that cyberspace is safe for our children,” he said.

Besides cyberbullying directed at schoolchildren, the seminar touched upon hate Web sites that target groups based on their ethnicity or religion.

The speakers included Hemanshu Nigam, the chief security officer of the News Corporation and MySpace; AOL’s Director of Consumer Advocacy and Privacy Holly Hawkins; and Mark Weizman, the chief representative of the Simon Wiesenthal Center to the United Nations in New York.

Anne Cheung, associate professor from the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law, spoke about the Chinese phenomenon of “human flesh search engines” -- a type of cybermanhunt, where Internet users track down information about an individual and post it online.

“The human flesh search engine may be used as a form of malicious amusement,” she said, explaining that the posting of private information online has cost several people their jobs, the respect of their communities and even their lives.

For a synopsis of the cyberhate conference, please see the accompanying video.

Mirva Lempiainen is a publications intern and a student at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism.

Watch video of Ban Ki-moon's statement on cyberhate

Council of Organizations Event: The United States – United Nations Relationship

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:17:55 GMT

Monday June 29, 2009
3:00-4:00 PM
Location: Rayburn House Office Building Room 2200 - Washington, DC

Featuring: Will Davis, Director of the UN Information Center (Washington, DC)

The United Nations cannot succeed without the support of the United States. Conversely, the United Nations can serve as an important tool through which the United States can advance many of its foreign policy priorities.

From peacekeeping, to humanitarian relief, to human rights, the United Nations can help promote US interests, but it can only do so effectively with leadership, both political and financial, from its most powerful member state. Just as the UN must continue to reform in order to be transparent, accountable, and effective with the resources provided by its members, so to must UN members deliver on their commitments for the UN to do the jobs that the countries of the UN ask it to do. This two-way relationship is at the heart of the UN’s ability to deliver results.

The Director of the UN’s Office in Washington will discuss the current state of the US-UN relationship, and other issues where the work of the UN is making headlines.

Get all the event details here

View the entire UNA Event Calendar

Social Media, Women, Revolution and re-stocking the United Nations

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:10:12 GMT

Ellen Snortland, a member of UNA-USA's Pasedena chapter, reflects on how social media and educational programs such as Model UN can encourage students to become peaceful "word warriors" in the article "Stick it to the Patriarchs in Iran: Social Media, Women, Revolution and re-stocking the United Nations" (below), featured on the Huffington Post. The views and opinions expressed may not necessarily be those of UNA-USA.

"Open your eyes!" the Iranian man screams in grief and desperation. I think of the deep love his sorrow expresses. His daughter, Neda, dies instantly with her wailing father bent over her bloody face and limp body. I can almost smell the blood and heat of the moment. I can't get the image of the young woman's murder out of my head, and have cried each time I see the YouTube video. And I shouldn't let go of her. She died for me, you and all those who hold freedom and justice dear. Possibly merely watching, not even protesting, a police sharpshooter hit Neda's heart and all of ours too. Lest you or anyone else ever think that young people or females are insignificant to revolution or social progress, think again. (I believe we owe it to Iran and Neda's family to witness her sacrifice. It's graphic and real, shot on a camera phone. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/ltvyzm)

Twenty years ago, technology made it impossible for the Chinese patriarchs to hide the Tiananmen Square tragedy. Chinese youth had smartly used the newest technology at the time: faxes. Now, Neda's murder in Tehran is just as iconographic as the young man who squared off with the tank in Beijing, and is being shared with an even larger world via YouTube, camera phones, FaceBook, and Twitter. Just weeks ago those who scoffed at Twitter and "tweets" can't deny its power now. Twitter is being used to organize street protests in Tehran, along with coordinated attacks on government web sites in order to prevent the Iranian government from tracking the subversives. A former scoffer, as an act of defiance, I now promote Twitteracy. Get Twitterate. (Sign up for a Twitter account and "follow" the revolution in Iran. Go to Twitter.com and follow the directions.)

However, regardless of technological advances in communication, the most lowly of low-tech technologies is still desperately needed: talk. We need face to face talking, person to person, family to family, country to country and leader to leader.

This is especially a time to Think Globally, Act Locally. In my community of Southern California, on June 12, the very day of the Iranian "elections," Pasadena City College launched a Model United Nations (MUN) conference that included 3 local high schools from the Pasadena Unified School District. "Let these be the new leaders who bring us world peace and prosperity," I thought, as I observed the 135 Pasadena high school students simulate the work of the United Nations while they role-played as ambassadors. This could have been an MUN conference anywhere in the world. And indeed, the more MUNs there are, the more quickly teen leaders will get into the world where we need them.

One thing we can do to preserve Neda's memory is to encourage our students to be peaceful word warriors. Wanna stick it to the "man?" The old-fart patriarchs that kill in the name of theocracy? Whether you are a parent, educator, or self-declared global citizen, please join an on-going community, nationwide and international effort to make MUN (www.unausa.org/modelun) more accessible and available at schools everywhere. Take action now so that your local schools can join in the up-coming 2009-2010 conferences.The more schools that participate, the better the experience for everyone since all the schools split up their students into diplomatic teams for specific countries. We who care about global issues and the importance of the U.N. need to improve the U.N. by training leaders when they are young with an emphasis on girls being included.

Being at the conference as an adult observer and long-time United Nations Association member, I couldn't help but reflect on how the so-called "adult" U.N. must practice gender equity and emulate the MUN. The real U.N. is a stubborn bastion of male-only voices. The high schools in Pasadena had as many girls as boys: the nascent international "choir" includes as many altos and sopranos as basses and tenors. Ironically, Neda means "voice" in Farsi.

Neda could have been one of those college or high school girls I watched as the young women presented the arguments of whichever country their high school was representing in the mock position papers, negotiations and simulated debates. I saw their courage. Many of them came from homes where girls and women have traditionally been silenced, and even their educations were secondary to their brothers. It's hard to stand up, whether it's in front of a group of others or in protest against a tyrannical theocracy.

The MUN approach to education provides learning not available through books, classrooms or street demonstrations. The student learns by doing through adopting a country... let's say, Iran. She or he will become an expert so they can recreate the Iranian position within the U.N. system. They learn how to draft position papers and resolutions; they learn how to speak in front of large groups, and in effect "perform" the roles of ambassadors and experts on their adopted country. Hence, the more schools, the more countries, and the more "real" the MUN experience becomes. And hopefully, MUN can be utilized to propel more women into the halls of power because they "practiced" in high school. In large part, defeating Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be a huge defeat for toxic patriarchy.

"Open your eyes," he cried. Yes, indeed. He could have been saying that to all of us. Neda has been silenced forever. But in a larger context, open your eyes to the danger of the patriarchs of any fundamentalist religions: across the board, they are the ones that are most dangerous to women and girls, and thus, dangerous to democratic ideals for men and boys too. Open your eyes to how badly we need to support democratic, peaceful revolution that remembers and includes its women and girls.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Model UN program, Global Classrooms

Find Model UN conferences and resources

Click to visit the UNA-Pasadena homepage

A Meeting of the Minds: Tom Miller and Susan Rice

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:54:57 GMT

By John Washburn
From the June 24 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

United States Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice meets with UNA-USA President Tom Miller on June 17, 2009. UNA Photo.

June 24 - Tom Miller and Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the United Nations, met on June 17 to establish contact and discuss current issues. As foreign-affairs professionals, they quickly found people, places and experiences in common. They agreed on an approach to the United Nations that made listening, learning and participation compatible with US leadership and commitment to American national interests.

This, they said, would require not only making clear American expectations and goals, but also hard work to achieve them in the UN’s processes and organizations.

Miller and Rice’s discussion ranged over specific activities at the UN, such as the nature of US participation in the Human Rights Council and in the preparations for the Review Conference of the International Criminal Court, as well as particular opportunities for cooperation between UNA and the US mission.

Miller briefed Ambassador Rice on his plans for UNA and its activities. They identified education, policy and human rights as important UNA priorities in themselves as well as grounded in the association’s history. Ambassador Rice welcomed UNA’s support and collaborations on several issues, including UN reform and public outreach.

Both leaders concluded that the US mission and UNA were well suited to support each other in carrying out their mandates and agreed that the association’s members and chapters are special assets for this collaboration. They agreed on follow-up to the meeting, which UNA will lead.

John Washburn is convener of the American Nongovernmental Organizations Coalition on the International Criminal Court (AMICC), a program of UNA-USA.

Ban urges end to arrests, use of force amid post-election violence in Iran

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:21:09 GMT

from UN News Service

2 June 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged an immediate end to the arrests, threats and use of force taking place in Iran amid the post-election violence that has already claimed a number of lives.
Media reports say nearly 20 people have died in the unrest that has followed the 12 June presidential polls. Opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi has contested the results of the vote, which he says was fixed in favour of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Mr. Ban “is dismayed by the post-election violence, particularly the use of force against civilians, which has led to the loss of life and injuries,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

“He urges an immediate stop to the arrests, threats and use of force,” the statement added.

The Secretary-General called on the authorities to respect fundamental civil and political rights, especially the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of information.

He also called on the Government and the opposition to peacefully resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, and reiterated his hope that the democratic will of the people of Iran will be fully respected.

Last week, the United Nations human rights chief, Navi Pillay, voiced concern over reports of the use of excessive force and violence, as well as rising numbers of potentially extralegal arrests in the post-election period.

Read about UNA-Seattle's trip to Iran in May by clicking here.

UNA-USA National Advocacy Week is June 27 - July 3

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:16:58 GMT

All UNA-USA chapters and divisions, members, and affiliated organizations are invited to participate in National Advocacy Week by visiting the local offices of your members of Congress during the Independence Day recess from June 27-July 3.

Visiting with your legislators and their staff is the most effective way to get your message heard. By joining your fellow UNA-USA activists around the country during National Advocacy Week, you can make a tangible impression on your elected representatives of the strong public support that exists for working through the United Nations.

WHY NOW?

Congress is in the midst of making key decisions concerning US financial participation in the United Nations, the most fundamental and important manifestation of American support of the world body.

In addition, the UNA-USA Biennial National Convention adopted 18 substantive issues resolutions on June 14, 2009, covering a broad range of UN topics. Chapters and affiliated organizations participating in National Advocacy Week can make an essential and valuable contribution to this Association-wide grassroots exercise by personally delivering the resolutions to members of Congress.

Lastly, the political situation for US ratification of two important and long-delayed UN treaties is the best that it's ever been, but additional momentum is needed for a vote to be scheduled on the Senate's busy calendar.

Get started now by visiting www.unausa.org/advocacyweek.

Documentary - The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:25:00 GMT

To request a DVD, visit the POV website at www.pov.org/tunein/2009/reckoning/.

More information, is available at www.thereckoningfilm.com.

Click here to learn more about the American NGO Coalition for the ICC - AMICC.

World Refugee Day 2009

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:31:00 GMT

This year, with the world economic crisis threatening to slash aid budgets and amid enormous global uncertainty, the UN's refugee agency is working to ensure refugees are not forgotten. That's why the theme for this year's World Refugee Day on June 20 is "Real People, Real Needs." For the 42 million uprooted people around the world, a shortage or lack of the essentials of life - clean water, food, sanitation, shelter, health care and protection from violence and abuse - means that every day can be a struggle just to survive.

To commemorate this year's World Refugee Day, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and recipient of UNA-USA's 2005 Humanitarian Action Award Angelina Jolie released the new 30-second public service announcement below, which includes images and video from refugees and other victims of conflict around the world.

UNHCR's Official World Refugee Day website
World Refugee Day 2009 Photo Gallery

Iran: observations from a journey to the heart of Persia

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:34:00 GMT

As part of a good will effort to promote better understanding between peoples, the Seattle Metropolitan Chapter of UNA sponsored an educational tour to Iran between May 2 and 17, 2009. The tour was an outgrowth of the assistance that the Seattle chapter provided Mr. Rick Steves, the well-known host of a U.S. public television international travel series. The chapter helped to facilitate his visit to Iran in 2008, which resulted in a one-hour program on public television broadcast throughout the U.S. in January 2009 and now available on DVD.

Contacts have been established with the Iran chapter of UNA in Tehran and a highlight of the tour was the ability of UNA members of both countries to meet and learn more about each other’s activities, thereby advancing the goals of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA).

Below is a column from the Seattle Times written by James Maynard, president of the Seattle Metropolitan chapter. The views and opinions expressed may not necessarily be those of UNA-USA.

TEHRAN — All along the well-lit divided highway leading from the modern Tehran International Airport into the city, advertising from large Asian and European companies suggest the trade embargo is a farce.
That was just the first sign that my preconceived ideas that Iran is a backward country were misplaced. I recently was co-leader of a group of 25 Americans on an education tour sponsored by the United Nations Association of Seattle.
Tehran is a modern, clean, high-rise city. Several million locally produced and polluting cars attest to upward mobility of citizens. In a 900-kilometer trip over modern, six-lane highways linking Shiraz and Isfahan with Tehran, we encountered ordinary citizens, professors and ayatollahs, all of whom advanced our perceptions about this nation that has sprung into the international news with its controversial and widely questioned election over the weekend.
Iran is a rapidly modernizing country, 70 percent of its population residing in urban areas. Universities graduate thousands of citizens each year, more than 50 percent of whom are women. Increased higher education is a governmental policy, which favors inevitable liberalization.
Although Iran is a theocracy, there are democratic inputs at several levels. The Iranian parliament, "Majlis," has 290 popularly elected representatives. The 86 members of the Assembly of Experts also are popularly elected and vote to choose the Supreme Leader, who is currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is several ranks below the top of the governance structure and wields little power over foreign policy.
This is not to endorse this government, nor condone its harsh treatment of some of its citizens. It is not a system we would choose.
Iran is, however, definitely more democratic than Saudi Arabia and the governmental structure is not monolithic. The current opposition to the postelection crackdown among prominent clerics is testimony to this.
The average citizen, particularly in rural areas, is better off since the 1979 revolution. Rural villages have been electrified, have water and are linked with urban centers by highways. Much of this has happened under populist Ahmadinejad, which is why he is so popular in the countryside and has received strong electoral support there.
Iranian citizens are hospitable in the extreme. Smiling groups and individuals engaged us in lively conversation everywhere we went and welcomed us as Americans. We saw very little evidence of poverty and no begging.
Iranians are proud of their Persian heritage. They love Americans but are wary of Western intentions, remembering well U.S. and British complicity in the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq in 1953. This pride is also why the import of Arab mercenaries who kill citizens in order to quell postelection demonstrations will yield a legacy of strong resentment.
Iranians also insist on their right to process uranium for peaceful purposes. One art student in Tehran told me: "I hate President Ahmadinejad. But no one can tell us we can't mine and process our own uranium."
The interface between religion and secular society is complex. We encountered an ayatollah from the University of Tehran, with a Ph.D. in psychology, who is involved in teaching and family counseling. Another cleric, with a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Manchester, is engaged in ecumenical dialogue with British counterparts.
Some religious tolerance does exist. We visited a synagogue in Isfahan, which is home to about 2,000 of the 30,000 Jews living in Iran. Unfortunately, the Bahais are not free to worship and have been driven underground.
We came away convinced our current politics of confrontation is wrong.
The country is too advanced and economically intertwined with Europe and Asia. It will not bow to Western dictates that it perceives as unfair. The current electoral volatility will not change these facts or our recent perceptions. When civil order returns, Iran will still be a country the U.S. needs as an ally.
Our foreign policy should reflect these realities.
James Maynard is president of the United Nations Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chapter.

Click to visit the UNA-Seattle homepage

Learn more about UNA-USA's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Initiative

Read a previous post from UNA's Policy department on US-Iranian Engagement

How Travel Furthers Global Peace and Understanding - A presentation by Rick Steves

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:19:00 GMT

Tonight in Los Angeles, UNA-Southern California brings famous travel author and public TV personality Rick Steves to the National Center For the Preservation of Democracy to present “How Travel Furthers Global Peace and Understanding."

Rick Steves -author of 30 European travel guidebooks and host of the PBS-TV series, Rick Steves' Europe- believes that thoughtful travel expands our world view and shapes how we address the challenges confronting our nation politically. Having spent four months a year overseas for the last 25 years, Rick feels that travel helps us “challenge truths we were raised to think were self-evident and God-given.” His classes have helped millions of Americans not only enjoy maximum travel thrills per mile, minute and euro…but become better citizens of our planet. Rick shares how the other 96 percent of humanity sees our nation and explores how his social activism has grown naturally out of his travel experiences. He’s fresh back from lots of travels (including a TV production trip to Iran) and will be on hand after his talk for questions and autographs.

Location:

National Center For the Preservation of Democracy
111 N. Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA

Fees:

$10: UNA Members
$15: Non-members

Contact:

rsvp@una-socal.org

Click to view more events on the UNA-USA events calendar.

More information available on the UNA-SoCal website.

Ban Urges Iran to Respect People's Will

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:34:00 GMT

from Voice of America news

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging Iran's leaders to respect the will of their people as they investigate allegations of fraud in Friday's presidential election.

Mr. Ban was speaking Monday at the United Nations in New York. It was his first public comment on the disputed outcome of the election, which gave a landslide victory to the conservative incumbent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Read the full article here

2009 International UN Peacekeepers Day

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:05:00 GMT

May 29th was International Peackeepers Day, watch the slideshow below for audio and visuals from ceremonies held at UNHQ.

Read 'Women Peacekeepers, Providing a Voice in Conflict Zones'

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Visits St. Louis

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:07:15 GMT

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is headed for the American heartland.

Mr. Ban has traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to present "Solving the World's Food and Security Problems" at Saint Louis University's Boeing Distinguished Guest Lecture in International Business. The event is sponsored by the Boeing Institute of International Business at SLU's John Cook School of Business in partnership with the United Nations Association of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Business Journal.

While in St. Louis, Mr. Ban will also meet with representatives and experts in the agricultural and commerce sector. He will invite them to share their views on how the UN can play a role in biotechnology, including its beneficial application to life science research.

Mr. Ban will also visit the Boeing Company, the world's leading aerospace company and manufacturer of commercial jets and military aircraft where he will discuss global warming, the environment and energy-friendly corporate culture and business responsibilities.

The trip is the latest stop on the Secretary-General's outreach programme to the American public.

Read the full article from the UN News Center

UNA-USA National Convention Opens Today

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:56:55 GMT

UNA-USA’s 2009 Biennial National Convention opens today at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. Speakers will include Kemal Davis, former administrator of the United Nations Development Program, who will discuss the economic crisis and its impact on poverty and the MDGs; Esther Brimmer, assistant secretary of state for International Organization Affairs, who will speak on the US-UN relationship; and Kathy Calvin, Gillian Sorensen, and Peter Yeo, of the United Nations Foundation and Better World Campaign, who will speak on "UNA-USA's Partners in Engaging the American Public."

Learn more about the convention

General Assembly Elects a New President; UNA Exclusive Interview

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:22:00 GMT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets June 3 with Ali Treki, minister of the African Union Affairs of Libya and the incoming president of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly. UN Photo/Mark Garten

Yesterday, the UN General Assembly elected Ali Abdussalam Treki, a three-time permanent representative of Libya to the United Nations and former Foreign Minister, as president of its sixty-fourth session. The president-elect will take up his post on September 15.

In an exclusive interview with UNA-USA's editor Barbara Crossette before the General Assembly vote, the Libyan diplomat discussed his expectations for the 2009-2010 session and confirmed that Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi will visit New York for the first time to mark the opening of the General Assembly session.

Read the full interview from the June 10 UNA-USA World Bulletin

Annan’s Days of Turmoil, Revealed in an Aide’s Book

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:38:00 GMT

By Barbara Crossette
from the May 27, 2009 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

May 27 -- Kofi Annan, under attack in the United States in 2003 for his opposition to the American invasion of Iraq, suffered debilitating physical and mental distress, one of his closest colleagues has revealed in a new book. The pressure on the former secretary-general continued through investigations in 2005-2006 into unproved allegations that he and the UN were guilty of corruption in the Iraqi “oil for food” program a decade earlier.

Frederic Eckhard, the author of the book, “Kofi Annan,” was the former secretary-general’s spokesman in New York and had worked with him earlier in the UN’s peacekeeping department and in missions abroad. In his book, Eckhard sees the corruption allegations, fanned by neoconservatives in Washington and compliant media organizations, as revenge for Annan’s outspoken criticism of the American-led war, which the former secretary-general called “illegal” and damaging to the UN Charter.

A series of investigative reports into the oil-for-food allegations by Paul Volcker, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, largely cleared Annan, except for some criticisms of his management of the organization, which administered the Security Council program that allowed Iraq, under sanctions after its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, to sell oil to buy consumer goods.

The Volker commission found that the corruption was almost entirely outside the UN system. More than 2,000 private and state-owned companies, among them Australian, European and American businesses, all beyond the secretary-general’s control, were circumventing Security Council rules to make corrupt deals with the government of Saddam Hussein in return for contracts.

Leading nations on the council had long turned a blind eye on illegal trading with Iraq, which became apparent soon after the oil-for-food program went into effect in 1996. The pervasive bribery was reported by The New York Times in 2001. But it was not until after the fallout over Iraq that Republicans in Washington took up the issue to attack the UN and fed the media stories that held Annan responsible. There were calls for his resignation.

In a news conference in Geneva on May 14, 2009, when Eckhard’s book on Kofi Annan was released in French – an English edition will follow in the US by early next year – Eckhard, an American who now lives in France, detailed for reporters the sequence of events that caused Annan’s staff to worry about his health and whether he was heading into clinical depression, as some reporters in New York were beginning to speculate.

Eckhard said that the US-led Iraq invasion, followed in August 2003 by the death in a bombing of UN headquarters in Baghdad of the UN’s top envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello, caused Annan to lose his voice, appear nervous or inattentive at meetings and to seek medical help.

“I was worried, and I think those closest to him were worried,” Eckhard said. “During meetings he appeared absent, as if his spirit was somewhere else.”

Eckhard said that Annan, a Ghanaian educated at Macalester College in Minnesota and at the Massachusettes Institute of Technology who had come up through UN ranks, and his wife, Nane, a Swedish lawyer, did not have the thick skin of politicians.

“So when they were attacked, it hurt,” Eckhard said. Annan, whose two terms as secretary-general ended in December 2006, now lives in Geneva, where he runs a private foundation and is active in The Elders, a group of world figures dedicated to mediating political conflicts, especially in Africa.

Eckhard, who is also retired from the UN, lectures for several months every year at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, on the post-cold-war UN. He also teaches Chinese journalism students about the role of a UN spokesman.

In an exchange of emails on his reason for writing the book, Eckhard said: “I am an angry man. Angry that my boss, Kofi Annan, was retiring under a cloud – a cloud created by the hypocrisy and political deceit of others.”

Barbara Crossette is the United Nations correspondent for The Nation and former New York Times UN bureau chief. Crossette is quoted in Frederic Eckhard’s book but not on Kofi Annan’s health.

Subscribe to the bi-weekly UNA-USA World Bulletin by clicking here.

"Remnants of War" - Documentary to be screened at Human Rights Watch Film Festival

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:01:00 GMT

When the war ends, the work to save the land begins.

In the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, one million cluster bomb munitions rained down upon the fields and orchards of south Lebanon. An estimated 35 percent failed to detonate. One year later, teams of locally recruited and trained deminers race to clear the land before more civilians are injured or killed.

Remnants of a War takes an intimate look into the lives of these brave women and men. They work shoulder to shoulder to make their land safe again, while their country endures the worst political and economic crisis in 15 years. Remnants of a War is both a primer on the cluster munition problem and a portrait of a people struggling to make a decent living and return the land to their fellow Lebanese.

Presented in association with Alwan for the Arts, www.alwanforthearts.org and UNA-USA.

Show Times:
Wednesday June 17, 6:30pm | filmmaker present
Thursday June 18, 9:00pm | filmmaker present
Thursday June 25, 4:00pm | filmmaker present

For more information: http://www.hrw.org/en/iff/remnants-war

To order tickets online please visit: https://tickets.filmlinc.com/php/calendar.php?

Today is World Oceans Day - Act Now for Law of the Sea Treaty

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:40:00 GMT

To mark this year's inaugural World Oceans Day, UNA-USA is participating in a national day of action on June 8th to get the United States to join the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Law of the Sea Treaty provides a comprehensive and widely-accepted legal framework regulating all uses of the world's oceans, including the cooperative and sustainable management and conservation of living resources. The treaty requires states parties to protect and preserve the marine environment, and to prevent, reduce, and control maritime pollution. The treaty also safeguards the right to conduct scientific research. In addition, joining the treaty would provide important commercial, navigational, and national security benefits.

A total of 158 countries have joined the Law of the Sea Treaty. Although the United States played a key role in drafting the treaty, is a leading maritime power, has one of the world's longest coastlines and some of the most resource-rich waters, we remain outside the world's pre-eminent legal regime for the oceans. That the treaty has enjoyed strong bipartisan support from an unprecedented array of actors and interests makes ratification long past due, but also very achievable.

The Law of the Sea Treaty enjoys strong support in the Senate and from the Obama Administration, which has said that US accession to the treaty will be one of its priorities. However, a small group of Senators has blocked action on the treaty, which bodes ill for efforts to ratify any multilateral treaties. For, if a treaty with such widespread support can be held up by a tiny minority, what are the chances of the US ratifying any major international treaty?

In commemoration of this inaugural World Oceans Day, help break through the deadlock on the Law of the Sea Treaty by calling on President Obama to push for a Senate vote on the treaty without further delay.

ICC Prosecutor Addresses the Security Council

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:56:49 GMT

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno-Ocampo will brief the Security Council of the United Nations today about the Court's investigation in Darfur, Sudan for the ninth time. The briefing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. New York time. The prosecutor will later speak to members of the media at the UN Stakeout Point.

The briefing is in response to the Security Council's request in Resolution 1593 that the ICC Prosecutor report to the Security Council every six months on the actions taken by the Office of the Prosecutor following the Security Council's referral of the situation in Darfur to the ICC.

View the live webcast
Read the full text of Resolution 1593 (.pdf)

Letters to the Editor: A day to focus on environment

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:07:00 GMT

from The Gazette, Colorado Springs

World Environment Day, held on June 5 each year, was established in 1972 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. Its purpose is to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and to encourage political action.

The U.N. has a long history of environmental activism. It has served as the forum for the negotiation of more than 1,000 international environmental treaties. The subjects addressed have included trade in endangered species, depletion of the ozone layer, hazardous waste management, biological diversity, sustainable development and many others.

The many successes have been marred by one conspicuous failure, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. The United States has dragged its feet on this issue, complaining that the treaty imposes restraints on industrialized countries but does not apply to the developing nations. There is an element of hypocrisy to this objection, since inclusion of the developing nations would preclude them from achieving prosperity the same way we did, by burning prodigious quantities of fossil fuels without concern for the consequences.

But now Mother Nature is making the argument for us, because the effects of global warming are becoming too obvious to ignore. Consider the Maldives, a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean whose very existence is threatened by rising sea levels. The president of that nation has begun looking into the possibility of purchasing land in another country to relocate the entire population of 300,000. That's how seriously he takes global warming.

Samuel Johnson once noted that nothing so wonderfully concentrates the mind as the knowledge that you will soon be hanged. Let's hope this aphorism applies to the nations of the world that will meet next December in Copenhagen to negotiate the successor to the Kyoto treaty. Everyone must understand that our present course is unsustainable.

Above all, this should not be a partisan issue. After all, conservatives as well as liberals have kids and grandkids to whom they would like to bequeath the benefits of a clean and healthful environment.

James J. Amato,
Advocacy Chair, UNA-Pikes Peak Chapter

First Darfur suspect, rebel Abu Garda, arrives at ICC

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:17:00 GMT

On May 17, 2009 Zaghawa rebel leader Bahr Idriss Abu Garda arrived at the International Criminal Court in The Hague in response to a sealed summons to appear issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I on May 7. Abu Garda appeared voluntarily and has stated that he is not guilty. The Court scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for October 12. ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo presented evidence to Pre-Trial Chamber I on November 20, 2008 charging rebel commanders in Darfur for crimes against African Union peacekeepers. The names of two other suspects have not been disclosed. According to the Prosecutor, 12 peacekeepers were killed and 8 injured in a rebel attack on the Haskanita camp in September 2007.

AMICC fact sheet on the Case of the Prosecutor v. Bahr Idriss Abu Garda at the ICC

ACTION ALERT UPDATE: Senate Approves UN Peacekeeping Funds!

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:59:46 GMT

In early May, we asked you to contact your Senators in support of President Obama's proposal to restore America's global standing by funding our current and overdue share of UN peacekeeping costs. The Senate was about to vote on a supplemental spending bill, including a White House request for $837 million for UN peacekeeping that had already passed the House.

Last week, the Senate approved this critical funding, providing $721 million for UN peacekeeping, along with transfer authority for an additional $156 million, should it be needed for a potential new UN operation in Somalia.

Thanks to your phone calls and e-mails, this funding is soon expected to receive final approval in Congress and will enable the United States to pay its full share of UN peacekeeping missions that help restore stability and protect civilians in conflict zones around the world.

Meeting our financial obligations to the United Nations, the most basic obligation of UN membership, will demonstrate America's sincere interest in working with other nations to find common solutions to the world's most vexing problems. Thanks for helping to make it happen!

A Day to Honor UN Peacekeepers

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:39:00 GMT

Seven years ago, the United Nations established May 29 as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to honor the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission in 1948. The commemorative day has brought all member nations together in paying tribute to the men and women that gave their lives to the cause of world peace.

Today, the United Nations is highlighting the work of the more than 113,000 peacekeepers from 117 countries that serve in 18 UN missions, and mourning the loss of 132 fallen peacekeepers who died last year, with a wreath-laying ceremony and the posthumous awarding of Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to fallen peacekeepers. The focus of the commemoration is the growing role of women in peacekeeping missions, with a discussion of India's 2007 deployment of a 125-member, all-female police contingent to Liberia and a short film, Women in Peacekeeping: The Power to Empower.

Events are also being organized locally around the country. In Independence, Missouri, the UNA-USA Greater Kansas City Chapter is co-sponsoring an event featuring six US and foreign military officers who served as, or alongside, U.N. peacekeepers. The program will be followed by a short wreath-laying ceremony at the UN Peace Plaza and Fountain, the only memorial to UN peacekeepers that have died in the line of duty other than at UN headquarters in NY. Owned by the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City, the plaza and fountain was also constructed to commemorate the UN's 50th anniversary. More information and events on the UNA-USA Calendar.

Talking Points on UN Peacekeeping
Website - Honoring 60 Years of UN Peacekeeping
Facts and Figures
UN Department of Peacekeeping Home Page

2008 UN Peace Operations Year in Review (.pdf)
Maps Showing UN Deployments
Selected Reports on UN Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping Photo Gallery

US-Iranian Engagement: Toward a Grand Agenda?

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:35:00 GMT

Working with the United States Institute for Peace, UNA-USA's Advocacy and Policy Research Assistant Eriks Berzins has produced a working paper on the topic of US-Iranian engagement.

On February 23, 2009, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), together with the United Nations Association-USA and the Rockefellers Brothers Fund, organized a roundtable discussion among top Middle East experts and former United States Government officials. Held at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, the meeting focused on prospects for creating a diplomatic framework through which the United States and Iran might forge and sustain a strategic engagement initiative. This Working Paper highlights the main contours of this debate, while pointing to diplomatic strategies and steps that the Obama administration might take to overcome obstacles obstructing US-Iranian rapprochement.

Click here to read the paper in its entirety

Read a letter from Mr. Berzins to the editor of the Washington Times regarding engagement with Iran

AARP President Jennie Chin Discusses the UN's International Year of Older Persons

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:27:00 GMT

In a continuing series of interviews via Global Connection Television, UNA-USA Board Member Bill Miller interviews Jennie Chin Hansen, AARP President. Highlights include the working relationship between the United Nations and AARP, the various programs that the two organizations sponsor to help elderly people in the US and worldwide, and the special international programs affecting older persons, such as the International Year of Older Persons.

Watch more videos from Global Connections Television here

UNA-USA on

UNA-USA Board honors former Secretary General Annan with bust

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:37:00 GMT

How do you honor an alumnus who's won the Nobel Peace Prize? For Kofi Annan, Macalester chooses a tasteful bronze bust.

By Doug Belden
Pioneer Press

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan returned to his alma mater Wednesday for the unveiling of a bust in his honor at Macalester College in St. Paul.

Before a small crowd at a noon ceremony at the Institute for Global Citizenship, Annan said he was pleased with the recognition and praised the mission of the college's institute, where the statue will be housed.

"Today, we all live in one global village," Annan said. "No one ... can afford to think in purely local terms."

Before the ceremony began, Annan chatted with guests including former Vice President Walter Mondale and his wife, Joan. Also present were Bruce and Ruth Stricker Dayton, major donors to the new $7.5 million building. Sculptor Elizabeth Jones, who created the life-size bronze bust, attended as well.

"It's always great to be back here at Mac," Annan told the crowd.

The bust is a gift to Macalester from the board of the United Nations Association of the USA.

Read the full article from the Pioneer Press, and view a photo slideshow

Audio, video, photos, and news links from the event at Macalester College

Hot Off The Press: “A GLOBAL AGENDA: Issues Before the United Nations.”

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:34:00 GMT

Many of you are already familiar with the series, which was last published in 2006. “A Global Agenda” is an essential academic and policy guide for diplomats, academics and students seeking in-depth information about the issues facing the UN. The topics in this new edition tackle climate change, international security, peacekeeping efforts, humanitarian assistance and development aid, human rights, international justice and UN reform.

The authors of “A Global Agenda” read like a who’s who of policy experts, academics and journalists: Jayantha Dhanapala writes about the nuances of disarmament; Alistair Millar and Eric Rosand describe UN efforts to combat terrorism; and Irwin Arieff details the workings of the International Criminal Court. Thomas R. Pickering is interviewed on strategies in Afghanistan; and James Cockayne dissects the UN’s role during the recent wars in Iraq. Roger A. Coate takes on protecting the environment; while Mark Turner examines UN peacekeeping roles.

In a plea for the UN to remake itself, the eloquent Sir Brian Urquhart writes in his preface that “No one, however, should underestimate the difficulty of streamlining a representative body of 192 sovereign states, working in six languages on a vast range of subjects, many of them controversial.”

Published by UNA-USA in collaboration with Kyung Hee University in Seoul, “A Global Agenda” is also rich with expertise from its advisory board. Leading that group was Barbara Crossette, a former foreign correspondent and UN bureau chief for The New York Times, and the UN historian and commentator Stephen Schlesinger. William H. Luers, who served as president of UNA-USA for 11 years, provided overall direction and arranged the collaboration with Kyung Hee. Dulcie Leimbach, UNA-USA’s publications director, was the editor.

“A Global Agenda” retails for $26 (shipping included) and is now available through UNA-USA by calling (866) 335-4001 or by ordering it through the Web site at unausa.org/store.

For more information on excerpting the book, arranging an interview with “A Global Agenda” authors or a book signing, please contact Dulcie Leimbach, Publications Director, UNA-USA; 212-907-1390; dleimbach@unausa.org.

Order your copy of A Global Agenda today

Click here for more UNA-USA publications

A Decade of Service Draws to a Close

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:11:00 GMT

from the UNA-USA World Bulletin, May 13, 2009 Edition
By Barbara Crossette

In the decade that William H. Luers was president and CEO of the United Nations Association of the United States – from the second term of Bill Clinton’s presidency, through the administration of George W. Bush to the arrival of the Obama team -- relations between Washington and the UN passed through tumultuous years. The euphoria at the end of the cold war had dissipated and new tensions arose. The invasion of Iraq fractured relations between the US and the UN leadership. The investigation into corruption around the “oil for food” program to aid Iraqis living under sanctions gave ammunition to the UN’s enemies, even though most of the wrongdoing occurred outside the organization’s control.

Americans, normally supportive of the UN, watched with concern as their government retreated into a “go it alone” mentality. At the same time, Luers – who had been a career diplomat and State Department official and then president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York – saw changes in American society and the media that led him to introduce new forms of outreach for UNA, in the Global Classrooms project, in publications and on the Internet. In an interview with Barbara Crossette before stepping down on May 11, Luers talks about the era he has witnessed and the continuing challenges ahead for both UNA-USA and the UN itself.

With Barack Obama, are hopes still high?

The assumption that I had was that there would be immediate commitment on the part of the Obama administration to a multilateral approach to issues, and that the UN would be a key part of that new approach. I underestimated at the time, as did everybody else, the fact that there are a number of issues that confuse that rather simplistic vision. The economic-financial crisis has clouded everything. And the Pakistan-Afghanistan, Iraq, Middle East set of issues has focused attention on regional political and military strategies. I don’t think the Obama administration has come yet to the position of the role that the UN can play in that region, but my suspicion is that the closer they get to deciding on a strategy, the more they will identify ways in which the UN can play a role. The other issues he’s taken up, on his trip to Latin America, his thinking about Europe, don’t lend themselves much to a UN strategy.

The circumstances haven’t lent themselves to an energetic “Here we are!” When he [Obama] was in New York two years ago, early on in his campaign, I heard that somebody asked him, ‘What would you do to demonstrate how your policies are different from George W. Bush,’ and he said: ‘I would walk down to 42nd Street and First Avenue, I’d walk up to that building, I’d go to the 38th floor and I’d reach out my hand to the secretary-general and say, the United States is back in business.’ This seemed to be a symbol of what he thought he would do. But he didn’t do it quite that way.

On what issues can the UN come to the fore?

Without a lot of flair, the Obama administration is showing significant shifts in how they deal with some of the key global issues. I have been impressed by the commitment to a global approach to climate change and to the NPT [the nuclear nonproliferation treaty]. The administration seems fully committed to make the NPT review conference next year a serious renewal of the non-proliferation treaty. My own sense is that they are gathering some steam on issues that are important, that could only be dealt with through UN agencies.

Can the Obama team work with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?

By and large, Ban gets it right: that the UN should be dealing with the big issues. Most nations spend their time thinking that regional issues, and their borders, are the major concerns to the world and everybody should spend more time on their national questions. The UN has to say, ‘We know what the global threats are to civilization.’ You’ve got to look over the horizon, and think about the climate change issues and pandemics and the big threats to human life on this earth. Increasingly the role of the UN should be to expand the vision of the leaders of member states to look at the major threats to the globe. Peacekeeping will be there, the refugees will be there, the human rights problems will be there, but Ban is beginning to be clear that his role should be trying to get people together to address those global issues. He’s doing well at that. The next part of his administration comes at a time when the US will probably support that agenda, and that’s the good news.

What have you learned about the UN during these years?

Even though it is becoming more prominent as global issues have become more prominent – I mean specifically climate change, pandemics and global health problems, the nonproliferation treaty, the whole range of Millennium Development Goals, women’s rights – it seems that the world is less conscious of the UN. It’s a paradox that I don’t understand. As the UN role has expanded, the image of its role has diminished, almost in direct proportion – and I can’t explain it.

The [UN] department of public information and the strategy they have to get their word out has also become disproportionately low [in relation] to the need. As the media is becoming ever more speedy, and given the range of issues that the United Nations covers and is informed about, there seems to be a disconnect between how the UN registers its connection to the world or their understanding of different problems, and how they communicate them. The UN should be the central source of information for the world because the UN has a more comprehensive view; the UN has the most interesting data. It should be able to make that available in ways that would make them the basic source of much of what the world needs to know.

On the new media, most people who are involved with the UN are behind the curve, including us. Everybody should be doing much more to figure out how to get UN issues, UN people, the UN role more present in new social media. The UN is still working on Web sites, and the new UN Web site is good. Web sites are important for those who want to go to them. But when you want to get into the middle of people’s heads, you’ve got to be more aggressive from the standpoint of media.

What would be your parting message to UNA?

The dilemma with UNA is getting more and more severe. Most Americans have lost that energy of ‘Let’s support the United Nations!’ Most Americans, to the extent that they know about the UN, know about it through some program or emphasis. They’re either into human rights, or they’re concerned about children, or women, or refugees. So Americans tend to be less committed to community efforts or generalized efforts, whether it’s the local community or the global community, and more issue-committed. They give their money, their time, their dedication to something they can get their hands on. The problem with UNA is that it is supportive of this enormous, ubiquitous and, frankly, quite mixed and opaque organization – the UN.

UNA needs to champion certain key elements of what the UN does and maybe even have specific programs related to some that will get Americans engaged, and make them say, ‘Hey, I didn’t know the UN was the major center for refugees; I didn’t know that WHO had anything to do with the United Nations and if we’re going to manage pandemics, WHO has to do it.’ The dilemma for UNA and organizations like UNA is not to dissipate energies on the generalized issue of the UN [but] to reach a new generation of Americans who think about issues and programs. Young people today care more about issues than about institutions.

Global Classrooms became a great vehicle. We went into 11 American cities, and in some of them the UNA chapters really got behind what we were doing. The UNA chapters that joined in this effort realized that they were getting into the fabric of the community through education. Health and education are the number one and number two issues in every community. Global Classrooms becomes an inspiring experience in what the UN is all about not only for the kids, but for the teachers, for the departments of education, for the parents – and it’s community related. It’s not about having meetings to talk about the problems in Sri Lanka or Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s about having people actually involved in activities that are, by the way, instructing Americans on the wisdom of the UN process, and universality, and talking to your enemies, and having peaceful solutions to problems.

Barbara Crossette is the United Nations correspondent for The Nation and former New York Times UN bureau chief.

Click here for back issues of the UNA-USA World Bulletin

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Addresses 2,300 students - Full Text

Tue, 19 May 2009 17:55:00 GMT

Remarks to the UNA-USA Model UN Conference
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
May 14, 2009
UN General Assembly Hall

Hi, everyone!

As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I want to give a shout-out to the Secretary-General of this UNA-USA conference.

Madame Secretary-General [Amy Jensen], I understand you are missing your graduation to join us today. Are your parents here?

Well, I hope they don't mind that instead of graduation speeches they have to listen to me. But maybe it is a good sign – maybe someday you will become the United Nations Secretary-General.

That possibility exists for everyone in this room. I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to this Organization.

Amb. Miller, President of UNA-USA,

Dear Students,

Thank you for coming to UN Headquarters today. I know some of you traveled very far to be here.

When I was your age, I had never left Korea. My parents did not have the money to send me overseas. But then I heard about an opportunity to visit the USA sponsored by the American National Red Cross. The American Red Cross sponsored my trip and that of about a hundred other foreign students. We were divided into several groups and traveled many different cities for a month. I loved meeting people from different countries. I realized then that I wanted to be a diplomat. That's how it all started for me. The lesson I continue to draw from my experience is this: you can go far if you have a big dream and you work hard to achieve it.

Friends,

Every generation has its own challenges.

War, disease and poverty have always been with us.

But your generation has a special opportunity. You live at a potentially transformational moment in world history.

Today's problems are global. More than ever, countries are realizing they must work together in response.

Think of each nation as a boat. It used to be that some boats faced big waves while others coasted on still waters. A war in one country might not have any effect on another. Hunger in one region would have little to do with hurricanes in another part of the world.

Today, those separate little vessels are a thing of the past. We are all together in the same boat. Conflict in one country can spark terrorism thousands of miles away. Hunger and hurricanes are both affected by global warming. And as we saw recently, a cough in one village can spark fear of a flu pandemic across the planet.

This is our globalized world, and you are all global citizens.

But it is not enough to realize that countries have to join forces in the face of global threats. We need to do even more than that. We need to address all of these threats at once.

Because they are not separate, either. They cannot be placed in neat, isolated categories. Poverty and hunger are affected by climate change. Climate change is closely tied to energy security. Energy is central to the economy. Economic prosperity is crucial for political stability. All these challenges are closely linked.

If countries get together to address one problem without considering the impact of their actions on the bigger picture, they might actually make matters worse. For example, if they try to spur economic recovery with stimulus packages that do not respect the environment, that will only cost more in the long run.

That is why leaders must carefully consider the global implications of their decisions. If we calibrate actions based on the big picture, then we can get good results. We can stimulate the economy through green growth that protects the environment. We can eliminate weapons that make us less secure, and free up money to end poverty. We can empower women so that all of society benefits. And we can start making these changes right now.

The place to do this is here, at the United Nations. That is why I am so happy you are spending your time and energy learning about this Organization and training yourselves to be leaders on the international scene.

When you debate the complex and important issues on your agenda, I encourage you to think not only about how they affect each country, but how they interact with each other. That way, you can come up with smart solutions that have the potential to put the world on course toward lasting peace and prosperity.

Friends,

I started out by saying that any of you could become Secretary-General someday. I meant it. I strongly hope you consider a career in public service.

But no matter what field you choose, you can have an impact. We need all kinds of partners – from presidents and movie stars to religious leaders and grassroots groups.

This meeting today can be the beginning.

Indeed, there is proof that what you do today through the UNA-USA can lead to greater things.

Not long ago, a student named Ibrahim Diallo participated in the Global Classrooms Conference right here in this room. He went on to found the African Development Coalition, which is dedicated to human rights on the continent. He even won an award for his activism. The presenter said, “While we thought Ibrahim was our student, he has in fact been our teacher.”

I am sure each of you, with your dynamism and dedication, can teach me a lot, too.

I would even go so far as to say that some of the diplomats who normally meet here in this room could also learn a thing or two from your energy and enthusiasm. But please don't tell them I said so!

Distinguished delegates,

My favorite part of these meetings is hearing your questions.

Last year, the students raised some really difficult issues.

I hope you will do the same. I will do my best to respond.

Finally, let me say that I very much look forward to learning about the results of your conference, because I am looking to you to help lead us to a better future.

Thank you.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Conference Secretary-General Amy Jensen Exchanging Thank Yous at the UNA-USA MUN Opening Ceremonies

Full Remarks of Ban Ki-moon's speech at UN News Center

Read a full recap of UNA-USA MUN on our Conference Chronicle

UNAUSAMUN 2009 Live Blogged All Weekend

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:33:00 GMT

To get the latest on UNAUSA's 2009 Model UN Conference, check out the Conference Chronicle Blog, which will be updated regularly.

Visit the UNAUSAMUN Conference Chronicle blog here.

10th Annual UNA-USA Model UN Conference Gets Under Way

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:31:00 GMT

SG Ban receives a rock-star welcome from
Model UN high-school delegates.

Highlighted by a keynote address from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the 2009 UNAUSA Model UN Conference opened last night. This is the 10th annual event, and the conference has grown from modest beginnings, to one which now brings over 2,000 students from around the world to the UN's General Assembly Hall.

More on UNAUSAMUN 09

Videos from the 2008 Conference's Opening Ceremonies, including Ban Ki-moon and author Frank McCourt.

Event: The Year Ahead in US-UN Relations and the presentation of the Eleanore Schnurr Award

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:49:00 GMT

During his first months in office, President Barack Obama has met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the White House and has announced a series of initiatives to enhance US participation in the world organization. The Administration’s very visible decisions to stand for election to the Human Rights Council, support the work of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and endorse multilateral efforts to address climate change, among others, signal a new approach to the United States relationship with the United Nations. Meanwhile, the President is requesting that the 111th Congress appropriate $836 million in past US obligations to UN peacekeeping at a moment when the nation’s finances have been called upon to deal with an unprecedented economic downturn. How will Capitol Hill react to the Administration’s initiatives in the context of the FY2010 budget process that will get underway later this month?

Please join us today in this Council of Organizations annual session on US-UN relations to learn more. Susan Myers, Executive Director of the United Nations Foundation's New York office will be the featured speaker from 1:15-2:30 p.m. at the Church Center for the UN at 777 UN Plaza.

At the event, the Eleanore Schnurr Award will be presented to Catherine White. Ms. White was an advertising executive for over thirty years. In 1993 she retired from her company and began to work full time as a volunteer for the US National Committee for UNIFEM. Ms. White joined UNIFEM in 1981, became a national Board Member in 1988, was subsequently elected to the Executive Committee and served for four years as Vice President. She was the alternate US Committee NGO representative to the United Nations. While living in Los Angeles, she was a founding member of the Southern California Chapter of UNIFEM and served as President until she moved to New York. She was a frequent speaker at other NGO functions and represented the Committee on local radio and TV shows. In 1998, she received the Los Angeles ZONTA “Women of Achievement” award. That same year she received a commendation from the City of Los Angeles for her work on behalf of women’s rights.

She has traveled extensively for the US Committee, and currently serves as Development Consultant for UNIFEM. She is a member of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television and serves as alternate UN Representative. She also serves in that capacity on the UN/NGO Committee for UNIFEM. Catherine is currently the President of the Southern New York State Division of UNA-USA. She is a member of the Women’s International Forum and previously worked as a volunteer for the International Council of Women.

UNA-USA sees new opportunities to advance a human rights agenda now that the US has been elected to the Human Rights Council. UNA urges the Obama administration to appoint ambassador for human rights

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:45:00 GMT

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) hopes that the election of the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Council marks the beginning of a period of sustained US participation in the council that will result in significant advancement of the human rights agenda at home and abroad.

Ambassador Thomas Miller, UNA-USA’s president, congratulated the US government for having stood for election to the council and winning a seat on the 47-member body in elections held in the General Assembly.

“Today’s election of the United States to the Human Rights Council is an important step forward in our country’s recommitment to the promotion of ideals first championed by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in her groundbreaking effort to secure General Assembly adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than 60 years ago,” Miller said.

UNA-USA leaders and members throughout the country have urged the United States to participate in the work of the Human Rights Council since its creation by the UN General Assembly in 2006. Today’s action is all the more important since UN member states will meet in 2011 to review the council’s working methods. This review conference will set the stage for member states to adopt changes that can improve the council’s structure and procedures. By joining the council, the US will be able to work as a partner with others to develop and propose the kinds of changes that will enable the Human Rights Council to fulfill its important mandate.

In keeping with a recommendation made by leading human rights organizations to the Obama administration in mid-January 2009, UNA-USA wishes to reiterate its support for the appointment of a full-time Geneva-based ambassador who would serve as the US representative on the council. Through such full diplomatic representation, the United States can hope to play a large role in improving the Human Rights Council’s work and its record of success in advancing human rights.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights

UNA-USA Fact Sheet on the United Nations Human Rights Council

Human Rights Council Elections Take place today

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:28:00 GMT

Today, the UN General Assembly meets to elect 18 new members to the 47 seat Human Rights Council. In a departure from previous disengagement with the council, this election, the US is running for a seat. Click the links below to find to find out more on the Human Rights Council.

Read UNA-USA's statement applauding the US decision to seek election to the Council

Learn more about UNA-USA's Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights

Read the related Washington Report

Download Fact Sheets

UNA-USA Fact Sheet on the United Nations Human Rights Council

UNA-USA Fact Sheet on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

UPDATE: Secretary Clinton's remarks at the Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Model UN Conference

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:18:00 GMT

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Dean Acheson Auditorium
Washington, DC
May 11, 2009

Good morning. (Applause.) Well, I want to thank Ambassador Tom Miller, and I’m delighted to see all of you so enthusiastic and excited about the day ahead. I also want to thank Ed Elmendorf for his leadership of this wonderful United Nations association and, of course, the Model UN.

There’s someone in the audience that I wanted to just recognize as well: Bill Luers, who is retiring today as president of the United Nations Association here in the United States. He founded Global Classroom 11 years ago. It’s now in 24 cities around the world, and it’s a great model and we really thank Bill for his vision, his passion, and his service in helping young people really become global citizens as well. Thank you so much, Bill. (Applause.)

Now, I have to say coming here this morning brought back a lot of memories. My daughter Chelsea attended Model UN here in Washington back when she was in high school, and it is great to see middle school students involved, as well as high school students. This is an opportunity for you to debate some of the great issues of the day, to meet new people from around the area, because this new century that we’re in demands the best from everyone. And I thank you for caring enough to participate.

Your experience here at the Model UN, both today and in hopefully days and years to come, are a great way to exhibit your concerns. And how many of you are concerned about nuclear terrorism? I think everybody should raise their hand for that. (Laughter.) How many of you are concerned about global warming? How about migration issues? How about children in armed conflict? That’s a very personal one. I’ve done some work in that area over the years and have met a lot of very courageous young people who had to build a life after having been kidnapped and subjected to all kinds of abuse and forced to be child soldiers.

Some people criticize the United Nations for good reasons. I mean, it’s a big organization and it’s a difficult one to really get your arms around. There’s so many different countries, and people have different points of view, but that’s the point of it. If we didn’t have the United Nations, we would have to invent one. On issues like piracy or the H1N1 flu virus, we have to work together. And we do so through organizations that are either formed by, run by, or associated with the United Nations. And that’s why it was important, when the United Nations was created back in 1945 here in the United States, that people admitted that we can’t solve all the problems on our own. No nation, even one as powerful as ours, is able to do that.

Just look at what’s happening as we meet today. More than a hundred thousand UN peacekeepers are stationed around the world. I was recently in Haiti and there’s been a great degree of security and stability achieved because of the blue helmets. In particular, that UN force is led by a Brazilian general. We know the difficulties of trying to deal with failed and failing states where conflict and violence is just an every-minute occurrence.

And the United Nations brings relief, they bring humanitarian aid. We’re looking at what can be done to help the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the Swat region of Pakistan because of the Taliban and the Pakistani army’s offensive. We worry about displaced people in Darfur, the Sudan. We just have so many concerns, and the United States cares deeply about the entire world, but we could not be a presence working on all of these issues were it not for the United Nations.

The best scientific evidence about the pace and severity of global warming comes from the intergovernmental panel that the United Nations established and runs. There are so many issues that you know about in your studies leading up to being part of the Model UN. And the United States supports the United Nations because we think it’s an investment in our own security, and we think it’s a necessary venue for us to discuss differences and try to hammer out compromises with other countries.

About a month or so ago when North Korea sent the missile up and it was in contravention, we believed, of a Security Council resolution that prohibited the North Koreans from doing that, we worked with the Japanese and the South Koreans and the Chinese and the Russians to come up with a much stronger statement than anyone expected. And it wasn’t easy because people had different perspectives, but it was finally achieved.

So this is part of the education process that I’m so pleased you are participating in. And I want to put in a plug for the State Department and USAID, for the Peace Corps and PEPFAR and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. We need and are looking to recruit a new generation of young diplomats, young aid workers and others who can carry American foreign policy into the world.

When I appeared before the committee in the Senate for my confirmation, I said that I thought that we had three pillars for our foreign relations, and to do what we had to do to protect our security and further our interests and exemplify our values, we needed defense diplomacy and the important work of development. I believe that even more strongly today. And the young people who are coming into the State Department are very impressive, and I would urge you to think about that as a possible career choice in the future.

We’re building the State Department. We are getting money for more diplomats and more development specialists. We are partnering with the military and hoping to really make clear that our partnership means that the civilian side of our efforts have to be run by the State Department and USAID. So there’s a lot of excitement that we are feeling here in the State Department today, which is good, because there’s a lot of problems. We face a lot of challenges, but we also see a lot of opportunities that we want to be able to seize and do the most with. So I really wanted to come by to tell you how pleased I am that you’re doing this and how important it is to debate the issues that you’ll be considering in a respectful, well-prepared manner.

I’ll just add a word about that. Sometimes, you can feel so strongly about an issue that you think everybody should agree with you. Anybody ever feel that way? (Laughter.) But you still have to marshal your arguments and you still have to make your case, and you still have to use evidence. So as you’re going forward with the Model UN process, help yourself become a better, more effective persuader. Listen to the other side, even if you think in the beginning they have nothing that you will agree with. And try to hear what their point of view is, put yourself into their shoes, and make a more effective argument going forward.

We need your commitment to what we call smart power. It’s not just our military strength and it’s not just our diplomatic outreach; we’re trying to do things differently. And smart power needs smart people. So I hope you have a great time at the Model UN, and I hope that I’ll see some of you here in this building in a few years. Thank you all.

Secretary Clinton addresses Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Model UN Conference today.

Mon, 11 May 2009 14:33:00 GMT

From State.gov

Former Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte addresses and takes questions from Model UN students at the United Nations Association of the USA's 2008 Global Classrooms: Washington DC Model UN Conference

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will address the annual Global Classrooms D.C. Model United Nations Conference on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., in the Dean Acheson Auditorium at the Department of State. Approximately 600 middle and high school students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are participating in the conference.

The Global Classrooms D.C. (GCDC) program is implemented by the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA). Through the program, middle and high school students and teachers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area participate in year-round activities to help them understand the UN system, increase their knowledge of other cultures and traditions, improve their ability to think analytically and creatively, and tackle global problems and issues.

This conference will provide students the opportunity to apply what they have learned, develop conflict resolution skills, and role-play as foreign ambassadors. More information about GCDC is available at http://www.unanca.org.

Learn more about Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Model UN here.

AMICC in the Press: The Harold Koh Nomination and the ICC

Fri, 08 May 2009 17:13:00 GMT

Matthew Heaphy [bio], Deputy Convener of UNA-USA's AMICC (the American Non-governmental Coalition for the International Criminal Court), was quoted in a recent ISN Security Watch article on how the Obama administration's support for the ICC could reinforce the case against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir. The article's author calls the nomination of Harold Koh, former dean of Yale Law School, to the US State Department’s senior legal advisory post "auspicious."

Matthew Heaphy, deputy convenor of the American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court (AMICC) told ISN Security Watch: “Harold Koh is a leading and highly regarded international law expert who clearly appreciates and understands the work of the ICC. We expect that his role in creating the new US policy on the ICC will be positive and constructive.”

Read the full article "Slow Dancing with Sudan" here

Download the AMICC fact sheet on Omar al-Bashir and the situation in Sudan (.pdf)

Progress Report by the United States Mission to the United Nations

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Last week, the US Mission to the UN (USUN) released a progress report entitled A New Era of Engagement, Advancing America's Interests in the World. In this report, USUN lays out the Obama administrations views on the UN's role in the 21st Century, key issues facing the UN and how that benefits the US.

Click here to view the full USUN report

Mother's Day Flowers That Make a Difference

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:43:00 GMT

Show mom how much you love her
Help clear landmines around the world
Support eco-friendly business

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th, and it couldn't be easier to show your mom that you care about her and about making a difference in the world. Once again, Adopt-A-Minefield has teamed up with Organic Bouquet to offer you the opportunity to support AAM's mission by buying sustainably grown flowers and plants.

Visit www.organicbouquet.com/adoptminefieldmday09 and with every purchase of organic and eco-certified flowers from Organic Bouquet, Adopt-A-Minefield will receive 10 percent of the proceeds.

By making this Mother's Day purchase, you and your mom are helping to clear minefields, save lives, and provide essential resources for survivors of landmine explosions, all while supporting eco-friendly business. So,

Honor the difference that your mom has made in your life by giving her flowers that make a difference by saving lives.

Secretary General Ban's farewell letter to Amb. Luers

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:05:00 GMT

In a touching and personal letter to outgoing UNA-USA President William Luers, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon thanks Ambassador Luers and UNA-USA for their dedicated service to the mission of the United Nations.

"For 65 years, the United Nations has had no greater ally and friend in our efforts to reach out to the American people than the United Nations Association of the United States of America."
"In times when the UN is being asked to do more, and with a new administration and the budding realization of a win-win relationship between the United States and the United Nations, I am excited for the potential of our work."

Read the full letter by clicking here.

Shedding Light on Life as a UN Correspondent

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:09:00 GMT

Linda Fasulo, a longtime UN correspondent for NPR and NBC News, has recently updated her book, “An Insider’s Guide to the UN.” In this video interview with Damiano Beltrami for UNA-USA, Fasulo explains the challenges in writing a book about the UN, how she became a UN correspondent and where UN decisions are really made.

To read an advance preview of Fasulo’s chapter on the American ambassador to the UN, excerpted from "An Insider's Guide to the UN, Second Edition," to be published in June 2009 by Yale University Press, click here(.pdf).

Read the latest edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin here.

Safeguard President Obama's Peacekeeping Proposal

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:52:00 GMT

Earlier this month, President Obama took a significant step toward restoring America's influence abroad by submitting an ambitious request to Congress for $836.9 million in funding for UN peacekeeping. As the request works its way through Congress, the critical funding for UN peacekeeping is likely to be a ripe target for many legislators eager to prune federal spending. Help strengthen America's global leadership by urging Congress to fund the full $836.9 million for UN peacekeeping.

Talking Points on UN Peacekeeping
Learn more about the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations

World Health Organization continues to monitor Swine Flu

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:16:24 GMT

In its daily briefing, the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General spoke about WHO's efforts to track and coordinate a global response to the influenza outbreak. WHO noted that the virus is spreading, with no evidence of slowing down, but needs to make sure sustained human-to-human transmission is taking place before raising the pandemic alert level.

On Tuesday, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made his own statements regarding the outbreak, "which has become one of the most serious concerns of the international community."

Projects for Democracy, Paid for by the UN

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:40:00 GMT

By Tendai Musakwa

A United Nations fund to promote democracy has recently been used to bolster electoral participation in Morocco and promote professional journalism practices in Somalia. The Democracy Fund, created by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan in July 2005, is also backing projects in India and Afghanistan.

Teachers are being trained on how to use satellite radios in Afghanistan by Equal Access staff. UN Photo.

The fund offers financial aid for projects that build and strengthen democratic government worldwide and is supported through voluntary contributions by UN member states. By Jan. 5, 2009, the fund had received $91 million in contributions, of which the US gave $26 million.

“The importance of strengthening civic participation in a democracy is something all Americans understand instinctively,” said Roland Rich, the executive head of the fund, in an e-mail message to UNA-USA. “That is why UNDEF has such strong bipartisan support for which we are very grateful.”

The top 5 donor countries— Australia, India, Japan, the US and Qatar—together provided $68 million dollars, or about 75 percent, of the fund’s total. Most of the fund finances projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. So far, it has paid for more than 200 projects in more than 90 countries.

In Morocco, the UN Democracy Fund is aiming to increase participation in the country’s June 2009 local elections. As part of its efforts, the fund, together with the Moroccan Center for Civic Education, held a training seminar on electoral politics in January 2009. At the seminar, scholars, experts in civic education and representatives of civil society explored ways of increasing electoral participation. Other seminars, including one for women and youth, are planned for later this year.

The fund is also collaborating with the National Union of Somali Journalists on a project called “Strengthening Somali Media Capacity for Democracy and Human Rights,” which holds workshops across the country on the standards and practices of professional journalism. More than 250 Somali journalists from print, radio, television and Internet media have been educated through the program.

In a related project in India, called “Enhancing the Role of Women in Strengthening Democracy,” the fund is trying to increase women’s participation in state and national elections. India’s Center for Social Research, which runs the project, is currently inviting applications from women who want to become politicians. By the end of 2009, psychologists, political leaders and other experts plan to train 1,000 of the women in politics.

In Afghanistan, the fund sponsors multimedia projects that reinforce democratic principles. They are produced by Equal Access, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that aims to create positive social change through media, technology and community engagement.

One of its projects is a radio program, “My Rights, Our Rights and Others’ Rights in the Light of Islam,” written by Afghans who discuss issues like forced marriage, violence against women and access to education. Another radio program, “Our Beloved Afghanistan,” presents inspirational stories about Afghan men and women that are meant to promote human rights and positive social change. In 2008, Equal Access’s radio programs in Afghanistan reached nearly 10 million listeners and were broadcast on 37 local FM stations.

The Democracy Fund’s advisory board includes 13 representatives of UN member states, four personal representatives of the secretary-general and two nongovernmental organizations. The board considers project applications that cost $50,000 to $500,000.

In its last round of grants, the board received 1,873 applications and approved 86. Final decisions are made by the secretary-general on the recommendation of the board.

Former President George W. Bush is credited with introducing the idea of the fund in a speech at the Sept. 21, 2004, meeting of the General Assembly when he said, “Because I believe the advance of liberty is the path to both a safer and better world, today I propose establishing a Democracy Fund within the United Nations.”

But the UN says that democracy has long been part of its agenda. According to the organization, former Secretary-General Annan proposed the creation of the Democracy Fund as part of UN reforms and from a wish to re-emphasize and further develop efforts at promoting worldwide democratization.

Annan announced the fund’s inception on July 4, 2005, in a speech at the African Union summit in Sirte, Libya. “The surest safeguards of human rights, and indeed, of development, are political institutions which allow the people of each country the decisive role in freely choosing their own leaders—in a word, democracy,” he said.

Pictures Capture Life after Rwandan Genocide

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:39:00 GMT

from UNA-USA World Bulletin: April 15, 2009
by Ulrika Haglund

The UN unveiled a powerful photo exhibit to remember the victims of the Rwanda genocide as the world marked the 15th anniversary of the crimes that cost over 800,000 lives in a mere hundred days.

The exhibit at UN headquarters, "Visions of Rwanda: Images of Survival, Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Hope”, is part of the UN’s International Day of Remembrance of Rwanda genocide that is recognized annually on April 7.

"Visions of Rwanda" offers pictures and stories that vividly illustrate the lives of genocide survivors and the challenges they face in Rwanda today. At the opening ceremony April 7, Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon and US Ambassador Susan Rice read testimonials from survivors of the genocide.

“On this year’s observance of the anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, let us reflect on the genocide as seen through the eyes of the Rwandans themselves” Ban said. “The United Nations continues its vital work to avert future tragedies. We have intensified our focus on conflict prevention, and built up our medical capacity. We are doing more to protect civilians caught in conflict.”

“Today, what we can do - both for the victims and for those whose daily lives are still marred by the aftereffects of the genocide - is to rededicate ourselves to our shared commitment to human rights and human dignity. We must be voices for action, even if we are sometimes lonely ones,” Rice said. Continue reading the full story.

Click here to view the online photo project

Website: Jonathan Torgovnik, photographer and co-founder of Foundation Rwanda

World Health Organization Coordinates Global Response to Swine Flu

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Since the first signs of outbreak, WHO has been coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan convened a meeting of the Emergency Committee Saturday, April, 25th. After reviewing the available data, Committee members identified a number of gaps in knowledge about the clinical features, epidemiology, and virology of reported cases and the appropriate responses. The Committee advised that answers to several specific questions were needed to facilitate its work. Director-General, Chan's latest remarks state;

"The current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. However, more information is needed before a decision could be made concerning the appropriateness of the current alert level."

WHO: Swine influenza frequently asked questions

WHO's Monday morning update concerning Swine Flu in the US and Mexico

Global Classrooms Model UN Background Guide: Global Epidemics

Global Classrooms Model UN Background Guide: Infectious Diseases - Malaria & TB

Global Classrooms: Tampa Bay 2009 MUN Conference

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:06:00 GMT

Last week saw the UNA-Tampa Bay Chapter host the 2009 Global Classrooms: Tampa Bay Model UN Conference. Held at the University of South Florida, the conference was a great success.

Click here to view photos of the event

Find out more about the Global Classrooms program by clicking here

UNA-USA in the Press: Letter to Washington Times Editor 'Engage or Else'

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:21:00 GMT

This past Friday's Washington Times featured a letter from Policy's research assistant Eriks Berzins. Read Mr. Berzins letter below, then read the Washington Times article it is in response to.

Engage, or else
Re: “Civilian Use?,” editorial, April 2

Notwithstanding your recent editorial ("Civilian use?" Editorial, April 2), Iran's nuclear-enrichment program cannot be rationalized in terms of what simply makes economic sense. Iran has time and again shown that there is no cost too big for protecting its sovereignty. Furthermore, it is not lost on Iranians that your editorial's prescriptions are based on "economic reasons" that were somehow left by the wayside during the reign of the Shah, when the United States supported (and even touted) the construction of an indigenous, future-oriented Iranian nuclear program.

Especially in light of the upcoming Iranian presidential elections, the principle of mutual understanding is something the Obama administration and informed Americans see as necessary to moving forward and combating the popular perceptions on which ideological extremism (and Iranian centrifuges) have flourished.

We must not continue to spend our limited time on generating more suspicion of Iran's intentions (we have plenty of reasons already), and we must accept that Iran has attained a nuclear-enrichment capability with minimal international safeguards and with the potential for nefarious use that we cannot wish away. There is no viable alternative to engagement, so let's stop trying to slow it down.

ERIKS BERZINS
United Nations Association of the USA
New York

Read the full Washington Times article here

Find out more about UNA-USA's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Initiative

Happy Earth Day, 2009

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:15:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW?
By Anastasiya Bardunova

Today, more than 1 billion people from 174 countries will participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.

This year marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, which was proposed at a UN conference in 1969 and was officially recognized for the first time in 1970.

While the United Nations has traditionally marked Earth Day on the March equinox (around March 20th), the UN also participates in and supports the worldwide celebrations on April 22.

The choice of April 22 was not occasional as organizers, and US legislators, felt the date could maximize participation on college campuses: it did not fall during exams or spring breaks, did not conflict with religious holidays such as Easter or Passover, and was late enough in spring to expect mild weather.

Many cities extend the schedule of observance events to an entire week, usually starting on April 16 and ending on Earth Day.

The rallies, concerts and other activities raise money and support for environmentally-aware behaviors such as increased recycling, improved energy-efficiency and reduction in disposable items.

More information & find events in your area: www.earthday.net/earthday2009

FROM THE UNA-USA WORLD BULLETIN
Shrinking Forests: The Many Costs
By Lester R. Brown
In early December 2004, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo “ordered the military and police to crack down on illegal logging after flash floods and landslides, triggered by rampant deforestation, killed nearly 340 people,” according to news reports. In August 1998, following several weeks of record flooding in the Yangtze River basin and a staggering $30 billion worth of damage, the Chinese government banned all tree cutting in the upper reaches of the basin.

Each of these governments had belatedly learned a costly lesson, namely that services provided by forests, such as flood control, may be far more valuable to society than the lumber in those forests.
Read the full article

UNESCO Launches World Digital Library

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Today, UNESCO, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization, in partnership with national libraries across the globe has launched the World Digital Library. The library is an online collection of unique cultural artifacts from libraries and archives from around the world.

Last week's issue of the UNA-USA World Bulletin features a story on the Library, its creation and its purpose.

Congressional librarian James H. Billington, who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground four years ago, said in a statement April 7 that the library would “have the salutary effect of bringing people together by celebrating the depth and uniqueness of different cultures in a single global undertaking.”

Read the full article here

Visit the World Digital Library website

Subscribe to the World Bulletin here

US Boycotts Racism Review Conference

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Today marks the opening of The Durban Review Conference to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, 20-24 April 2009. The conference "will evaluate progress towards the goals set by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in 2001."

This past weekend, the State Department issued an official statement as to why the US will not be attending the event in Geneva.

"The DDPA [Durban Declaration and Programme of Action] singles out one particular conflict and prejudges key issues that can only be resolved in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. The United States also has serious concerns with relatively new additions to the text regarding “incitement,” that run counter to the U.S. commitment to unfettered free speech."

adding that

"The United States remains fully committed to upholding the human rights of all individuals and to fighting racial discrimination of every form in every context. We will continue to work assiduously in all United Nations fora and with all nations to combat bigotry and end discrimination."

In response, Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said,

"I am shocked and deeply disappointed by the United States decision not to attend a conference that aims to combat racism, xenophobia, racial discrimination and other forms of intolerance worldwide."
"A handful of states have permitted one or two issues to dominate their approach to this issue, allowing them to outweigh the concerns of numerous groups of people that suffer racism and similar forms of intolerance to a pernicious and life-damaging degree on a daily basis all across the world, in both developed and developing countries. These are truly global issues, and it is essential that they are discussed at a global level, however sensitive and difficult they may be."

Read the full statement from the State Department

Read the full statement from the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Review the UN's basic facts about the conference

Previous Blog post - US Sets Conditions for Joining Racism Review

Sect. Clinton urged towards greater US involvment in the ICC

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:39:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been urged by UNA-USA, its ICC program AMICC (American NGO Coalition for the ICC) and a diverse coalition of concerned groups, asking that the US take a leading position in the International Criminal Court.

"We write to urge that the current review of United States policy on the International Criminal Court [ICC] be completed quickly, and that it lead to three results: US participation in the Court’s meetings to complete its formation; extensive and thorough US cooperation with and support to the Court in its prosecutions and trials; and action to declare emphatically that US relations with the Court are in an entirely new era. "

Click here to read the full letter to Secretary Clinton

More on the US and the ICC here

Go to the AMICC website to learn more

World Bulletin focuses on nuclear issues

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:56:00 GMT

This week's UNA-USA World Bulletin contains four features dealing with the thorny issue of nuclear arms and the international community:

Security Council Squares off With North Korea - Christopher J. Tangney

Video of Amb. Susan Rice's informal comments with the media regarding North Korea and the Security Council

Obama Backs Nuclear Test Ban - Barbara Crossette

A Blueprint for Strengthening the IAEA - Asa Maclay Horner

Learn more about UNA-USA's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Initiative

Member Op-Ed: As Roosevelt showed, one person can change world

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:29:00 GMT

UNA-USA Board Member, and Iowa Chapter co-director, Katy Hansen recently wrote an op-ed piece regarding Eleanor Roosevelt, which appeared in the Des Moines Register.

Guest column: As Roosevelt showed, one person can change world

KATY HANSEN is co-director of the Iowa United Nations Association, Iowa City. Contact: unaiowa@unaiowa.org

Eleanor Roosevelt posed the question this way: "What can one woman do to prevent war?" This was the subject of one of Roosevelt's "My Day" syndicated columns, which she wrote six days a week for 27 years, with only one break of four days when her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, died.

It turns out, this one woman changed the world by achieving the impossible - an agreed universal understanding of human rights. Just over 60 years ago, on Dec. 10, 1948, she stood before the world representatives at the newly formed United Nations, which passed unanimously the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It took two years, but she accomplished it with grace, statesmanship, discipline and iron stamina.

This week, the Iowa United Nations Association and Humanities Iowa are sponsoring presentations about Roosevelt that will remind us, above all, that human rights begin at home and are the responsibility of everyone.

Another reason Eleanor Roosevelt achieved great things: She was a master strategist. Every word was posed, argued, mediated and accepted by a group of scholars she brought in from around the world. They were from different religions and philosophical backgrounds - from a truly multicultural group with international perspectives. The Universal Declaration was written after hours of talk in meeting rooms of the Human Rights Commission and over afternoon teas and evening dinner parties.

The passage of the Declaration in the U.N. General Assembly was a monumental achievement, but Roosevelt recognized that the principles written into the document would live and grow only with the efforts of those on the local level in neighborhoods and communities: "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere."

Through her own energy and determination, she created one of the greatest moral documents of all times.

What can one woman do? "...We can work to gain greater understanding of other peoples and to try to present to the peoples of the world the values of our own beliefs."

Eleanor Roosevelt certainly did that.

More UNA-USA Members in the Media - here.

Click to learn more about UNA-USA Chapters & Divisions

Event: Charges Against Sudan’s Omar Al Bashir: Accusing a President of Genocide

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:55:00 GMT

In early March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir, president of Sudan, in a step toward accountability for the atrocities in Darfur. The judges found sufficient evidence to charge President Bashir with seven counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, extermination and rape. This marks the first time the ICC has issued a warrant for a sitting head of state. President Bashir's response was to expel international aid agencies that provide a lifeline to Darfurians.

UNA-USA's John Washburn, convener of the American Non-governmental Organizations Coalition on the International Criminal Court, will discuss what happens next in Darfur as the guest speaker at an event on April 21 at Rutgers University. The event, which will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Rutgers Graduate Student Lounge on College Avenue, is co-sponsored by Amnesty International, Center for African Studies, International Programs, Rutgers University Campus Coalition Against Trafficking (RUCCAT), Rutgers Hillel, and Rutgers Association of International Relations (RU-AIR).

Download the event flyer

Read UNA-USA's Statement in Support of ICC Arrest Warrant for Omar al-Bashir

Download the AMICC fact sheet on Omar al-Bashir and the situation in Sudan (.pdf)

Priacy off the coast of Somalia

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:16:00 GMT

This past week saw drama unfold in the waters off Somalia as pirates took an American ship captain hostage. UNA-USA's World Bulletin explored the issue of piracy in February, in an article entitled "Tackling Piracy, a ‘Modern Scourge,’ Through a New Code of Conduct."

"One recent response to the rise in piracy is a new code of conduct adopted by 17 governments convened by the International Maritime Organization in January. "

Read the full World Bulletin story here.

Somali piracy was also discussed during last week's Daily Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary General. Watch the video below.

Global Classrooms trainer featured in University of Tampa newspaper

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:16:00 GMT

Next Tuesday the UNA-Tampa Bay chapter hosts the Global Classrooms: Tampa Bay Model UN Conference.

Held at the University of South Florida, over 900 high school and middle school students will attend and debate in committees moderated by students from local colleges.

One of these college students, Brittany Friesen, is featured in the University of Tampa's student newspaper, The Minaret, discussing Model UN, the Global Classrooms program and her passion for human rights.

Read the article here.

Visit the UNA-Tampa Bay Chapter's website.

Ambassador Thomas J. Miller Named as Next UNA-USA President

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:04:00 GMT

The United Nations Association of the United States of America announces the appointment of Thomas J. Miller as its new president. Tom Miller succeeds William H. Luers, who has served a distinguished 11-year tenure.

The United Nations Association of America (UNA-USA) is pleased to announce that Ambassador Thomas J. Miller will become president of the organization as of May 11, 2009. Miller brings 29 years of high-profile experience as a career diplomat in the US Foreign Service to his new role. His career includes ambassadorships to Greece and to Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as a Cyprus negotiator.

Most recently, Miller served as the chief executive of Plan International, a $650 million, 72-year-old international agency that focuses on improving children’s lives in developing countries.

“I’ve known Tom for over 20 years, and I believe that his experience and passion make him an ideal leader for the UNA-USA as it continues to strive to meet its important and relevant mission,” said Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, co-chairman of UNA-USA.

UNA-USA President William H. Luers concurred: “I couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of Tom Miller, and I look forward to passing the baton and helping him in any way I can.”

As chief executive from January 2005 through January 2009, Miller was based at Plan International’s headquarters in London, where he was responsible for the coordination and management of all the agency’s operations in 49 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America...

Read the full story - here

Moving Beyond the Burqa in Afghanistan

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:58:00 GMT

From the April 1 edition of the UNA-USA World Bulletin
By Asa Maclay Horner

Although the 2004 Afghan Constitution prohibits discrimination against individuals and guarantees women equal rights and duties before the law, Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous and restrictive places in the world to be female. More than 87 percent of all women in Afghanistan, for instance, are victims of some form of domestic violence, according a 2008 publication by the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs and United Nations Development Fund for Women, known as Unifem.

That’s not all the bad news for females in Afghanistan: In 2002, women there had a per capita gross domestic product of $402 compared with $1,182 for men, and Afghanistan’s maternal mortality rate was ranked the second highest in the world. On average, one Afghan woman dies of reproductive health complications every 30 minutes.

To raise awareness of the plight of women in the country, Unifem held a press conference on March 5 with three Afghan activists: Wazhma Frogh, country director for Global Rights Afghanistan, an advocacy group; Suraya Pakzad, founder of the Voice of Women Organization, which raises awareness for education; and Najia Zewari, gender and justice unit manager for Unifem’s Afghanistan Country Program.

Read the full length article here.

Click to view the entire April 1st edition of the World Bulletin.

Subscribe to the UNA-USA World Bulletin e-Newsletter by clicking here

World Health Day 2009

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:47:00 GMT

Today is World Health Day, an annual commemoration that began in 1950 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization, or WHO, which was established in 1948. The WHO has 193 member countries and provides care to the world’s most vulnerable populations.

World Health Day identifies an annual theme and this year’s focus is "When Disasters Strike: Safe Hospitals Save Lives."

The campaign has three important messages: all health facilities must be able to withstand the physical impact of disasters; critical health services must continue to function in all emergency situations; and the health workforce must be trained and ready to deal with the particular challenges these situations impose.

“Hospitals should never be allowed to become disaster victims themselves,” said Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, director of the Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO.

To help countries assess the safety level of their hospitals, PAHO has developed the Hospital Safety Index – an evaluation tool that determines the likelihood of a health facility to remain operational during emergencies such as earthquakes or other natural disasters.

To date, more than 1,200 people have been trained to use this tool, which has been applied in more than 200 health facilities considered at risk because of their geographic location. --Anastasiya Bardunova

Learn more about World Health Day 2009

Find out about the UN's Millennium Development Goals

Canine Demine: Meet a Life-Saving Dog

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:04:00 GMT

Meet Zax, a Bosnian demining dog who is making the world a safer place, in this 2 minute slideshow created by photographer Andris Bjornson. Known for their high intelligence and keen sense of smell, dogs play a key role in landmine detection efforts around the world. View this collection of images to learn how Zax works with his trainer to become a critical component in landmine clearance efforts in mine-affected Bosnia. Adopt-A-Minefield has supported dogs and deminers in Bosnia since 1999.

View the slideshow

Learn more about Adopt-A-Minefield

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2009

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:04:00 GMT

April 4 marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. With a high level of interest focusing around the new convention on cluster munitions, the recent permanent outlaw of nearly all U.S. cluster munitions exports by Congress and the President and an upcoming review conference on the groundbreaking Anti-Personnel Landmine Convention in Colombia this December, this year's observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness is particularly significant.

"We've made bold progress toward eliminating landmines and explosive remnants of war during 2008," says UN Mine Action Service Director Max Kerley. "Public and donor support are vital to our efforts to reach our goal of zero new victims of landmines and explosive remnants of war."

This year's commemoration is also poignent for UNA-USA as it will successfully conclude its Adopt-A-Minefield® Campaign at the end of 2009. UNA-USA is very proud of AAM's work over the past ten years. To date, we have raised over $25 million for mine action, cleared over 1,000 minefields, and assisted thousands of survivors. There are lots of reasons to celebrate! Globally, now there are only 6,000 new casualties each year—as opposed to the 25,000 annual rate recorded in the late 1990’s. There are 156 signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT)—that’s 80% of the world’s nations! Only two countries used landmines last year—rather than the previously widespread use in over 80 countries.

Please help us finish out the last year of the campaign with the greatest show of support yet, as we help the world fulfill one of the most important disarmament treaties in history.

Learn more about UNA-USA's Adopt-A-Minefield program

Find out about International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action events around the world

Fact Sheets

Landmines Overview

Cluster Bomb Overview

Global Classrooms: Middle School Model UN Conference

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Tomorrow the opening ceremonies for UNA-USA's 4th Annual Middle School Model UN Conference will take place in the General Assembly Hall of UN Headquarters, featuring a keynote address from Michael Meyer, UN Secretary-General’s Ban Ki-Moon’s Director of Communications and Speechwriting.

Over 1000 middle school students from sixty schools across the United States, Italy, Mexico, and Ghana will step into the shoes of delegates of UN member states in order to debate current issues on the UN agenda. Topics to be discussed are both complex and interesting, including Child Soldiers, Child Labor, Freshwater Resources, Food Security and Distribution, and the Situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Click here to go to the 2009 Middle School Model UN homepage

View photos from 2008's Middle School Model UN Conference

Learn more about this year's committees and topics

US to Seek Election to the UN Human Rights Council

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:25:00 GMT

UNA-USA applauds the Obama Administration's decision to seek election to the United Nations Human Rights Council this May. UNA-USA leaders and members across the country have urged the government to participate in the work of the Human Rights Council since its creation by the UN General Assembly in 2006.

“This decision is an acknowledgement of the important role that the United States can play in working with others to enhance the effectiveness of the UN’s premier forum for advancing human rights worldwide,” said Ambassador William H. Luers, president of UNA-USA.

As an organization whose early leaders included Eleanor Roosevelt and other human rights activists, UNA-USA believes that the advancement of human rights is central to the UN’s role in building a more peaceful and just world.

“With others, we will engage in the work of improving the UN human rights system to advance the vision of the UN Declaration on Human Rights,” said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in announcing the decision. "The United States helped to found the United Nations and retains a vital stake in advancing that organization's genuine commitment to the human rights values that we share with other member nations.”

Read UNA-USA's statement applauding the US decision to seek election to the Council

Learn more about UNA-USA's Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights

Read the related Washington Report

Download Fact Sheets

UNA-USA Fact Sheet on the United Nations Human Rights Council

UNA-USA Fact Sheet on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Careers at the United Nations: A World of Opportunities

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Are you intrigued by how to get a job at the United Nations, the State Department, an international NGO?

Are you a new job seeker or going through a career change? Are you looking to volunteer or for internship opportunities?

Tomorrow, Thursday April 2nd, UNA-NY will be hosting the first of several Career Events during the year, to provide an opportunity to meet and speak with international personnel who can provide advice and share their experiences.

This first event will give you a scope of the UN Secretariat, types of posts, employment routes, national competitive exams, language exams, recruitment for peacekeeping missions, the UN Volunteer program, Associate Expert Program and UN internships.

Click here for all the Career Event details

View the entire UNA-USA Event Calendar

Learn about internships at UNA-USA

Land Mine Awareness Photo Project. How you can help just by voting online.

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:16:00 GMT

"Land Mines: Helping to Bring an end to these cruel weapons" is a photographic project being conducted by New York based photographers Allan E. Schoening and Blessing Marie. Their first experience with land mines began in the summer of 2001 while traveling through Africa. For many years, Allan's family had been in the business of selling prosthetic limbs. While in Africa he encountered a group of amputees and noticed there was something unusual about the way their limbs had been severed. When he was told these people were innocent victims of land mines, left in the fields many years ago, he was immediately shocked and awed. Ever since then, Allan and Blessing have been working with multiple land mine based organizations trying to bring awareness to these inhumane weapons. They believe their greatest opportunity is now before them.

Allan and Blessing have entered a competition titled, "Name our Dream Assignment." Their "dream assignment" is to travel to specific regions of the world and

Document the destruction land mines cause.
Bring glory to the brave and innovative men and woman trying to free their countries of land mines.
Help administer aid to victims.

The grand prize in this competition is a $50,000 grant to go shoot this proposal. But in order to win, they need your help in the form of votes.

The first part of the competition involves online voting. They need to be in the top 20 in order to make it to the 2nd round, where their proposal as well as their work will be presented to a judging panel. The voting ends April 3rd, so the sooner you vote the better.

If you'd like to vote for Allan and Blessing, it's a two-step process (which takes less than 3 minutes). First you need to register. Once you have registered you will receive an email confirming your registration. Click on the link in that email and sign-in. Once you have signed in, come back to this message and click on the link below named, "proposal." Or you can search for their proposal by typing in "End land mines" into the search bar.

Click here to register & vote for Allan and Blessing's project

View the proposal here

Learn more about UNA-USa's Adopt-A-Minefield program

Tell your Senator to give cluster bombs the boot.

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:22:00 GMT

Join the National Call-in Day on Monday, March 30th

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-590-6313

Join the United Nations Association of the USA's Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign, chair of the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs (USCBL), to help ban cluster munitions. Two weeks ago Congress and the president permanently outlawed exports of nearly all U.S. cluster munitions because these weapons end up harming more civilians than soldiers. Now, the USCBL is organizing a national call-in day to help Congress take the next step: making sure the U.S. military never again uses its vast arsenal of nearly 700 million cluster submunitions.

Legislation was recently introduced that would effectively block the use of cluster munitions by the United States. Building strong co-sponsorship of this important legislation (S. 416/H.R. 981) will show President Obama that there is widespread support for the United States to join more than half the world's nations in signing the treaty banning these weapons.

April 4th has been marked by the United Nations as the International Day for Landmine Awareness, so what better time than now to show your support and help save a life or limb by making a free phone call on Monday, March 30.

Together, we can generate hundreds of calls to senators who have not yet cosponsored the legislation. It's as simple as 1,2,3... Read the script below

Click here to learn more about cluster bombs and the work of Adopt-A-Minefield

Call the toll-free number: 1-800-590-6313

1. Before the 30th

Before March 30, tell five friends about the call-in day, forward this alert to your activists and e-mail lists, and/or post something about the call-in day on your website.

2. Whom to Call

Are you from California, Maine, Maryland, Oregon, Washington or Vermont? Both of your senators are already on board! You can still call your representative and urge him or her to cosponsor the companion bill in the House, H.R. 981. Find out who your representatives are.
Are you from Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia or Wisconsin? One of your senators is already co-sponsoring, so you need only call one! These senators still need calls: Chuck Grassley (IA), John Kerry (MA), Carl Levin (MI), Frank Lautenberg (NJ), Tom Udall (NM), Arlen Specter (PA), George Voinovich (OH), Jack Reed (RI), John Thune (SD), John Rockefeller (WV), Herb Kohl (WI).
Do you live in any other state? You should call both of your senators and ask them to cosponsor the bill! Find out who your senators are.

3. How to Make the Calls

Call 1-800-590-6313. This number will redirect you to the Capitol Switchboard for free. Ask for your senator by name. Check the list above to see which of your senators already support the bill.
Once you are directed to the office, identify yourself as a constituent, and ask to speak to the legislative assistant who deals with foreign or military policy issues.
Follow the script below, if you'd like.
After you call one senator's office, call the switchboard again and ask for your other senator (unless your other senator is already a cosponsor).
Note: if the receptionist tells you that the person is not available, you can either give the below information to the receptionist, or ask for the legislative aide’s answering machine and leave your message there.

Script for your call (feel free to improve and add additional information!)

My name is [NAME], and I live in [CITY, STATE]. Thanks for taking my call.
I am calling to encourage Senator [SENATOR’S NAME] to cosponsor S. 416, the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act.
Senator [NAME]’s co-sponsorship of this bill will help align U.S. policy with that of our closest NATO allies and ensure that we no longer use weapons that are known to have a record of killing more civilians than soldiers.
Will co-sponsorship of this bill be possible?
(Give your phone number if you would like a call back.)
Thank you.

HERO 2008 Youth Ambassadors in Africa

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:07:00 GMT

During the summer of 2008, 21 lucky American and Canadian teens traveled to southern Africa for the United Nations Association of the USAs 3rd annual HERO Youth Ambassador Program traveled to South Africa and Namibia to work in HERO-sponsored schools and see firsthand the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Youth Ambassadors helped make a difference in the lives of many children, teachers and community members by building a kitchen for an in-school feeding program, installing security fencing, installing playground equipment and spending time teaching classes.

Watch the first ten webisodes below.

Click here to learn more about HERO

MDG #6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases - read more

The United States and the ICC

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:26:00 GMT

John Washburn [bio], Director and Convener of AMICC (the American Non-governmental Coalition for the International Criminal Court), was quoted in a recent AFP News Agency article on the Obama administration and its relationship with the ICC.

"It has a different view of international law (than the Bush administration). It has a commitment to multilateral approaches wherever those are going to be effective."

Read the full article "Under Obama, US drops hostility to ICC: experts" here

Download the AMICC fact sheet on Omar al-Bashir and the situation in Sudan (.pdf)

United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:08:00 GMT

The 2009 United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program will be offered from Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24, 2009, by the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University and UNA-USA. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this unique program immerses participants in the political dynamics of the United Nations.

Students will attend official sessions at United Nations headquarters as well as briefings at UNA-USA. Directed by Dr. Courtney Smith, Associate Dean at the Whitehead School, and offered in cooperation with UNA-USA, the course is designed to familiarize students with the inner workings of the United Nations by bringing them together with distinguished practitioners working in the field of multilateral diplomacy. The program is structured around a series of seminars led by U.N. officials and representatives of governments and civil society on a wide range of global issues currently on the U.N. agenda.

Click here to learn more about the Summer Study Program

Go to the Whitehead School's homepage

Read about the 2008 Summer Study Program here

Click to read about Tony Blair's appearance at Seton Hall, February 3, 2009.

AMICC letter to the editor of the LA Times

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:10:00 GMT

This past Friday's Los Angeles Times featured a letter from AMICC's deputy convener Matthew Heaphy. Read Mr. Heaphy's letter below, then read the LA Times article it is in response to.

The U.S. and the ICC
Re “Judging the ICC,” editorial, March 16

The Times' editorial ignores a gradual approach of U.S. reengagement that could lead eventually to ratification.

First, the U.S. could participate as an observer in the International Criminal Court's governing body, the Assembly of States Parties, from which it has been absent since the court was established in 2002.

Second, the U.S. could reactivate the U.S. signature of the ICC treaty, demonstrating that it will not undermine the treaty (as the Bush administration wanted) and signaling a commitment to international accountability for the perpetrators of atrocity crimes. The court, after all, is about these perpetrators, not about Americans.

Third, the U.S. should cooperate with the ICC on cases in its national interest. It does not need to join the court to do so.

All of these actions would help the U.S. become comfortable with the court and its goals and gain the goodwill of the 108 countries that have already joined the court.

Matthew Heaphy
New York

The writer is deputy convener, American NGO Coalition for the ICC, United Nations Assn. of the United States of America.

Read the full LA Times article here