Stephen Rudgard (Chair) and Nicholas Rosellini (Vice-Chair) attended the United Nations Day Reception marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, hosted by the United Nations Association of the UK (UNA-UK) in partnership with the Embassy of Slovenia. The event was held in a suite at Central Hall Westminster in London, which was the location for the first UN General Assembly. The event brought together stakeholders from across government, the diplomatic community, civil society, business, media, and academia. Stephen and Nicholas used the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration between UNA-UK and BAFUNCS with Jane Kinninmont, Chief Executive Officer, UNA–UK and Ian Martin, Chair of the Board (also a BAFUNCS member of the London region). They noted that Nicholas will participate in a consultation on the new UNA-UK strategy on behalf of BAFUNCS, which will be held later in 2025.
In the more formal part of the reception, Jane Kinninmont welcomed guests, talked briefly about key events in the history of the UN, and explained the approach being taken to strengthen UNA-UK’s programme of work. Jane invited Sanja Štiglic, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the UK to speak, who described the role of her country in the UN including its current membership of the Security Council. Philip Dixon, UN and Multilateral Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, was then invited to describe the current strategy of the UK Government in its support to the UN. Finally, Ian Martin presented the Sir Brian Urquhart Award, UNA-UK’s signature honour recognising distinguished service to the United Nations, to Ben Majekodunmi, Chief of Staff, UNRWA. The latter gave an acceptance speech which included an intense and moving description of the work of UNWRA.
Other BAFUNCS members invited to the reception who attended included Martin Barber (LON), Mark Bowden (LON), and Andrew Whitley (OXF).
Photo legend: Foreground from left to right: Ben Majekodunmi, Andrew Whitley, Clare Short, Sanja Štiglic, and Ian Martin.
