New York: In a unique achievement for India, the United Nations Associations (UNAs) of the United States of America, as well as China, came together in support of an Indian candidate for the post of vice chairman of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), a global UN advocacy body headquartered at the United Nations premises in New York.
The Indian candidate, Suresh Srivastava, a senior advocate and secretary general of the Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA – an affiliate body of WFUNA), got unanimously elected as vice chairman of the world body at its executive committee meeting held on June 15, 2023, WFUNA announced in New York on June 15, 2024. In an email to him, Hu Wenli, Director-General of UNA-China, wrote, “I’m writing to assure our endorsement for you as vice-chairman of ExCo, which we have communicated to the acting Secretary-General. I look forward to further cooperation with you and between our UNAs”.
The Executive Committee is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of WFUNA, a global nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the work of the United Nations and its goals of peace and development. It elected Shawn Chen of UNA Georgia as WFUNA president, Teta Banks of UNA USA as chairperson, Bonian Golmohammadi as secretary-general and Ramaz Aptsiauri of UNA Georgia as treasurer.
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As the new vice chairman of WFUNA, Srivastava will play a key role in shaping the organization’s policies and priorities, as well as helping to advance its mission around the world.
In his statement, Srivastava expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and said: “I am honoured and humbled to be unanimously elected as the Vice Chairman of WFUNA. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to contribute to the important work of advancing the United Nations’ goals of peace and development, and to work alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate people in the world.”
Srivastava brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of international relations and diplomacy to this role. He has been actively involved in promoting the work of the United Nations and its agencies for over two decades and has played a key role in advancing IFUNA’s mission of strengthening India’s engagement with the United Nations and promoting global peace and development. Under his leadership, IFUNA has grown significantly in size and scope and has become a leading voice for the UN in India and beyond. Srivastava has also been actively involved in the work of WFUNA for many years and has served on its Executive Committee.
His unanimous election as vice chairman of WFUNA highlights the important role of IFUNA and India in advancing the work of the United Nations and promoting peace and development worldwide.
