On Wednesday of Week 9, students and staff alike were treated to a fabulous multicultural evening, celebrating the formal re-establishment of Lancaster’s United Nations Association.
The event, which was held in the Management School, looked to introduce this new society to Lancaster students and highlight the importance of organisations like the UN through many mediums. It also raised funds in aid of UNICEF.
Guests enjoyed songs from a number of performers, including the very talented ‘Timmy’ from Nigeria, traditional Chinese music, a variety of dance performances from India and the Arab states, rounded off with a wonderful fashion show, allowing the audience time to admire the beautiful traditional garments of various nations.
Lancaster is one of fifty university branches of this U.K-wide organisation, which was founded 1945, the same year as the United Nations. Seen as a grass roots organisation, the UNA Youth is also well known as a leading authority on policy and UN goals. UNA Youth as an organisation looks to raise awareness of the UN and its aims of education, advocacy and activism.
Editor and Publicity officer of LU-UNA, Anthony Humphries, said: “tonight is a fantastic way to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity, alongside key UN aims, like sustainable social and economic development and human rights.”
The event was also attended by the current President of UNA Youth UK, Stephen Vanson, who was very impressed with the evening’s display. He said: “Tonight the Lancaster branch of UNA Youth UK has done us proud; it’s easy to see that Society President, Hassan Azad, and his team have worked so hard to host such an amazing event. I know Lancaster UNA Youth UK is ready to represent its university.”
The group is already looking to attract more members and make their mark on Lancaster’s students. LU-UNA has begun to organise a whole host of social and charitable events throughout the academic year to engage Lancaster’s student body. However, they’ve also got some other big plans in the pipeline.
LU-UNA President, Hassan Azad said: “We’ve got so many opportunities for students in the next few months, including organising a research conference in conjunction with other branches of the UNA Youth and we’re even looking to publish a journal of our member’s interesting articles. So come along, get involved and help make a difference!”
For more information visit: www.lu-una.org or www.facebook.com/luuna.org
