We are pleased to publish our Autumn Newsletter, 2026; hard copies for members who still wish to receive them, will be in the mail shortly. BAFUNCS Autumn Newsletter 2026

The BAFUNCS Career Paths Programme (CPP) organized eight events in the 2025-2026 academic year in which over 700 students participated. The student participants were at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a wide range of disciplines. The seven events in British universities were often hosted either by the student-level United Nations Association or Society, and/or were organized in partnership with an academic department, and in some cases the university careers service was involved to ensure a broader promotion of the event across the entire student body. The CPP event at the London International Model UN Conference was hosted by the secretariat. Ten BAFUNCS members with a variety of UN experiences across development, humanitarian and peacebuilding programming acted as panelists.  The panels were all moderated by a post-graduate student from the host institution. Most events were in-person, with two adopting a blended format that included participation through a webcast, and one event was online only. The events all started with a presentation showing the structure of the UN and the breadth of the its work, and all the career possibilities beyond the better known inter-governmental aspects. The presentation was followed by a conversation between the moderator and the panelists on three pre-set questions. That was followed by a Q&A session, in which the students were always engaged and asked many questions. If you have left the UN within the last five years and are interested in being a panellist, please send a message to partnerships@bafuncs.org.    

FAFICS President Letter 6th August 2026 First Letter from Darshak Shah, the new FAFICS President, to the Member Associations

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: Wreath-laying Ceremony The Cenotaph, Whitehall, London BAFUNCS was represented by Carole Harris, Bella Evidente and Kamran Mashhadi A Tribute video  is available below.  The Event – The ceremony at the Cenotaph on 21 May 2026 was a solemn and dignified commemoration of United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of international peace and security. The presence of BAFUNCS at the ceremony underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of United Nations personnel. Our overall impression was one of deep respect, quiet unity, and a shared commitment to honouring sacrifice. The event blended symbolism, protocol, and emotion in a way that underscored the global significance of peacekeeping. Ceremonial Atmosphere The atmosphere was marked by a profound sense of reverence. Whitehall, usually busy and loud, felt transformed into a space of collective reflection. The stillness of the crowd, the measured pace of the proceedings, and the presence of uniformed personnel created a powerful emotional backdrop. The silence before the wreath‑laying was particularly striking, amplifying the gravity of the moment. The sound of the bugle and the lowering of heads during the act of remembrance reinforced the solemnity of the occasion. 2. Participants and BAFUNCS Representation  The ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, reflecting the international nature of UN peacekeeping. Representatives from diplomatic missions, UK government officials, military personnel, veterans, members of the UN community and BAFUNCS team were present. Their presence conveyed solidarity across nations and institutions, emphasising that peacekeeping is a shared global responsibility. Symbolism of the Wreath‑Laying The act of laying wreaths by BAFUNCS Representatives Carole Harris and Bella Evidente at the Cenotaph carried significant symbolic weight. Each wreath represented remembrance, gratitude, and the enduring commitment to peace. The Cenotaph itself, as a national memorial, provided a fitting and historically resonant setting. The visual contrast of the wreaths against the stone monument served as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the value of peacekeeping missions. Reflections on Peacekeeping The ceremony prompted reflection on the broader role of UN peacekeepers. It highlighted the courage and professionalism of individuals who serve in complex, often dangerous environments. It underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in preventing conflict, protecting civilians, and supporting stability. The event reinforced the idea that peacekeeping is not only operational but also moral-rooted in the belief that global peace is achievable through collective actio Impressions of BAFUNCS Representative Impressions of the BAFUNCS team reflected that the ceremony successfully balanced formality with emotional resonance. The dignity of the proceedings honoured the fallen without spectacle. The presence of diverse participants created a sense of shared humanity. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of peacekeeping in a world still marked by conflict and instability.     Conclusion The wreath‑laying ceremony at the Cenotaph was a meaningful and well‑executed commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It provided a space for reflection, gratitude, and reaffirmation of the values that underpin peacekeeping efforts worldwide. The impressions formed during the event reinforce the importance of remembering those who have served and recognising the continued need for global cooperation in pursuit of peace and calls for strengthening the role of UN for the betterment of the humanity. Bella Evidente. Carole Harris, Kamran Mashhadi