Constitution: United Nations Inter-pacific Association (UNIPA)

Article I – Name

The name of the Association shall be the United Nations Inter-pacific Association…………………………………………………………………………

Article II – Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Association are as follows:

• ♦ Works behind the scenes – to gather intelligence, understand power dynamics, inform engagement strategies and provide direct input into drafting and policy-making for our partners Through direct diplomatic engagement with capitals across the globe and at the United Nations.
• ♦ Encourage the people of Inter-Pacific Countries and other the international community to participate in and further the work of the United Nations
• ♦ Co-operate,where appropriate,with other organizations whose objects include support of The United Nations
• ♦ Promote economic development ,enhancement of social progress and better standards of life.
• ♦ To strive for the  recognition of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms  throughout the world  and for the recognition of the responsibilities and duties which those rights  involve for individuals,groups and states,
• ♦ Provide advice and assistance in diplomatic strategy and technique to governments and political groups that are committed to human rights, democracy and international law, using a variety of working methods.
• ♦ Facilitating negotiations between political rivals, mitigate the regional and international chaos & Clash.
• ♦ Advance the course of peace, by providing a strong  platform for all interested parties on peace issues and related matters.
• ♦ Serving as a Global Think  & do Tank by bringing the world’s leading thought leadership from UNIDA members across a wide variety of industries.
• ♦ Work with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups to help them achieve their political goals through diplomacy.
• ♦ Promote the interaction of existing peace activists and peace loving organizations and developing interpersonal skills for  handling  relationships  and  conflict constructively.
• ♦ Establish peace onto the agendas of organizations and to institutionalize peace.
• ♦ Provide a strong platform, based on research and sound infrastructure, for educational, community and international activities.
• ♦ Get together to share best practices, exchange ideas, and provide support and mentoring to the  members communit
• ♦ Harness commitment and expertise, including the experience of our elders and the vitality of our youth.
• ♦ Liaise and partner with individual, social and educational institution working for peace.
• ♦ Promote tolerance, understanding. solidarity and co-operation among men, women and children throughout the world without distinction as to race, sex, language ,religion or political orientation
• ♦ Link people and organizations, interested in building a peaceful world through international communication, such as newsletters, journals, summits, international conclave, symposia and missions worldwide.
• ♦ Contribute to the removal of obstacles to peace, to work for justice, security and disarmament and to promote the development of peaceful  co-existing and co-operation among Inter-pacific & other Nations
• ♦ Promote economic development ,enhancement of social progress and better standards of life.
• ♦ Promote peace awareness actively through involvement of the media/event to promote peaceful and positive community values.
• ♦ Model peace-making values within the framework and outside.
• ♦Enable and encourage technology transfer and best practice sharing between developed and developing states in order facilitate greater sustainable development among developing states and its citizens and civil society bodies.

Article III – Membership & Affiliation

a. Adult Membership
Any person of the age of eighteen (18yrs) and upwards who signifies his/her agreement with the aims and objectives of the Association shall be eligible for Membership

b. Corporate Members
Any limited liability company or other corporate body that accepts the objects of the Association, shall be eligible for membership, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

C. Student Membership
Any person affiliated to the UN Youth Organization or any other person (full-time student) may be admitted as a member of the Association. The Executive Committee of the Association shall make regulations controlling the admission of student members

Article IV – Subscriptions

1. Every application for membership shall be made on the prescribed form

2. The Annual Subscription shall be as follows

a) Adult Member US$ 200.00 per Annum
b) Corporate Member US$ 2,000.00 per Annum
C) Student Member US $50.00 per Annum

3. The applicable subscription shall be paid by a newly accepted member within one month after notification that the application has been approved and thereafter subscriptions shall be payable during the first month of the financial year.

4. The UNIPA Executive Committee shall have the power to vary fees payable from time to time

Article V – Branches

1. A branch/Chapter of the Association may be established in any country across the Inter-pacific region wherein Twenty One (21) or more members or persons willing to become members come together for that purpose.
2. Such persons shall forthwith under the supervision of two (2) members of the UNIPA Executive Committee elect a chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer as Officers of the Branch
3. A Branch shall function through an Executive Committee consisting of the officers and elected members in what ever number deemed fit
4. A Branch shall have power to make such rules as are considered necessary for the efficient running of the Branch provided that:
a) All rules must be submitted to the Management Committee of the Association for approval
b)
No rule or order shall conflict with any of the Articles of the Constitution, or any direction laid down by the General Meeting or any rules or orders made by the Management Committee and in case of conflict the Articles or such directions or rules or orders shall prevail.

5.
The Branch Secretary shall forward the names and addresses of the officers and the size of the membership of the branch to the Secretary General immediately after formation of the Branch and after each Annual General Meeting of the Branch
6. All branches shall have the right to send representatives to the Annual General Meeting of the Association on the basis of one delegate for every eight 10 members.
7. Branch representatives shall have the right to participate in proceedings of the Annual General Meetings of the Association and to vote at such meetings.
8.

Branch Secretaries shall submit a Half Yearly Return to the General Secretary showing:
a) New members enrolled during the previous half-year
b) A statement of subscriptions or donations paid
c) Rules made

9. Each branch shall be registered with the Association within 30 days of its formation and shall pay an Annual fee of 10% of Annual subscriptions collected before each Annual General Meeting of the Association.

Article VI – General Meetings

1. The annual General Meetings of the Branches shall be held in January or February and that of the National Association in March at which time the prescribed reports of the activities of the preceding year shall be presented and officers elected for the ensuing year.
2. Special General Meetings shall be summoned by the President unilaterally on the advice of the National Executive Committee and/or upon the written request of not fewer than nine members of the Association who are in up to date financial standing and represent at leaast two (2) Branches
3. The quorum at all General Meetings shall be one third of the total membeship or ten whichever is greater. The President shall have an origianl and casting vote.
4. A General Meeting shall have authority to prescribe rules, which shall be binding on officers, the National Executive and the Branches in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Association and the advancement of of its objectives.
5. A General Meeting shall have authority to appoint three (3) trustees on the recommendation of the Executive Committee

Article VII – Executive Positions

1. Officers of the Association shall consist of:
– President
– Vice President
– Secretary General
– Assistant Secretary Secretary
– Treasurer
– Public Relations Officer
2. The Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association and shall hold office until their successors have been elected
3. Trustees are appointed to serve as officers of the Association.

ACQUISITION AND LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP:

5. Applications for membership of the Association:

5.1 shall be made in writing to the Membership Secretary of the Association and signed by the applicant;

5.2 shall contain full and proper details relating to the application and the subscription properly payable;

5.3 shall be submitted to the Committee for approval; and

5.4 shall be determined by a majority vote of the Committee.

6. Membership shall be terminated by notice in writing from the member, by expulsion, by death or by ceasing to be qualified for membershi