As part of our series about smaller charities, we shine a spotlight on the United Nations Association of the Isle of Man (Charity 371A) which has been registered here since 1987.

We spoke to the group’s secretary, Christina Corkill, about the work they do.

Who are you / What do you do?

The United Nations is a unique international organisation founded in 1945.

Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN remains the one forum where all the world’s nations discuss global problems and search for shared solutions - whether for peace and security, development and human rights, or the environment and climate change.

While the UN itself is an intergovernmental body, citizens from many nations have formed UN Associations which support UN principles and advocate for its agencies and programmes, as well as promoting friendship between peoples.

The Isle of Man became part of this in 1985, when Charles Colvington set up the IoM United Nations Association as a distinct national entity.

It provides a forum for discussion of international affairs.

For example, in 2019, The Charles Colvington Trust was formed to assist Manx postgraduate students to participate in educational courses at the UN offices in Geneva.

The aim of the Trust is to grant opportunities to younger generations interested in world affairs.

Regarding the internship programme, the UNAIOM website states that:

The United Nations internship programme at Geneva is intended for students:

l enrolled in an advanced degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) at the time of application;

l or enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);

l graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship either prior to graduation, or within a one year period of graduation.

Internships are intended to promote a better understanding of international problems among participants and to provide them with an insight into the work of the United Nations.

Interns are not paid by the UN.

The Colvington Trust may assist up to three eligible Isle of Man students each year who accept offers of internship from the UN Geneva office.

Funding will cover travel and accommodation costs only, up to a maximum value of £3,000 per intern, and also for a maximum of three months, although the internship may continue for a longer period at the intern’s own expense.

Arrangements for travel and accommodation are to be made by the intern; helpful advice on accommodation is offered by the UN.

Specific current internship vacancies can be found at: http:// careers.un.org by selecting Category as ’Internships’ and Duty Station as ’Geneva’.

Click on the internship which interests you for further details and, if desired, proceed to online application.

The UNAIOM then asks that you let them know as soon as you have received a firm offer from the UN which you have decided to accept.

Send them a copy of the offer and let them know the period of internship.

On completion of your internship, you would then send a report to the UN Association of the IoM.

Christina continued: ’The Association hosts a series of lunchtime talks throughout the year highlighting different aspects of the UN’s work and aims.

This past year’s speakers include: MHKs, professors, journalists and retired UN personnel.

All members are automatically invited to attend these informative lectures, designed to develop a global perspective.

The UN Association also supports ’Be Part of Youth 2030’ and actively encourages those under 25 to become members of the Association by offering free membership.

Others are welcome to the join for an annual subscription of £20.

Members are truly eclectic, coming from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences.

What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment since forming?

A recent highlight was the annual UN Model Security Council event, which is held in the Legislative Buildings [in Douglas].

Sixth-form students from all the island’s schools gather to play the role of 14 of the 15 actual member states of the UNSC, the 15th being the UK, in the role of chair.

This year, Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson MHK was invited to be chair, with President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly MLC acting as UN secretary general.

Students are presented in advance with an imagined scenario threatening international peace - this year an escalating crisis in the South China Sea.

The dispute is then debated by students in plenary and in breakout groups for rounds of diplomacy, leading to the construction of a resolution to be voted on and hopefully approved, without incurring a veto, from any of the five permanent member countries: China, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to be introduced to international relations, work with their peers from other schools, to practice public debate and to learn the value of give-and-take.

This year’s event was held on the February 4, having been postponed from before Christmas, due to Covid.

The individual prize went to David Cowin acting as Norway.

The team winners were Ballakermeen High School, with Cerys Davies and Angela Boyd representing China, and Mika Chen and Deni Petrova playing the Philippines.

Prizes were awarded by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, and honouree patron of the UNAIoM, Sir John Lorimer.

l All secondary school students on-island are members of the Association and can attend events for free.

You can find more information about the United Nations Association Isle of Man at their website: www.unaiom.org

l We feature charities in this column across all three of our publications, for free.

If you would like to see your charity featured, please email [email protected]