Centre to be voice of UN in Scotland

Published on 20/09/2012 12:00

A NEW centre, which aims to become the voice of the United Nations in Scotland, will open in Edinburgh today.

UN House Scotland brings together a range of agencies working to support and promote the values of the UN.

It will be officially opened today by Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for External Affairs and International Development.

The new centre, the first in the UK, based in Edinburgh’s Hunter Square, aims to raise awareness of the work of the UN in addressing issues such as health, child welfare, women’s rights, nuclear non-proliferation, water scarcity and climate change.

UN House Scotland will also work to support the implementation of major UN Conventions, and act as a platform for dialogue between civic Scotland and the United Nations network.

The office will also act as a resource centre for policy makers, academics, students and members of the public with an interest in UN issues.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, said: “I am proud to welcome the opening of UN House Scotland. The agencies and organisations who will work here already make a significant contribution to civic life in Scotland. By bringing their combined expertise together, their impact can only be enhanced.

“The establishment of a UN House in Edinburgh is a recognition of Scotland’s long and proud history as a nation with an international approach and a concern to play its part in tackling global poverty, inequality and injustice. We are a nation that has always looked beyond our own borders.”

The new shared facility will house representatives from eight UN affiliated organisations.