History

50 Years of Commitment, Diplomacy & Civic Engagement

In 1974, amid the ideological currents of the Cold War and a global movement for peace, a bold idea was born — the idea of creating a national platform in Mauritius to advance the ideals of the United Nations (UN). This idea gave rise to the United Nations Association of Mauritius (UNA-Mauritius), an organization that would grow to embody the voice of civil society on global issues, and for five decades, serve as a bridge between the people of Mauritius and the international community.

A Spark in Bucharest – 1974

The seed of UNA-Mauritius was planted at the United Nations World Population Conference in Bucharest, Romania. As Secretary of the Socialist Working Youth League of Mauritius (SWYLM), I attended as part of the World Federalist Youth delegation.

During my networking sessions, I met representatives of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the International Students and Youth Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN). Mauritius lacked an active UNA affiliate, and WFUNA encouraged us to fill that void. ISMUN welcomed SWYLM as an affiliate, opening the doors to global collaboration.

“We came back from Bucharest with a vision — to give Mauritian youth and civil society a voice on the world stage.”

From Vision to Structure

Back to the country, a report was presented to SWYLM. WFUNA, with its “one affiliate per country” rule, advised us to establish an independent entity since a previous UNA in Mauritius had lost affiliation. Thus began the registration of the Movement of the United Nations Association (MUNA), which was later officially renamed the United Nations Association of Mauritius, following authorization from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Two new structures were established within SWYLM’s framework:

The United Nations Association of Mauritius
The Organization of African Unions Association of Mauritius

From its inception, UNA-Mauritius benefited from the guidance of WFUNA leadership. Their counsel to collaborate with NGOs, private sector, and educational institutions for resource sharing allowed the Association to remain resilient over five decades.

In the year 2001, MUNA obtained its consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN-ECOSOC) (http://undocs.org/E/2016/INF/5)

https://wfuna.org/una-directory

The UN-ECOSOC is the third important Organ of the UN after the General Assembly and Security Council. As an NGO enjoying special Consultative status with the UN ECOSOC, MUNA is now permitted to designate representatives at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York, and the United Nations Office in Geneva and Vienna

A Partnership of Youth, Students & Women

SWYLM evolved into the Council of Students and Youth Movement (COSYM-Mauritius), reflecting a broader civic and global outlook. The partnership between COSYM and UNA-Mauritius became a driving force for youth participation, women’s empowerment, and civic engagement.

Through workshops, conferences, and grassroots campaigns, we mobilized students and young people across Mauritius and Rodrigues. These programs addressed pressing issues such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, gender-based violence, education, climate change, health, and peacebuilding.

Key Focus Areas Over 50 Years

Human Rights, Democracy & Rule of Law
Peace and Security
Climate Change and Environment
Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment
Youth and Students’ Rights
Anti-Corruption, Migration & Refugee Rights
Social Inclusion, Minorities & Disabilities
Decolonization and Global Solidarity
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

UNA-Mauritius built solid partnerships with ministries — Foreign Affairs, Women’s Affairs, Education, Youth and Sports, Social Security, and Tourism — as well as international bodies like UNDP, UNICEF, and World Health Organization.

Private sponsors such as State Bank of Mauritius, and hospitality partners like Chandrani, La Pirogue, Le Mauricia, Royal Palm, and Le Touessrok, have also played crucial roles in supporting programs.

A Voice for Liberation and Justice

From its early days, UNA-Mauritius positioned itself on the frontlines of international solidarity. The Association raised its voice in support of African liberation movements and advocated for the decolonization of the Chagos Archipelago.

In 1971, SWYLM launched a global campaign calling for the reattachment of Chagos to Mauritius and for a demilitarized Indian Ocean. A national youth conference in 1974, graced by Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, amplified this call.

“Our advocacy was not without risk. We were threatened, sometimes even physically, for standing with the oppressed. But our resolve never faltered.”

At the 42nd WFUNA Plenary Assembly in 2018 in the Dominican Republic, UNA-Mauritius tabled and secured adoption of a resolution on Chagos — the culmination of decades of lobbying with 125 UNA affiliates worldwide.

International Engagements & Milestones

2000: UNA-Mauritius addressed the Millennium NGO Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
1983: Led a 100-youth delegation to the Pan-African Youth Festival in Tripoli, Libya.
2009: UNA-Mauritius President Mr. Rashad Daureeawo met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the WFUNA Plenary Assembly in Seoul.
2024: Youth delegations represented Mauritius at the World Youth Festival in Sochi and Nizhny Novgorod.

UNA-Mauritius has also endured challenges — including the 9/11 crisis that stranded our delegate Mr. Rafick Ellahee in New York for weeks — but these moments strengthened our international bonds.

Today, Ms. Rubna Daureeawo sits on the WFUNA Executive Committee, while Mrs. Nandini Meetarbhun represents UNA-Mauritius at the UN as an accredited NGO.

Serving During National Crises

UNA-Mauritius has been more than an advocacy body. It has been a frontline partner during times of need.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, members distributed hygiene products, masks, gloves, food, and medicines to vulnerable groups, including foreign students stranded in Mauritius. Volunteers provided transport for the elderly to collect financial aid and offered practical, human support at community level.

Capacity Building and Youth Empowerment

Over the years, more than 1,000 Mauritian youth, students, and women leaders have participated in UNA-Mauritius training, capacity-building programs, and international exchanges.

These experiences have shaped future diplomats, civil society leaders, and professionals who continue to contribute to the country’s social, economic, and political development.

Honouring Our Leadership

This 50-year journey is the legacy of extraordinary men and women who have guided the Association with vision and courage.

Honorary Presidents

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
Sir Harold Walter
Yousouf Mohamed
Harold Chan Lam

Past Presidents

Baskhar Desai • Premila Dhunputh • Sadek Futloo • Lady Jagatsingh • Anil Gayan • Oomar Kharburry • Dawjee Daureeawo • Dr. Mahmad Kuureemun • Rashad Daureeawo • Vikram Dooknah • Rubna Daureeawo

Past Secretaries General

Ahmed Rajabally • Juyduth Chummun • Rubna Daureeawo • Bashira Cassim • Anju Dhunputh • Munsoo Kurimbaccus • Sooltan Sohawon

Their collective leadership has kept the Association relevant, credible, and resilient.

Looking Forward: The Next 50 Years

“UNA-Mauritius was built on the belief that ordinary citizens have a role in shaping global peace, justice, and development. That belief remains our compass.”

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UNA-Mauritius celebrates its 50th year of existence, the organization stands at a crossroads — proud of its past, but determined to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape.

New generations of young Mauritians are stepping forward, eager to engage on climate justice, human rights, digital transformation, and global governance. UNA-Mauritius remains committed to being a space where their voices are heard, amplified, and connected to the world.

Legacy in Motion

For five decades, UNA-Mauritius has been a platform of diplomacy beyond government, a catalyst for youth engagement, and a steadfast advocate for global justice.

This legacy belongs not only to its leaders and members but to all Mauritians who believe in peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.

“Our mission continues. The world is changing — and so must we. But our commitment to the ideals of the United Nations remains unshakable.”