United Nations Association Scotland Putting Policy into Practice

United Nations Association Scotland Putting Policy into Practice Festival of Politics Friday 26 August 2011

United Nations Association Scotland n n n Outline of Presentation 1. UNA as a local civil society organisation 2. Branches in Scotland 3. Themes for our work – from UN policy 4. From Policy to Practice 5. Concluding Comments

United Nations Association Scotland n n We are a civil society organisation Our activities build awareness of and support for the UN at a local level We aim to influence decision makers and opinion shapers about UN-themed issues Through our work we hope to inspire and educate people about the UN

United Nations Association Scotland n n n n Branches in Scotland Aberdeen Edinburgh Glasgow Highlands St Andrews UNYSA Young Professionals Network

United Nations Association Scotland THEMES FOR OUR WORK n n n n Climate Change and Sustainability International Development Human Rights Middle East Model United Nations Nuclear Non Proliferation Peace-building and Conflict Resolution

From Policy to Practice Nuclear Non Proliferation at UN Levels NPT Reviews – five yearly Preparatory Conferences n NPT Review 2010 - in plenary & three parallel sessions, ‘three pillars’ of the Conference – nuclear disarmament; nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear materials in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Nuclear Non Proliferation 2010 Main Issues of Contention n n Whether NW States have upheld their previous commitments to disarmament: NO says Iran – new delivery systems of US at $100 b and other ‘developments’ and ‘improvements’ break the 2000 NPT Review Whethere will be a Convention in 2012 – not wished for by NW States - or a meeting to define issues for ME NWFZ - possibly; Israel needs to be mentioned, says Iran Language of the document needs great improvement says Libya – they will host another Review Conference in 2011 for further discussions and the production of a different text with more focused language Role of IAEA and whether Iran will sign up to IAEA and AP (no indication that they will, at least not whilst NW States in breach of their obligations)

NPT Review Into Practice Conferences at Scottish Parliament Reports sent to all MSPs, MPs, attendees; to all Branches of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) n Also off-the-record ‘Conversations’ with WFUNA members on Middle East issues

UN Into UNA Practice n n n Conference on Middle East Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Final Communique of 2010 NPT Review No States Parties taking this forward Role of Civil Society to keep it on the Agenda CONFERENCE in SCOTLAND 2012

Concluding Comments n n n There are two things UNA civil society organisations can do: Keep controversial issues on our agendas; Ensure that national governments are aware of these issues and are encouraged to act at international and UN levels

Contacts n n n Face. Book Page: UN in Scotland UNA Edinburgh website: http: //unaedinburgh. com UNA Edinburgh email: martinverity@blueyonder. co. uk