The following is a statement from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on this historic ceasefire:

"I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented.

​From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
 
Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict. The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer. It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support. The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels."

Join the first UNA-USA General Membership Meeting and New Member Orientation of 2025! This virtual program -- Monday, January 13 @ 3 PM ET/2 PM CT/12 PM PT -- will combine meetings and allow for new and seasoned members alike to hear announcements, learn more about UNA-USA programs and initiatives, network with others in their region, and more!
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The business portion of the meeting (not the breakout rooms) will be recorded and made available to members.

On January 2, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), along with 14 colleagues, celebrated the United Nations General Assembly's groundbreaking adoption of a resolution establishing a second Decade for People of African Descent. The Second Decade, spanning from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034, was co-sponsored by 87 UN Member States and adopted by consensus, reflecting broad international support. 

The initiative comes after Congressman Johnson and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)  introduced a resolution November 20, 2024, that called for a second United Nations-designated International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) and pushed for comprehensive actions to combat racism and foster inclusion at national and international levels.

"The United Nations' proclamation of a second Decade for People of African Descent is a monumental step toward justice and equity," said Congressman Johnson. "It reflects our shared responsibility to address systemic inequities and uplift the contributions of people of African descent globally. I am proud to lead this effort and grateful for the international community's support."

“I am proud that the UN adopted a resolution to establish a second ‘International Decade for People of African Descent,’ which Representative Hank Johnson and I called for in Congress last month," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “With this declaration, the UN has renewed a global commitment to people of African descent. The United States must uphold this promise by helping to pursue justice, ensure sustainable development, and address systemic and structural racism for Afro-descendants here at home and across the world.”

“This resolution establishing the Second Decade for People of African Descent is truly historic; it reflects our shared values that all human beings are born free with equal dignity and rights,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We have a moral responsibility to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora and to highlight the ongoing fight for racial equity. This resolution reaffirms our support for progress implementing policies that address the history of institutional racism.”
 
“This is a new opportunity to truly advance racial justice, reparations, protect African based spiritualities, increase global political participation of afrodescendants and the specific rights of women, LGBTQ, children, and migrants. We will work with Rep. Johnson and others to help advance this agenda,” said Gimena Sanchez Director for the Andes, WOLA.
 
The resolution was championed by Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) with the support of several key cosponsors, including Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Danny K. Davis, Raúl M. Grijalva, Barbara Lee, James P. McGovern (MA-2), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-3), as well as Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1), Gwen Moore (WI-4), and Summer L. Lee (PA-12).

The United Nations Association of Atlanta joins the nation and the world in mourning the passing today of President Jimmy Carter, a true champion of peace, human and civil rights, and global development.

As the 39th President of the United States, his unwavering commitment to diplomacy and humanitarian values inspired countless individuals to work toward a more just and equitable world. Beyond his presidency, his tireless efforts through The Carter Center uplifted millions, addressing critical issues such as health, democracy, and conflict resolution.

President Carter’s legacy of service and compassion will forever remain a beacon of hope for all who believe in the power of humanity to effect positive change.​

Our thoughts are with the Carter family and all who mourn his profound loss.

Every year on December 5, we come together to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD), a global observance designated by the United Nations to recognize the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to create a better world. IVD is a chance for individual volunteers, communities, and organizations to promote their contributions to development at the local, national, and international levels. 

At UNA-Atlanta, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ mission. Your efforts—whether through advocacy, education, or community service—play a vital role in promoting peace, equality, and sustainability. ​Thank you to our members for making a difference locally and globally as part of the UNA-USA network.

Get Involved: Become an Online Volunteer
Volunteering has never been more accessible. In today’s interconnected world, volunteerism has taken on new forms, enabling you to contribute from anywhere.

Did you know you can become an online volunteer and directly support the United Nations in delivering on its mandate? By leveraging your skills and expertise, you can assist UN agencies and partner organizations in addressing critical global challenges, from reducing inequality to combating climate change. 

Join the growing community of online volunteers committed to making the world a better place. Learn more ​about how you can get involved by watching this video:

Whether online or in-person, your commitment to service makes a profound impact. On this International Volunteer Day, let’s celebrate the power of collective action and renew our pledge to create a brighter future for all.
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Thank you for being an essential part of the UNA-Atlanta community and for championing the United Nations’ mission. 

UNA-Atlanta stands in solidarity with global partners in the annual campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" from November 25 to December 10.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world.

There is #NoExcuse for violence against women.

"We the Peoples..."

Named for the inspiring opening words of the UN Charter, the UN Foundation’s Global Leadership Awards recognized seven remarkable honorees who, in their own ways, are blazing a trail toward a better future for all.     
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On November 21 in New York City, the diplomatic community, along with philanthropic, corporate, and civil society partners, joined the UN Foundation to celebrate this year’s honorees.

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) today reintroduced a resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment to advancing racial justice, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting the rights and dignity of people of African descent globally.

The resolution calls for a second United Nations-designated International Decade for People of African Descent (2025 – 2034) and calls for national and international actions to combat racism and foster inclusion. 

“The first International Decade for People of African Descent laid important groundwork, but pervasive systemic inequities continue to challenge communities across the worldwide African diaspora,” said Congressman Johnson. “This resolution recognizes the urgent need to strengthen our efforts, both domestically and globally, to dismantle barriers and create opportunities that promote justice and equality.”
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“Over 200 million people of African descent reside in the Americas alone, and our unique contributions have enriched societies across the globe,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The UN’s ‘International Decade for People of African Descent’ has advanced global efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, and I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Rep. Johnson calling for a continuation of this work into a second decade.”