UNA-UK is delighted to announce that Jane Kinninmont has been appointed as its new Chief Executive, effective from mid-June 2025.
Jane is a seasoned leader, policy expert and strategic thinker with a strong track record in delivering programmes, convening dialogues, publishing, broadcasting and podcasting on peace and security and the changing international order.
She currently serves as the Director of Policy and Impact (and was also Acting Director) for the European Leadership Network, which brings together young leaders and experienced security-policy practitioners to work for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as conflict resolution. She is a frequent commentator in the print media and broadcast media, including as a co-host of the Disorder Podcast.
Commenting on her appointment, Kinninmont said:
The 80th anniversary of the UN – and of UNA-UK – comes at a time of profound change in international politics. It is easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed by some of the big global trends that we are seeing – above all, the growing destructiveness of wars around the world. But I am certain that most people want a fairer and more peaceful world. That’s why I’m so pleased to be joining UNA-UK, which has a proud history of mobilising people to stand up for peace, human rights and international cooperation. Together we can harness this moment of change to build a better world.
Previously Jane worked as Head of Programmes for The Elders, where she worked to promote conflict resolution, multilateralism, nuclear disarmament, and advocated for the rights and dignity of refugees. Prior to that, she was Deputy Head and Senior Research Fellow on the Middle East and North Africa at Chatham House, where she led projects analysing the roots of regional conflicts and brought younger-generation voices from the region into the debates on policy solutions.
Ian Martin, Chair of UNA-UK, said:
We are delighted to have chosen Jane to be our Chief Executive. She has outstanding experience and understanding of international affairs with which to develop and lead UNA-UK’s strategy as we face unprecedented challenges to the United Nations and to international law. She will bring fresh energy as we seek to grow our network of UNA Groups, individual members and supporters, at a time when we must work more determinedly than ever to ensure that our government stands up for the best of the UN, and that the UN’s 80th anniversary sees reaffirmation and reform of the multilateral system.
Jane has a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Balliol College, Oxford University, and an MSc in International Politics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, where she wrote her thesis on the politics of the “war on terror” in 2002-03. She is a former music journalist and zine editor, a published poet, and a mother of two.
