The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) has emerged strong and able as we advance the value proposition of the United States as an important leader and partner within the United Nations. As you read through the latest Annual Report, UNA-NCA is experiencing a dynamic and exciting transformation, benefiting its members, partners, and stakeholders, as well as the greater world.
The organization adeptly pivoted to on-line programming and operations due to the pandemic as we all learned new ways, while holding both accountability and attention on to engage in social justice efforts and conversations to move us all forward.
Our programs attract internationalists from across generational divides, drawing from the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia regions and beyond. Our new and proven programs reflect progress and the promise of the United Nations over this past year, including:
Coffee Chats that included celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations with US Representative Jamie Raskin, as well as chats on climate migration, global health, LGBT human rights, and more.
Global Classrooms DC with Model UN, which served more than 800 middle and high school students with spotlight speakers US Secretary of State Blinken and UN Secretary General Guterres. Partnerships with UN Agencies such as IOM, ILO and UNEP along with PAHO strengthened the impact and breadth of these convenings.
Graduate Fellows Program, bringing a UN lens on cutting edge issues, served 33 local graduate students from 15 nations.
Advocacy efforts focused on racial justice, the Sustainable Development Goals, and DC Statehood – with new energy on DC for CEDAW, which connects the human rights treaties with local government. Advocacy Fellows strengthened our membership’s outreach of US members of Congress.
UN Day celebrations commemorated the 75 birthday milestone with member consultations, and a high level program on climate and building a more sustainable future featuring UNDP Assistant Administrator Ulrika Modeer; Dr. Robert Orr, Dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland; and Sr. Advisor to the UN Secretary General on Climate.
Human Rights Awards honored those who have built human rights legacies in the UN system, the U.S. Department of State, academia, and our local community – impacting the lives of many people.
Undergirding all this progress are UNA-NCA members who offer their time, engagement, and resources to make this small organization a mighty one. Our members work in a spectrum of sectors and many are students and under 40 years of age.
We invite you to get engaged – consider how you can contribute to our Committees and Events – with your presence and your resources.
We welcome the new Board Members to UNA-NCA as we continue to provide ground breaking programming and advocacy to advance the United States in its support of the United Nations and its core principles.
Lastly, we are thrilled to launch this new website, through the focused work of Vice Chair for Communications, Sultana Ali and Managing Director of Programs and Membership, Andrew Doll, along with other staff and volunteers. We think you will find it easy to navigate and engage in the association!
Sincerely,
Paula Boland
President
Jill Christianson
Chair, Board of Directors
