Chairman of the United Nations Association (UNA) – UK, Sir Jeremy spoke about the worldwide challenges facing the UNA and how local action can help.

“The UN is about global thinking and local action,” he said. “That’s what the UNA is all about.

“The UN Association in the UK, maybe better than any other UNA globally, understands the importance of the grassroots support.”

Sir Jeremy also announced the launch of a UNA-UK manifesto for foreign policy.

“To give expression to the need for action at the local level, you are the first branch at which I am launching this manifesto.

“We have set out the ten ideas for UK foreign policy that every political party leading up to the next election must see debated.”

Luton MPs Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins also spoke at the event, discussing Luton’s role in the UN.

University Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, welcoming Sir Jeremy and the Luton UNA, laid out the University’s role and “commitment to an international outlook”.

“As a University that is locally rooted but global in outlook, we are pleased to be working with the United Nations Association,” he said. “We are playing our part in linking cultures and citizens across the world, deepening understanding within our globalised economy.

“Just in the last year, over 400 Home Bedfordshire students have attended Summer Schools in China and Vietnam. Even more will go this year, with India added as a destination. They are learning how business, society and higher education operate in these crucial economies. “

The University has staff and students from more than 100 countries, and is proud of its international partnerships with institutions in China, Germany and Singapore, amongst many others.