FUND RAISING: 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNAS
STATEMENT CUM APPEAL TO ALL DONORS, SUPPORTERS AND WELL-WISHERS, CORPORATE AND NON-CORPORATE.
1. BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE (UNAS)
UNAS was established as a voluntary organization on 29th December 1969, four years after Singapore became an independent state and had joined the United Nations on 21st September 1965
UNAS is registered as a non-government and non-profit organization. Within the United Nations system, UNAS together with other UN Associations affiliated to the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA) represents a People’s Movement in support of the United Nations. In this it is granted consultative status by the UN’s Economic and Social Council. NGOs granted consultative status with the United Nations in effect constitute the ‘Third United Nations.” The first being the permanent missions representing their respective governments at the United Nations and the second made up of the six main organs of the United Nations system namely, the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, the UN Secretariat and the Trusteeship Council.
2. WHY WAS UNAS ESTABLISHED ?
The primary aim of UNAS as stated in its mission statement is as follows:
FOR PEACE WE SERVE.
Its inspiration to serve the cause of peace is best captured in the PREAMBLE to the CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS signed in San Francisco on 26th June 1945 which reads as follows:
WE THE PEOPLES
OF THE UNITED NATIONS
DETERMINED
to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our life-time has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and
to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
to promote social progress and better standards of life and in larger freedom
AND FOR THESE ENDS
to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and
to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods that armed forces shall not be used, save in common interest, and
to employ international machinery for the promotion of economic and social advancement of all peoples.
3. WHY IS THE UNITED NATIONS IMPORTANT TO SINGAPORE AND ITS PEOPLE ?
REASONS
(a) The United Nations is the source and repository of International Law. Such laws in the form of treaties, conventions, protocols and judicial decisions made by the International Court of Justice ensure that states abide by them in their relations with each other be it political, economic or purely operational such rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the sea-lanes and air passages. As a country dependent on international trade, tourism and cross-border communication, it is important for Singapore to play its part in safe-guarding the proper, smooth and responsible observance of international law as upheld by the United Nations. In this way, there is peace, stability and predictability.
(b) Equally important, is that the United Nations offers protection to small member states like Singapore in the light of potential attacks or invasion by states with territorial ambitions. As the moral authority defending “state sovereignty” and “non-interference” in the internal affairs of a state, the United Nations through the General Assembly and Security Council is duty bound to uphold and protect the two inter-twined precepts.
(c) The various Specialized Agencies (such as WHO, UNESCO, ITU, IMF) of the United Nations; its Regional Commissions (ESCAP etc.) and its subsidiary bodies (such as UNDP, UNIFEM, UNEP etc.) are valuable sources of aid and technical assistance for developing countries Singapore was a major beneficiary of technical advice and assistance provided by the UN Development Fund (UNDP) in the early years of self-government in its overall development strategy. Since then Singapore has become a net donor – a change of role that is welcomed by the United Nations.
(d) As a city-state exposed to the vagaries of international developments not always predictable or desired, it is important that Singaporeans be actively engaged in the events and decisions that unfold within and without the region of Southeast Asia in order to remain ahead of the curve. The United Nations as the all-encompassing entity leading the global agenda for development, human rights, environmental protection, peace, security, universal literacy, health care, fair trade, protection of refugees and the stateless and a host of other initiatives not to mention the continuous battle against poverty and starvation. By being engaged, we can make a difference, however, modest. Directly and indirectly, the United Nations touches everyone’s life.
(e)Last, but not least, it would be appropriate to cite a modern adage so often proffered as advice to one and all. It is: THINK GLOBAL AND ACT LOCAL. In brief what it means is that it is not enough to rely merely on diplomas and degrees to get ahead in life. It is equally important to have knowledge of international affairs and a feel of the world around us in order to be effective and successful. Singaporeans of all ages who join the professions would do well to take heed. If anything, increasingly Singaporeans are having to acquire an international outlook to plan and strategize their business or professional activities. UNAS in its capacity as the national body propagating the aims and objectives of the United Nations will continue to make its services available in order to meet this important need.
(4) WHAT HAS UNAS DONE TILL NOW TO SERVE TO THE CAUSE OF PEACE?
The activities and programs of UNAS are of two broad categories viz.,
(a) those EDUCATIONAL in scope and intent and
(b) those aimed at providing HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF.
The EDUCATIONAL efforts made thus far include:
(1)Annual UNAS Seminar on the United Nations for members of the Association, students of Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, and Universities as well as interested members of the public at large. Speakers at these seminars include, UN officials, University dons, diplomats, corporate leaders and others knowledgeable in UN affairs.
(2)Occasional public talks on international issues. From time to time, UNAS has undertaken to launch important UN reports and publications to create awareness either alone or in partnership with educational and research organizations. They include the annual HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT produced by the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN published by UN CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF).
(3)Annual UN Quiz for Junior College students which ran for two decades and aimed at testing the students’ general knowledge of the UN.
(4) UNAS publications on UN affairs in the form of bulletins, papers and books. To keep up to date with developments at the UN, the UNAS website carries regular features on current and future events at the UN.
(5)UNAS Internship Program for Junior College students, under-graduates and post-graduates as well as working adults who wish to deepen their knowledge of the UN. In this interns are required to conduct a supervised research study on a UN topic.
(6)UNAS Young Diplomat Scheme (YDS) which involve research and written submissions to questions on the UN, its history, evolution and development.
(7)on the one hand, and the role of the UN in development, peace-keeping,protection of the environment, disarmament and human rights on the other. Successful participants are awarded a Gold Medal and Certificate of Commendation.
(8)Field studies and visits to UN New York, UN Geneva, UN Bangkok, including the UN University in Tokyo for UNAS members, students and interested members of the public.
(9)UN Model Conferences. Over the years, UNAS has sent student delegations to represent Singapore. At home, UNAS has facilitated the holding of such meetings by schools, colleges and universities. Members of the UNAS Board of Directors have also been invited to attend such meetings as speakers as well as guests-of-honor. UNAS has also donated a handsome challenge shield as an encouragement.
(10) Blue-Capper Fellowship. This Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of peace and/or demonstrated capabilities in peace advocacy especially through research and publications. Four fellowships have been awarded since February 2010.
(11) Introductory Course on the UN for those who wish to gain a better understanding of the UN and the roles of its main organs, Specialized Agencies, regional development commissions, UN councils, programs and other subsidiary bodies.
The HUMANITARIAN efforts include:
(1) Donations made to local social and welfare organizations include donation of an ambulance to the Sree Narayana Home for the Aged Sick. To encourage greater efforts in helping the sick, physically handicapped, needy and poor, UNAS instituted the MOST OUTSTANDING CIVIC ORGANIZATION AWARD for 6 years running (1983 – 1989) to recognize the contributions of social and welfare organizations in Singapore. Similarly, UNAS also awarded the Media Peace Price for the most outstanding article or book on peace.
(2) At the height of the Vietnamese war in the 1970s, UNAS made substantial donations of food, clothes and medicines for refugee relief through the UN High Commission for Refugees. Such humanitarian support has continued to the present day with the inclusion of disaster relief. Significant cash donations have also been given to support the work of UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP (World Food Program), WHO (World Health Organization)) and UNIFEM (UN Fund for Women) in Asia. Several months ago, UNAS with the support and co-operation of schools raised $50.000 to support UNICEF’s work in war-torn Darfur. When typhoon Nargis struck, UNAS again working with schools collected cartons of books for distribution to the children of Cambodia and Myanmar. Currently, it is working with Singapore Red Cross to transport rice donated for disaster relief to the needy in the Philippines.
(3) Less in the public’s eyes is the service provided by UNAS to appeals for help, and advice from individuals and occasionally families stranded in Singapore.
Most either sought political asylum or refugee status. Such cases are normally referred to UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta under an informal working relationship with UNAS.
UNAS also receives a continuous flow of requests for information on UN and UN-related matters from businesses and corporations on matters relating to UN procurement procedures as well as UN Security Council sanctions in force.
Of late, consequent on requests made by several UN specialized agencies to assist in examining Singapore-based applicants for UN positions, UNAS has put in a place a mechanism to assist the process. In May this year, it undertook to process the first applicant. In this, the UNAS website also carries relevant information and announcements on work and employment at the UN.
Last, but not least, UNAS also receives a continuous flow of requests from students doing projects on the UN for information, advice and guidance. In this connection, UNAS Board members have also offered their services and support to educational institutions by giving talks on the UN or by supporting UN events by their presence.
(4) WHAT DOES UNAS PLAN TO DO FOR THE FUTURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY?
FOR UNAS, CELEBRATION OF ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY MARKS A MILESTONE IN ITS HISTORY.
In the last 40 years, UNAS have achieved much in carrying out its stated mission as spelt in Section 2 of this statement. Obviously, more can be done to support the aims and purposes of the UN. It is in this regard that UNAS would warmly welcome every help and assistance from the public at large to achieve a greater impact. The celebration of its 40th Anniversary will be topped by efforts to raise funds in furtherance of UNAS’ educational and humanitarian activities and programs.
Three events have been planned to raise funds by UNAS. They are
(a) a Gala Dinner to be held at the prestigious Shangrila Hotel
(b) a Golf Tournament and
(c) a Globe Construct to depict the UN’s presence in different parts of the world at a Shopping Mall.
Requests for help and assistance from educational and humanitarian organizations (both local and foreign) are many and increasing. By contributing to the funds needed, Singaporeans as a people can do much to help each other as well as help others in the spirit of shared humanity. Similarly, the educational programs of UNAS can reach out to more people to make them more engaged.. It might be pertinent to mention in this regard, that event organizers of activities in support of the UN quite often approach UNAS for funding as a first resort.
As a voluntary and non-profit organization, UNAS is managed entirely by volunteers. None of its Board members receives payments of salary or allowance. It also receives no regular grant from any source to fund its activities including the UN. The number and variety of programs it is able to offer depend almost entirely on well-wishers, public donations and corporate sponsorships..
UNAS, therefore, seeks your support and appeals to your generosity to enable it to fulfill its mission of peace. The UN is everybody’s business and calls for active engagement
It is hoped that this statement cum appeal has given you a better appreciation of UNAS.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
With Best wishes and warmest regards.
President & Board of Directors,
UNAS