News
The Latest from UNA-NCA
April 13, 2022
Reflection on the UN's role in the Ukraine crisis from UNA-NCA Past President Ambassador Donald T. Bliss (ret.)
Kim Weichel, co-chair of the River Road Unitarian Congregation’s Contemporary Issues Forum and a UN activist, interviewed Ambassador Donald T. Bliss (ret.), former president of the United Nations Association for the National Capital Area, on the United Nations role in the Ukraine crisis. Kim pointed out that the first line of the Preamble to the UN Charter states its primary purpose is “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine violates the first principle of the United Nations Charter to prevent threats to the peace and acts of aggression by one sovereign state against another.
April 7, 2022
By Grace Volchok, Global Classrooms DC Student Secretary General 2022When preparing what I was going to say, I considered a lot of different things, but I eventually focused on why it really is that I love Model UN. I think when doing anything, but especially something like MUN, you have to be passionate about it, and that was something I really wanted to show in my application. I remember very clearly seeing the email saying I had been selected [as Student Secretary General]; I was so excited I dropped my phone, and immediately picked it up to respond and accept the position, and started working on my opening remarks that evening.
March 24, 2022
“The real question is: who has the responsibility to uphold human rights? The answer to that is everyone.” —Secretary Madeleine Albright
By Paula Boland, UNA-NCA President, UNA-USA National Council Chair; and Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA)The light for democracy and human rights was dimmed yesterday. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the United Nations Association of the USA and its chapters across the country mourned the loss of the first female Secretary of State, Madeline Albright on March 23, 2022 at age 84.
March 3, 2022
Stand with Ukraine!
Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA)The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion and subsequent attacks on Ukraine. Russia’s military offensive on another sovereign nation contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations and is a clear violation of the UN charter. We echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for Russia to end its assault and bring its troops back home.
February 24, 2022
Developing a UN Lens
By Mason Doyle, Program Assistant
On January 14, 2022, the Graduate Fellows Program (GFP) of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) commenced its first session of the Spring 2022 program.
February 24, 2022
Closing Remarks by Paula Boland, UNA-NCA President and UNA-USA National Council Chair
Thank you Amb. Cousens for the kind introduction and for your effective leadership of the UN Foundation. It was great to see so many of our Youth Observers share their reflections and journeys, and to be reminded about the important role youth plays in shaping policies for a better and more sustainable future.
February 6, 2022
In Partnership with the Luminus Network for New Americans
By Mike Mitchell, Luminus CEO
The crisis we witnessed in Afghanistan last August is now upon us. Since then, countless people have wanted to help, but many months passed before Afghans reached the United States and many more before they started landing in our communities.
December 17, 2021
Equality in Human Rights
By Sasha Rose, Program Assistant
On the evening of December 8th, UNA-NCA held our annual Human Rights Award Ceremony. We were incredibly proud to honor four inspiring individuals and one organization, all committed to advancing and fighting for Human Rights.
December 6, 2021
Students at Fall 2021 Model UN Training Conference Address Lasting Effects of the Pandemic and Vaccine Access
By Sarah Basham, GCDC Development Assistant
On November 18th, Global Classrooms DC (GCDC), the flagship education program of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA), held its annual Fall Model UN Training Conference in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). GCDC has been partnering with PAHO, the Latin American branch of the World Health Organization, for 18 years. Each fall, we host a training conference to introduce students in the DMV area to Model United Nations, where they adopt a nation and debate pressing global issues with other delegates.
December 3, 2021
Perdita Huston Human Rights Award Honoree
By Christian Gineste, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Co-Chair
Gayatri Patel is currently the Vice President of External Relations at the Women’s Refugee Commission. She has over two decades of experience in women’s rights and gender equality.
