Nara Chapter of the Japan United Nations Association

Purpose

• The United Nations (UN) is an organization consisting of independent countries who pledge to cooperate to achieve peace and social and economic development around the world. In 1945, when the Second World War ended, the UN was established by 51 countries. Today, it has 191 member countries and has been involved in activities aimed at world peace and human well-being.
• In order to realize the objectives of the UN, both support from local citizens and international cooperation are indispensable. Japan became a member of the United Nations in 1956.
• Nara Prefecture founded the headquarters of the Nara Chapter of the United Nations Association in order to realize the aims of UN. Since then we have worked to educate people about the role of the UN, and have also lobbied for more citizen support of UN activities.
• Out goal is to develop projects related to the UN. In doing so, we hope to provide a much broader range of support for, and cooperation with, the UN.

Organization

The Headquarters of the United Nations Association of Japan is located in Tokyo. Each prefecture has its own chapter.

Address

Representative

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Yoshiya Kakimoto, Governor of Nara Prefecture

Membership

Anyone who agrees with the aims of the UN can join the association. Please contact the office of the Nara Chapter regarding membership.
Members are given priority in participation in events held by the association.
Members receive the magazines "Sekai no Ugoki" (World Trends) and "Kokuren Nyuzu" (UN News) monthly, and "Sekai no Kuni Ichiranhyo" (List of Nations) once a year.
Number of members: 262 (As of April 1st, 2008)

Membership Fees

Main Activities

＜Open to Non-Members＞

Speeches and Seminars

The Nara Chapter of the UN holds lecture seminars that provide prefectural citizens with the opportunity to consider the issues of international peace and cooperation. These seminars also commemorate the International Year designated by the UN General Assembly.

Implementation of the United Nations Association's Test of English (UNATE)

Two of the association's goals are educating people about the UN and improving Japanese citizens' level of English, one of the official languages of the UN. In accordance with these goals we hold the UNATE twice a year. We believe this test helps deep international understanding and create citizens who can make a contribution to global cooperation. The UNATE consists of six level, - Super A, A, B, C, D and E. The test is held at various places all over Japan twice a year. If you want to take the UNATE, please apply at a bookstore that deals testing materials or via the UNATE Home Page. (At the moment, it is not held in Nara Prefecture.)

Lecture Seminars To Deepen International Understanding through English

We hold seminars to increase international understanding and to encourage English learners by providing a place to listen to native speakers give speeches on themes of culture and customs or institutions in foreign countries.

	"International Food Festival"
	"International Food Festival" Cooking
	"Kids & English Part 2 "

＜For Foreigners＞

Introductory Course on Japanese Culture

We hold a course for foreign residents in Nara Prefecture to learn about traditional Japanese culture. We hope this provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their interest in Japanese culture.

＜For members＞

Speeches and Luncheon Parties

We hold speech meetings to allow members to deepen their understanding towards and recognition of the UN and international affairs. In addition, we hold luncheon parties for members to cultivate mutual friendship.

Distribution of UN calendars with pictures painted by children

＜Others＞

Cooperation with UNICEF (the United Nations International Children's Fund)
Aiding UN-recognized refugees

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