UK Mission to the United Nations

The United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations (UKMIS) in New York is probably the busiest UK multilateral Post in the world. Its work covers a wide range of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's objectives from the peaceful settlements of disputes to protecting the environment, from respect for human rights to promoting sustainable development.

UKMIS, with support from other Government Departments, represents the UK in every negotiation that takes place in New York, ensuring that Britain's interests and views are taken into account by UN Bodies and the other member states. Hours are long and negotiations can be tough and intricate. But playing a key part in achieving a successful outcome can be very rewarding.

The UK, as one of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council, plays a key role in all aspects of the Council's work, providing information from the UK's diplomatic network, negotiating, and lobbying for appropriate actions and resolutions. The Ambassador and his team are engaged in a constant round of meetings, promoting British interests and persuading others to accept the UK's views.

At the same time UKMIS is trying to improve the way the UN works and is playing an important part in efforts to reform the Security Council, improve the UN's finances and strengthen the UN's capacity to deal with economic and social issues, peacekeeping and conflict prevention. The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to develop practical proposals for reform. UKMIS is working with the Secretary-General to promote these reforms and to ensure that the UN is a leaner and more effective organisation, to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

As a key contributor in the FCO’s overseas network, the UK Mission to the UN plays a leading role in delivering the FCO International priorities and working for UK interests in a safe, just and prosperous world. Follow the link for some of the key issues being dealt with by the UK Mission.