UNA-UK held its third Annual General Meeting On Saturday 16 May at the Resource for London centre.
Over 60 members attended. The full draft minutes of the meeting are available here.
The formal resolutions to accept the 2013-14 audited accounts and appoint auditors for the following year were both passed.
In his AGM speech, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, UNA-UK's Chairman, said that UNA-UK had successfully engaged in lobbying activity for its foreign policy manifesto, in particular securing statements on the UN from five UK political parties ahead of the general election.
Sir Jeremy further commented that the UK was in danger of fading in image and impact unless the UK Government engages more with the UN, the EU and its bilateral partners. He said that the major challenges facing the world, such as climate change and development, required global cooperation. A fallout between big powers could have widespread impact and not enough was being done to stop competition. He said the UNA-UK’s main job was to remind the UK Government of the indispensability of the UN.
Natalie Samarasinghe, UNA-UK’s Executive Director, outlined in more detail the Association’s work over the past year, highlighting the 1 for 7 Billion campaign, which UNA-UK founded with partners, and which seeks a fair, open and inclusive process to select the next UN Secretary-General.
Natalie also spoke of the need for UNA-UK to return to its original mission: serving as a bridge between the UN and the UK. Commenting on the inward-looking general election campaign, she said that this mission was more important than ever, and the organisation needed to ensure it was equipped to deliver it. You can read more on the Executive Director’s vision for the future in her full speech here.
In response to a topic for discussion submitted by members, Richard Nelmes, UNA-UK’s Head of Outreach, gave a presentation on current trends in UNA-UK’s membership and supporter base, noting the decline in the former and the increase in the latter.
The AGM concluded with the presentation of Distinguished Service Awards to members from UNA-UK’s regions and nations:
- Keith Hindell, nominated by UNA London & South East Region
- Margaret Matthews, nominated by UNA Southern Counties region
- Frances Mildmay, nominated by UNA Scotland
- Canon Michael Swindlehurst, nominated by UNA Eastern Region
- Chris Dickenson, nominated by UNA Central Region
Three recipients - Keith Hindell, Frances Mildmay and Margaret Matthews - were in attendance and received their awards from Sir Jeremy.
