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The Latest from UNA-NCA
April 29, 2020
The pandemic has changed how Global Classrooms DC functions overnight. Through the disappointment of having to cancel the Spring 2020 Model UN Conference, our team has been working with various schools to support their efforts to continue Model UN.As an example of how MUN clubs are adapting, Cabin John Middle School hosted its first-ever online conference on Saturday, April 25. After being inspired by the success of the virtual Alice Deal Model UN Conference (ADMUN) on April 4, a fantastic group of parents from Maryland set out to create their own virtual experience with their students. Although they had never hosted a virtual session before, all of the parents – Audré Park, Shreelata Durbhakula, and Bouchra Araji – took on the challenge of hosting a conference with students from Cabin John, as well as Bells Mill Elementary and Alice Deal Middle School.
April 20, 2020
By Ambassador Donald T. Bliss (Ret.)With the rise of nationalism around the world and the closing of sovereign borders in response to the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic, global institutions are under attack. News reports and commentators are questioning whether we are reaching the end of the post-world war global architecture created by the United States and its victorious allies to promote peaceful cooperation in resolving conflicts and addressing crises.
April 14, 2020
In its recent report, "COVID-19 and the World of Work," the International Labor Organization detailed that the world of work is being profoundly affected by the global virus pandemic. In addition to the threat to public health, the economic and social disruption threatens the long-term livelihoods and wellbeing of millions. The ILO and its constituents – Governments, workers and employers – will play a crucial role in combating the outbreak, ensuring the safety of individuals and the sustainability of businesses and jobs.
April 13, 2020
Manuela Hernandez is a proud UNA-NCA 2019 Graduate Fellow. She is currently a first-tour Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She will work for the Consular Affairs section for the duration of two years. Manuela just completed her intensive Portuguese language training at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia to prepare for her job overseas.
April 13, 2020
By Richard Seifman, Independent Health Policy Consultant and UNA-NCA Board MemberIt is unfortunate that your newspaper-in editorials and opinion pieces- has chosen this time of national crisis to point out what you perceive as political behavior by the global technical agency that struggles to deal with infectious diseases in an increasingly polarization world, with a Governing Board that brings their displeasure without bringing the resources to allow it to measure up to the challenge. Exhibit A: Forbes on April 8th points out that the Trump Administration’s most recent budget requested a reduction in the World Health Organization (WHO) U.S. assessed financial contributions from $122.6 million to an assessed contribution of $57.9 million. This is more than 50% and before significant recognition of the covid19 threat across the country.
April 7, 2020
By Shayna Vayser, UNA-NCA Advocacy AssociateOn April 7, UNA-NCA membership rallied for a World Health Advocacy Day of Digital Action. As our community has come to understand, the steady regression of US leadership in the United Nations has made it all the more difficult for member states to effectively collaborate in the global response to COVID-19.
March 31, 2020
Dear UNA-NCA Community,I hope this email finds you well and adjusting to this unprecedented time and new way of living. The past few weeks have certainly been very challenging for all and many have been struggling in our community, the country and the world. The messages shared on several platforms have been encouraging and brought a sense of global unity in the face of adversity.
March 19, 2020
Dear UNA-NCA leaders,I trust you are well and keeping safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique and unforeseen challenges for us leaders and the people and communities we serve. It is a scary time, both as we work to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, and as we work to navigate organizational questions about how we will proceed in the coming days, weeks, and months.
March 12, 2020
We have received a number of questions/concerns regarding the ongoing COVID-19 developments, and how it may affect our programming and operations this spring. We want you to know that we are closely monitoring any updates on the COVID-19 disease. We are coordinating with and following the guidance of our partners and event hosts, including the UN Foundation, U.S. Department of State, and Pan American Health Organization (the regional branch of the World Health Organization for the Americas.)
February 20, 2020
By Calypso Moschochoritis, UNA-NCA Program AssistantThe UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program has finally begun its 2020 session. The program focuses on current key global issues as they are faced by United Nations agencies. The mission of the program is to foster an understanding of UN issues, policies, and organizations and prepare the fellows for UN-related careers. The fellows meet once a week with experts in the UN, sustainability, conflict management, and more.
