This has been an unprecedented year full of challenges and hardships for everyone. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop UNA-NCA from being there for its members and supporters, and it didn’t stop our leaders and staff from pushing through and overcoming obstacles to succeed.
We were tested, perhaps like never before, and through it all we've been reminded of our strength and resolve. In record time, we successfully transitioned our programming to virtual platforms, significantly increasing our outreach and visibility within and beyond our jurisdiction.
This year:
UNA-NCA enhanced its digital advocacy capabilities during the pandemic and conducted several virtual meetings with legislators. Over 800 people were engaged in the new “Coffee Chat” series that brought together corporate leaders, policy experts, and UNA-NCA members to explore the SDGs in a virtual roundtable format. Snapshots was introduced with significant blog contributions, policy briefs and SDG spotlights. See more here.
UNA-NCA’s Global Classrooms DC program adapted its curriculum for online learning, conducted monthly virtual Model UN committee sessions, renewed its partnership collaborations and executed an entirely virtual training conference engaging over 130 participants on the topic of access to vaccines and affordable medicines. See more here.
UNA-NCA’s Young Professionals Program offered virtual career and mentoring opportunities, and the Graduate Fellows Program grown significantly both in its demand and participation as well as the quality of the program’s offerings.
To mark the UN’s 75th anniversary, UNA-NCA held public consultations on how the UN must evolve to meet today’s challenges. A UN75 Consultation Report was submitted to the UN Secretary-General for review during the United Nations General Assembly. Two high level programs on the future of the UN and the SDGs took place in October, involving members of congress, diplomats and UN leaders.
Our recent Human Rights Awards was a resounding success, celebrating inspiring human rights leaders and reaching a record number of participants and sponsors.
I am amazed not only at how much we have been able to accomplish but at the solidarity, compassion, and resilience demonstrated through the adversity of 2020. We have endured much, taken on more than we may have thought possible, and held our heads high through it all.
On behalf of everyone at UNA-NCA, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful holiday season and New Year.
With much appreciation,
Paula Boland
President
UN Association of the National Capital Area
Consider supporting UNA-NCA this holiday season.
