In September world leaders convened to renew the push to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2015. In December the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights will turn 60. The end of 2009 marks the deadline for the UN to broker a new global deal to rein in climate change. And between now and 2010, states will be preparing for a major conference at the UN on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which commits states to the ultimate goal of complete nuclear disarmament.

LOBBY FOR THE UN, an annual campaign led by UNA-UK and partner Action for UN Renewal, promotes dialogue between voters and MPs about these challenges, their impact on the UK, and the government's contribution to the UN's efforts to overcome global problems.

On 23 October - the day before UN Day - UNA-UK held an event to kick-off this campaign. The launch was chaired by UNA-UK's Chair, Lord Hannay of Chiswick, and featured the following presentations:

• Rebecca Holmes, Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute, on gender and the Millennium Development Goals - click here to read Rebecca's presentation.
• Andreas Persbo, Senior Researcher at VERTIC, on efforts to reinvigorate multilateral nuclear disarmament
• Louise King, UK Policy Adviser at Save the Children UK, on the UK's record on child rights

ABOVE:Andres Persbo speaking at the 2008/9 launch of UNA-UK's Lobby for the UN

How to get involved:

Click here for briefings on the MDGs, nuclear disarmament, human rights and climate change.