The Cuban Association of the United Nations (ACNU) was founded 79 years ago, on May 30, 1947, by distinguished intellectual, cultural, artistic, labor, and political figures as a non-governmental, non-profit organization interested in learning about and participating in the work of the United Nations (UN).
Among the founders of this organization in Cuba were Flavio Bravo, Pablo Cosme de la Torriente, Juan Marinello, Vicentina Antuña, Lázaro Peña, Fernando Ortiz, and Enrique Labrador Ruiz, among many others. Its funds come from contributions by individual and collective members, who pay varying dues based on their membership status, while its publications are financed by donations from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), agencies, and institutions.
The Cuban Association of United Nations (ACNU) is registered with the Registry of Associations of the Ministry of Justice, in accordance with Law 54/85 of the Republic of Cuba, and is governed by its Statutes, approved by the General Assembly of Affiliates.
It belongs to the World Federation of United Nations Associations, of which Cuba is a vice-president, holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, is a member of the Conference of NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations, and has observer status with the Convention to Combat Desertification and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Its main objectives are to disseminate the purposes, principles, nature, functioning, and activities of the United Nations System, to defend the fundamental objectives of its Charter, and in particular, respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of States.
Likewise, it contributes to disseminating information about Cuba's activities within the UN, maintaining and fostering relations with the organs of the United Nations System, their representatives in Cuba, and their experts serving in the country;
It also gathers and analyzes the concerns of Cuban public opinion regarding situations that endanger the peace and security of nations and those that constitute violations of the principles and purposes of the United Nations; and maintains and fosters exchange relations with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and United Nations Associations (UNAs) worldwide, as well as with other national and international NGOs interested in contributing to strengthening the genuine role of the United Nations.
As a member of WFUNA, the ACNU embraces its objectives, particularly promoting tolerance, understanding, solidarity, and cooperation among all people throughout the world, without distinction, and working to maintain peace and contribute to removing obstacles to it. To work for justice, security, disarmament, and to promote the development of peaceful coexistence and understanding among States; to promote respect for human rights among individuals, groups, and States; and to defend the right to development, encourage social progress, and improve the living standards of all peoples.
The General Assembly of Members is the supreme body of the Association. It meets in ordinary session once a year and in extraordinary session when, according to its bylaws, it is necessary to convene one. The Assembly elects from among its members the Board of Directors, which discusses and approves the implementation and proposals of the annual work plans and budgets.
During the period 2003-2012, Dr. Carlos Amat Forés served as Director General. In November 2021, Norma Goicochea Estenoz was elected as President of the Association, a position she currently holds.