Popular New Year’s Resolutions that Support the United Nations

In 2017, the new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has a resolution for the world: “Let us make 2017 a year for peace.”

Welcome in the new year by adding your own UN twist to these popular New Year’s resolutions. With the start of a new year, there may be no better time to boost global good.

1)      Save Money

You can start by encouraging Congress to keep funding the UN. UN Peacekeeping missions are eight times cheaper than U.S. forces acting alone. When the U.S. fails to pay its peacekeeping and regular budget dues, it jeopardizes UN programs that are manifestly in our nation’s interests.  In order to keep reaping the benefits of the UN, and continue influencing the organization’s direction, it is critical that the U.S. pays its dues on-time and in-full.

The United Nations is good for the American economy. Research from the Better World Campaign has found that U.S. businesses generated more than $1 billion in contracts with the UN in 30 different states throughout 2014 and 2015. A new report conducted by the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs found that the UN boosts the NYC economy by $3.69 billion each year—which is equal to hosting seven Super Bowls!

2)      Get (and Stay) Healthy

Sustainable Development Goal #3 is Good Health and Well-Being. Get a flu shot or any other vaccine at Walgreens and help provide children in need access to lifesaving vaccines through the United Nations Foundation’s Shot at Life Campaign.

3)      Read More

Stay educated on global issues. Check out the Global Goals Reading List for recommendations from UN Foundation and UNA-USA staff on fiction and non-fiction works related to the Global Goals. You can also take time to educate yourself on the importance of U.S. support for the UN and the 2017 UN Funding Request through the Better World Campaign.

4)      Explore New Career Paths

Have you always dreamed about a career in international affairs or one that supports the work of the UN? Join the United Nations Association for professional development resources. Membership is free to GenUN students and young professionals under 25.

5)      Travel for a Good Cause

UNA-USA hosts several events throughout the year that you can use as great excuses to travel, especially if New York City and Washington, D.C. are high on your list! Members’ Day at the UN in February, the Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in June, and the Social Good Summit in September are three great opportunities open to UNA-USA members. GenUN students and young professionals under 25 are also encouraged to apply to be the next US Youth Observer to the UN (applications open in the spring).