United Nations Association London and South-East Region

Youth Participation in Climate Policy by UNA Blackheath and Greenwich
2023-11-13 18:30 UTC | University of Greenwich Queen Anne Building, Park Row, London, England, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
On 13th November, 18:30, in Room 080, the University of Greenwich Queen Anne Building, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, UNA Blackheath and Greenwich, with the University of Greenwich, is hosting a free event to consider Youth Participation in Climate Policy: digital activism and climate change to consider the inspiring journey of today’s youth leading the charge in climate policy. The speaker will be Oluwatobi (Toby) Aigbogun, UNA-UK Trustee, Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager at World Vision, and the Founder of SocialGood UK, a United Nations Foundation-backed community using new media and technology to address and achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by working with the government, football clubs and boroughs on programmes and policies. For more information and to register, please go here.

When our Cultural Heritage is Destroyed, Our Children are Dispossessed
2023-11-15 18:30 | England
On 15th November, 18:30, in the House of Lords, Room 1, UNA Westminster is hosting a meeting on When our Cultural Heritage is Destroyed, Our Children are Dispossessed to be addressed by Professor Peter Stone, UNESCO Chair in Cultural Property Protection and Peace. Wars have destroyed many cultural sites, often UN registered, deemed the common heritage of all humankind. The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict has been ratified by many nations but then what? For further information and to register go here.

The Ocean Symposium and Marine Exhibition 2023
2023-11-18 10:00 - 16:30 | St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill, England, TN40 2HE, United Kingdom
On 18th November, 10:00 – 16:30 at St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street Bexhill TN40 2HE, UNA Climate and Oceans is co-hosting The Ocean Symposium and Marine Exhibition 2023, addressing ocean pollution, ocean acidification, underwater ecosystem restoration, ocean technology, climate change, sustainability, international and local projects, networking. There will be thought-provoking discussions led by experts. The cost is £6. Go here for more information and to register.

Using taxation to advance sustainable development globally
2023-11-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
On 21st November, 18.30-20.00, UNA Streatham and Clapham, part of South London UNA, are hosting a webinar on Using taxation to advance sustainable development globally, a conversation exploring tax justice and global development. Speakers will include: Sergio Chaparro-Hernandez, International Policy and Advocacy Lead at Tax Justice Network; William Davis, international development economist and member of the Streatham and Clapham UNA Executive Committee; Peter Henriksen Ringstad, Senior Advisor, Norad – Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. Please register here; you will then be sent the link.

Climate Coalition
2023-11-23 14:00 | England
On 23rd November, 14:00, the Climate Coalition (of which LASER is a member) is holding its Annual Movement Gathering at the Save The Children office in Farringdon, London (or on zoom) to consider the question, What would we do in this time, if we truly believed in ourselves and those around us? . Jon Alexander, author of Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us will lead discussion of trends impacting climate change campaigning in the next 12 months. This will be followed by drinks and networking from 16:00. Please register here.

Russia: sharing the cage with an angry bear by Sir Tony Brenton KCMG
2023-11-25 10:30 | Salvation Army Hostel, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, Salvation Army Hostel, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, United Kingdom
On 25th November, 10:30, UNA Harpenden is holding a talk on Russia: Sharing the Cage with an Angry Bear, at The Salvation Army, AL5 2TG, by Sir Tony Brenton, former British Ambassador to Russia. This talk looks at the historic evolution which has made Russia what it is, its deepening confrontation with the West, the impact of the war itself, and where all this may be taking us. Please register here. Following the meeting, if you would like to join the speaker and others for lunch at Pasta Cibo in Harpenden, please register for Lunch Reservation and wait for confirmation of booking.

The Continuing Search for Truth
2023-11-30 | England
Probably on 30th November (TBC), UNA Westminster, with the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, is hosting – at Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, and online – a hybrid conference on The Continuing Search for Truth: Next Steps for the UN Commission of Inquiry into the death in 1961 of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld. The conference will consider Hammarskjöld’s legacy in Africa, as well as reviewing the unique ongoing UN inquiry, and efforts to suppress it. As more information is available, it will be on the UNA Westminster website.

Education and Mentoring for Women in Afghanistan
2023-12-01 19:30 - 21:30 | The Community Church Hall, The Community Church Hall, (opposite Sainsbury’s), Werter Road, London, London, Putney SW15 2LL, United Kingdom
On 1st December, 19:30-21:15, UNA Wandsworth (part of South London UNA), with the Rahela Trust, at the Community Church Werter Rd, London SW15 2LL, will be hosting an event on Education and Mentoring for Women in Afghanistan. There will be an update on the situation followed by conversation and Afghan food. To book a place, please email the Chair of Wandsworth UNA

Quiz Night by UNA Harpenden
2023-12-09 18:00 | Park Hall, Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, AL5 2LX, United Kingdom
On Saturday 9th December, 18:00, UNA Harpenden are holding their Quiz Night at the Park Hall, AL5 2LX. A Fish and Chips Supper, with a vegetarian option, from Godfreys, will be served at 19:30. The quiz will consist of eight rounds, plus a general, picture round. Please call Suheil Shahryar on 07711-532903 if interested in joining.

Not Forgotten: UN personnel who have died in Palestine 1948-2023
2023-12-10 12:00 | England
On 10th December, 12:00, there will be a short ceremony on United Nations Green entitled Not Forgotten: UN personnel who have died in Palestine 1948-2023. Marking the 75th anniversary of both the UDHR and the first UN fatalities in Palestine, we will lay a wreath and share a moment of reflection, with speakers David Wardrop and Rev Tony Miles. For further information and to register go here. Registration would be helpful to give an indication of numbers, but it is not essential: do just turn up!

Displaced people and migration
2023-12-16 17:00 - 19:00 | England
On 16th December, 17:00 – 19:00, a virtual event will mark International Migrants Day, considering Displaced people and migration. Luton UNA is planning the following events. For further information, nearer each date, please contact the Chair.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Association (FCDOA)
2024-01-09 11:00 | England
On 13th December, 11:00, the FCDOA is hosting a webinar on Can Diplomacy Save Human Rights?, with speakers Rahmin Sagoo and David Griffiths, both from Chatham House, to be moderated by Dame Audrey Glover, former FCDO legal adviser. The cost is £5. For further information or to register, please email here.
On 9th January, 2024, 11:00, the FCDOA is organising an online talk by Sir Malcolm Evans, Principal of Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford, on UK Engagement with Multilateral Bodies: reflections from an international human rights perspective. The cost is £5. For further information or to register, please email here

Kosovo Force (KFOR)
2024-01-15 15:30 - 18:00 | England
On 15th January, 15:30-1800, at the Tower of London, Heartstone will be holding a photo-documentary exhibition of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) in 2000-2001, entitled KFOR and Kosovo +25, showing a reworking of their original 2001 photo-documentary, ready to mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Resolution that led to the intervention one year later.
Speakers will include Lord George Robertson, NATO Secretary-General at the time of the intervention, Lord David Hannay, Chair UN APPG in Parliament, Ilir Kapiti, HE Ambassador of Kosovo, General Sir Nick Carter, Sita Kumari, Director of Heartstone. Admission will be by invitation only. If you would like an invitation, please email the Director, stating the UNA branch with which you are linked.

The future of Britain's place in this world by Victoria Collins
2024-01-20 10:30 | England
On Saturday 20th January, 10:30, at the Salvation Army, Harpenden AL5 2TG, UNA Harpenden is hosting a talk by Victoria Collins, an experienced internationalist, as well as Liberal Democrat Candidate for Harpenden and Berkhamsted. Please use this link to register for the talk, and also to say if you would like to have lunch with the speaker and others at Pasta Cibo, for which you should then await confirmation.

UNA Warwick District on Post-COP28: a Success or Another Talking Shop?
2024-01-20 12:00 | Zoom
On Saturday 20th January, 12:15 at Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street, CV32 4RT, Warwick and District UNA is holding a hybrid meeting to include their AGM, followed, at 12:30, by Sarah Millar and Jason Garrett, talking about Post-COP28: a Success or Another Talking Shop? Here is the zoom link.

Universal Human Rights: goals for all to reach or mere political construct?
2024-01-23 19:00 | England
On 23rd January, 19:00 in the CPA Room at the Houses of Parliament, UNA Westminster is hosting its AGM, followed by a debate to mark the 75th anniversary of the UDHR on Universal Human Rights: goals for all to reach or mere political construct? Schona Jolly KC, Visiting Professor at Goldsmiths University, will lead the debate, which will be chaired by Baroness Frances D’Souza, former Director, Article 19. This will be followed by a reception. To register, click here.

Climate Champions Team by UNA Twickenham and Richmond (TRUNA)
2024-01-27 12:00 | The Adelaide, 57 Park Rd, Teddington, LONDON, TW11 0AU, United Kingdom
On 27th January, 12:00 TRUNA will be hosting Jon Holloway, Climate Champions Team, to talk about the work of the International Maritime Organisation, the only UN agency headquartered in the UK. This will be followed by the TRUNA AGM, when they will consider the future of TRUNA. The event will be upstairs at The Adelaide,Teddington TW11 0AU (just around the corner from Teddington station). Please let the Secretary know if you plan to attend.

Twickenham and Richmond UNA (TRUNA) AGM
2024-01-27 12:00 | The Adelaide, 57 Park Rd, Teddington, LONDON, TW11 0AU, United Kingdom
On 27th January, 12:00 TRUNA will be hosting Jon Holloway, Climate Champions Team, to talk about the work of the International Maritime Organisation, the only UN agency headquartered in the UK. This will be followed by the TRUNA AGM, when they will consider the future of TRUNA. The event will be upstairs at The Adelaide, Teddington TW11 0AU (just around the corner from Teddington station). Please let the Secretary know if you plan to attend.

Inside Report on Russian Society
2024-02-24 12:30 - 15:00 | Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street, Leamington Spa,, England, CV32 4RN, United Kingdom
On 24th February, 12:30-14:45, UNA Warwick are hosting a hybrid event, at the Leamington Spa Baptist Church, CV32 4RN, on Inside Report on Russian Society, with speaker Dr James Pearce, historian and journalist. Two years since its invasion of Ukraine, Russian society has become more isolated from the west, but the country appears to be coping well. Is this look deceptive? Tea/coffee will be provided; feel free to bring your own lunch. Further enquiries here. The zoom link is here.

UNA Bexhill and Hastings AGM
2024-02-24 13:00 | England
On 24th February, 13:15, at the Quaker Meeting House, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1DG, UNA Bexhill and Hastings are hosting their AGM, followed at 14:00 by a public seminar on Refugees & Migrants and Local Communities, with speakers Sheila Kesby, Barbara Echlin and Bea Rogers discussing how to unite our local communities to welcome refugees and migrants. Please register here.

International Mother Language Day Celebrations
2024-02-25 16:00 - 18:00 | England
On 25th February, 16:00-18:00, UNA Luton is holding a webinar on Purbachal – the Eastern Sky, celebrating International Mother Language Day, which will combine talks, poetry, recitation, singing and a film, with cultural and faith diversity. Contributors include the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Luton Sixth Form College Principal and CEO, local MPs and Mayor. The celebration aims to raise awareness of the importance of multilingual education in the early years, promoting respect for diversity and peace. For further information, please contact here. The zoom link is here.

Avoiding a Broader Middle East War – Building Bridges for Peace Between Israel and Palestine
2024-02-27 18:00 - 20:00 | England
On 27 February, 18:00-20:00, Uniting for Peace are holding their annual Spring Conference (online) on Avoiding a Broader Middle East War – Building Bridges for Peace Between Israel and Palestine, focusing on cultivating harmony. Speakers include Sarah Leah Whitson (Arab World Now), Jonathan Kuttab (Al-Haq and non-Violence International), Tony Greenstein (Palestine Solidarity Campaign), Vijay Mehta (Uniting for Peace), Ahmad Shahidov (Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights). Please register here or use this direct zoom link.

Dag Hammarskjöld's plane crash: The Continuing Search for Truth
2024-02-29 10:30 - 17:00 | England
On 29th February, 10:30 – 17:00, UNA Westminster is hosting an all-day online conference on Dag Hammarskjöld’s plane crash: The Continuing Search for Truth. Our speakers at this all-day online conference will set out the landscape in which the UN inquiry has had to work, the obstacles it has faced, and identify those issues which deserve further and urgent attention. Please register here.

Strengthening Women’s Organisations at Grassroots Level
2024-03-05 19:30 | The Community Church, Werter Road, London, England, London SW15 2LL, United Kingdom
On 5th March, 19:30, at The Community Church, Werter Road, London SW15 2LL (opposite Sainsbury’s), SLUNA is holding an International Women’s Day event, Strengthening Women’s Organisations at Grassroots Level, chaired by Catherine Pluygers, Wandsworth UNA, with convenor Gillian Dare, former diplomat. The speaker will be Sierra Schraff Thomas, Womankind Worldwide. There will be refreshments. For further information, please contact Robert and Meena Storey or Catherine Pluygers.

Political Economy, Internationalism and British thinking about the world
2024-03-09 10:30 | Salvation Army Hostel, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, Salvation Army Hostel, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG, United Kingdom
On Saturday 9th March, 10:30, at the Salvation Army, Harpenden AL5 2TG, UNA Harpenden is hosting a talk by Professor David Egerton, Hans Rausing Professor of the History of Science and Technology and of Modern History at King’s College, on Political Economy, Internationalism and British Thinking. This talk will suggest there was a distinctive British way of thinking about peace and war, often unrecognised by practitioners and critics. Please use this link to register for the talk. If you plan to hurry home after the talk, to join (most of) our Policy Conference online, don’t forget to register here!

LASER Policy Conference
2024-03-09 12:00 | Bermondsey Village Hall, Kirby Grove, London, SE1 3TD
Our 2024 Policy Conference will be held at Bermondsey Village Hall, London SE1 3TD – and online – on 9th March, starting at 12 noon. If you want to join by zoom, please register here. Registrations for attending at the hall are here.
This is your chance to help decide what stance the Region should take on a wide range of international issues. Resolutions need to be on an international topic and must call for action by the UK government or the UN. They can also set out background facts or statements of concern that you would like the Region to support, and they can be put forward by UNA Groups or individual members. You can see our current resolutions – for inspiration and for the framework we use – here. New resolutions need to be 175 words or fewer in total. You can also suggest amendments to existing resolutions which should add not more than 75 words to the total length of the resolution.
If there are no objections, the Policy Committee will make minor edits (to bring them up to date) to Resolutions:
– 7. Financial levy for clean water (remove reference to the 2016 US election)
– 8. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) (remove reference to the Chief Executive election May 2022)
-12. Nuclear weapons (remove reference to June 2022 conference).
The following need updating because things have moved on. We would welcome proposals to help the Policy Committee prepare a draft of a new policy for Resolutions:
– 9. How did Dag Hammarskjold die?
– 14. Our world after the pandemic
– 17. Proposed laws restricting boycotts, divestment or sanctions
– 20. Refugees and Asylum Seekers in London hotels and elsewhere
– 21. Second Voluntary National Review of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Policy Committee will prepare new merged and updated draft resolutions on which amendments can be submitted in the second round of submissions (by 26th February) on:
– Climate Change (combining Resolutions 4, 5, and the AGM Resolutions)
– Israel/Palestine (combining Resolutions 15, 29, AGM Resolution)
– Ukraine
Please send in draft policy resolutions to our Policy Committee Chair by 5pm on Monday 29th January. We shall then share the draft agenda with you in the February Pulse for which you will be able to send in amendments by 26th February.

unveiling of a plaque
2024-03-16 10:30 | England
On 16th March, 10:30, UNA Wandsworth, with the Putney Society, invites you to join them outside Southfields Library for the unveiling of a plaque by Fleur Anderson, MP, followed by a talk by Robin Gerber, to commemorate Eleanor Roosevelt’s formative years in Southfields, where she attended Allenswood School. For further information, please contact the principal organiser.

20th Annual Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen International Law Lecture
2024-03-19 18:30 | Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, England, WC1B 5DQ, United Kingdom
On 19th March, 18:30, at the Alumini Lecture Theatre at SOAS, UNA Westminster, with the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS, is holding its 21st Annual International Law Lecture, on Where are we in combatting impunity? to be presented by Professor Kingsley Abbott of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies. With authoritarianism, instability and conflict on the rise globally, do we have an impossible task? Or are there hopeful signs in the increased use of universal jurisdiction and the rise of a new generation of accountability mechanisms created by UN bodies (including the UN Human Rights Council)? There will be a wine reception following the lecture. Admission free. For full information and to register, please click here.

Israel/Gaza: impacts, human rights and routes to peace
2024-03-21 07:30 - 20:30 | England
On 21st March, 19:00 – 20:30, Amnesty Central England Network are holding an online panel discussion on Israel/Gaza: impacts, human rights and routes to peace. Panellists include Dr Marwan Darweish, Dr Samah Jabr, Professor Lynne Segal, with Chair Dr Alan Kessedjian. They would welcome people linked to UNA. Please register here.

Challenges for Humanitarian Action in Conflicts
2024-03-23 12:30 | Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street, Leamington Spa,, England, CV32 4RN, United Kingdom
On 23rd March, 12:30, at the Leamington Spa Baptist Church, CV32 4RN, UNA Warwick are holding a hybrid meeting on Challenges for Humanitarian Action in Conflicts, with speaker Dr Martin Barber, UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In an armed conflict, the safety, dignity, and livelihoods of civilian populations is the most pressing action and yet often the most difficult to ensure. The zoom link is here.
