News
The Latest from UNA-NCA
September 5, 2020
While the immediate crises of health and human services, and the devastating effect of COVID-19, must be at the top of the global agenda, it is time now to think ahead, to contemplate further crises that might unexpectedly befall the world community and what can we do now. To this end we have prepared a draft speech for a Head of State of a UN Member State, in the traditional but now “virtual” General Debate of the UN General Assembly beginning on September 22, 2020.
August 11, 2020
Despite the transition of most schools to online learning, the Global Classrooms DC program is prepared for a virtual school year.The GCDC team has been hard at work for the past couple of months creating a global education curriculum that is packed with new topics and updated activities. We have also added distance learning options into each activity to make sure students have the necessary tools to become proficient Model UN delegates. Additionally, for the third year in a row, we are partnering with the International Organization for Migration and International Labour Organization to make sure our educators and students have access to the most up-to-date expertise and resources.
July 22, 2020
By Henry Webster-Mellon, UNA-NCA Program AssistantOn Tuesday, July 7, UNA-NCA and New Story Leadership (NSL), a non-profit committed to bridging the cultural and political divide between Israeli and Palestinian young leaders, convened a panel of four young Palestinian and Israeli leaders as well as over 80 guests to consider the status of Israeli-Palestinian conflict and explore what role of the United Nations should play in the peacebuilding process.
July 20, 2020
As we commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18th, another champion and advocate for human rights left this nation and earth. Throughout his life, Congressman John Lewis was an example of someone who truly walked the talk and was deeply committed to social justice and equity, helping shape the civil rights movement and keeping it alive until today.
July 9, 2020
The Partnership for Transparency (PTF) and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) jointly hosted a virtual forum on July 1, 2020. The purpose was to investigate sextortion, a pervasive yet underreported and underrepresented form of corruption and gender-based violence.
June 24, 2020
Although the pandemic has restricted the ability of the Global Classrooms DC team to host in-person Model UN sessions, our leaders of tomorrow remain committed to solving today’s global issues.
June 4, 2020
By Stephen F. Moseley, President, UNA-NCADear Friends, We had planned that this year, the 75th anniversary of the UN, 2020 would be an opportunity to review the organization’s history and progress since its establishment in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. There is much to celebrate across the UN’s past 75 years: the maintenance of peace and security, the promotion of social and economic development, the championing of human rights, and now its ability to commune nations so that they may collectively address the challenge of climate change. On the occasion of the UN’s 75th anniversary, the UN Secretary General has called upon the world’s citizens and leaders alike to review and recommend the ways to strengthen the UN between 2020 and 2050.
June 2, 2020
This has been a traumatic week for our nation. We write to you today to both reflect on these national tragedies and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of our members and community. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others have brought to the surface racial inequities that continue to impact our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately devastating impact on the health and economic status of our communities of color. It has also confirmed what we already knew—that deep racial disparities continue to exist in our nation.
June 1, 2020
by Hon. Teta V. Banks, Ed.D. Chair, National Council United Nations Association of the USA Member, World Federation of UNAs
The United Nations Association of the United States of America extends our condolences to the family of George Floyd and all other victims of racial violence. As we advocate for human rights, we condemn those who deny those rights to any men and women - in this case, to men and women and children based upon the color of their skin. The protests, demonstrations, and riots we now see in the streets of our nation are demands for justice and change. The cry, once again, is “No justice, No peace.” While we advocate for civic action, we know that violence begets violence. However, we also know, as Dr. King stated that “violence is the language of the unheard.” And we know that the struggle for civil rights in America has continued into the 21st century.
May 21, 2020
Despite the cancellation of the Spring 2020 Model UN Conference, Global Classrooms DC has remained committed to providing global education engagement opportunities for their network. In the effort to adapt, the GCDC team hosted a virtual Professional Development (PD) session via Zoom on May 14th for educators involved in the GCDC program. The PD session typically happens during the Spring Conference, and serves as an open forum for educators to build skills relevant to their Model UN programs.
