WHO WE ARE

The United Nations Association of Rochester (UNAR), founded in 1945, is a non-profit organization and a local chapter of United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), located in the Upstate New York region. The UNAR promotes civic debate and discussion of global, social and economic policies. As a chapter of the nation’s largest grassroots foreign policy organization, UNAR works to encourage members of the greater Rochester community to address global issues such as human rights, international justice, sustainable development, and fair trade.

United Nations Association of Rochester History

The United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) is a movement of Americans dedicated to supporting the United Nations. With over 20,000 members (60% under the age of 25) and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that each of us can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNAR Mission

The United Nations Association of Rochester is dedicated to supporting, in the Greater Rochester area, the strengthening of the United Nations system and the role of the United States in that system, and to promoting multilateral efforts to advance the goals of the United Nations Charter, such as human rights and global peace.

On October 24, 1945, at the end of World War II, the United Nations was born out of the desire to replace the League of Nations with a more successful international peace organization. Later that same fall, a group of Rochesterians met and formed RAUN, the Rochester Association for the United Nations. RAUN included many prominent local leaders, and was soon growing rapidly. Along with supporting the UN concepts of global cooperation and interdependence, RAUN focused on strong local programs. We supported discussions and education through the Great Decisions study groups and active speakers bureau. To support young people becoming involved in international affairs, we built a strong Model UN program.

In 1995, RAUN was renamed United Nations Association of Rochester, or UNAR, to show our membership and support for the United Nations Association of the United States of America, or UNA-USA. In the year 2000 and beyond, UNAR is determined to serve our community and nation in the struggle for international cooperation and peace.

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