QUNO is privileged to carry forward the Quaker traditions of patient, quiet diplomacy at the United Nations, working for a more peaceful and just world. The strength of QUNO’s work lies in its long term persistence. Through perseverance, it has helped to change attitudes, create new understandings, and develop new standards.

QUNO often works behind the scenes, building trust by bringing together people from a range of backgrounds including diplomats, UN officials, staff of non-governmental organizations, academics, experts and practitioners. By creating space for quiet dialogue, it helps shape UN and other international priorities, and it brings attention to issues that are not yet on the international agenda. The reputation and atmosphere of its Quaker Houses allows for the emergence of more reflective and inclusive responses to difficult issues; ideas which might not be heard in more formal settings.

The strength of QUNO’s work also lies in its long-term persistence. Through perseverance, it has helped to change attitudes, create new understandings, and develop new standards. It is recognized as a catalyst, partnering with others to harness their expertise and knowledge, particularly from beyond the UN system, and bringing these insights to the attention of policymakers, often providing it in a more accessible form. The scale of international negotiations can feel challenging, but the trusting environment it provides, informed by Quaker methods, remains key to its work.