About Us

Why Work at the United Nations?

Jonathan Gallagher

The United Nations is the International Forum to which all Nation States are invited. It provides an arena for information, debate, conflict resolution, international treaties, resource development, social action programs, education improvement, health issues, humanitarian aid coordination, disarmament negotiations, in short, all areas of human life and society.

Like any human institution, the UN is far from perfect. However, it is the primary meeting point between countries, and serves a useful function in diplomacy, negotiation, and recommendation. Its development of international conventions and treaties provides a basic framework for many fundamental rights and principles, not the least in such areas as religious freedom and human rights, resolution of violence and war, nuclear disarmament, chemical and biological weapons, women's rights, ecology, sustainable development, humanitarian aid and development etc.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a history of representation at national and international organizations. Church representatives spoke before the US Congress in the 1890's and at the League of Nations in the 1930's. Adventists believe that they should be part of civil society and share their beliefs and programs with a wider community. In addition, Adventists fully support programs that seek to alleviate poverty, suffering, disease, violence, and other problems, while also seeking to inform the UN and other organizations of the beliefs and programs of the Church.

The best answer to the question "Why Work at the UN?" is that it provides us with a unique opportunity to speak with high-level diplomats and leaders, to share our message and mission, and to have a voice in decisions that affect the whole world. It would be a tragedy to fail to make use of this opportunity to work together with a wide range individuals and organizations to make a real difference to so many people. If we truly believe that we have a program and message that is essential, then we cannot ignore the possibilities provided by access and participation at the UN and other global organizations. We are not called to work for one group or people alone, but to work for all people. The UN provides a wonderful way to fulfill this commission.

What will the future bring? We know that the solutions to this world's problems are a huge challenge, and that without divine aid, will be impossible to solve. But that is no reason not to do our part and to maintain our work, occupying till He comes. So many can be helped through our liaison program at the UN, and we count it a privilege to represent the Church and the God that we love at such an important assembly.