Frequently Asked Questions
GCDC and Model UN
Global Classrooms® DC (GCDC) is the flagship education program of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA). GCDC is a Model UN program that introduces students grades 5-12 to the work of the United Nations and international issues. Through original global education curriculum, Model UN mini-simulations, and annual Model UN Conference opportunities, GCDC helps to equip globally aware citizens by strengthening key skills including public speaking, negotiation, research, analysis and writing.
Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) is an activity where students simulate the conversations and topics that are discussed in the United Nations. Students role-play a particular country in the UN, learning their country’s stance on issues, history, culture, and other relevant information. Through in-class simulations and Model UN conferences, students prepare and present speeches to other delegates, negotiate and resolve policy issues with other countries, and prepare draft resolutions (solutions) to encourage international peace, security, and cooperation.
Model UN can help prepare students to be young leaders at home and abroad by introducing them to global issues including those concerning peace and security, the environment, human rights and more. It allows them to critically think about these issues and discuss them with their peers, while also teaching and strengthening important skills including researching, writing, public speaking, and negotiation. Hear directly from our students on why Model UN is important.
View key highlights from the 2020-2021 School Year.
Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) is an activity where students simulate the conversations and topics that are discussed in the United Nations. Students role-play a particular country in the UN, learning their country’s stance on issues, history, culture, and other relevant information. Through in-class simulations and Model UN conferences, students prepare and present speeches to other delegates, negotiate and resolve policy issues with other countries, and prepare draft resolutions (solutions) to encourage international peace, security, and cooperation.
Model UN can help prepare students to be young leaders at home and abroad by introducing them to global issues including those concerning peace and security, the environment, human rights and more. It allows them to critically think about these issues and discuss them with their peers, while also teaching and strengthening important skills including researching, writing, public speaking, and negotiation. Hear directly from our students on why Model UN is important.
View key highlights from the 2020-2021 School Year.
According to the PayScale’s National Employer Survey, employers have found that 60% of graduates lack critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and 44% lack leadership abilities. At the same time, according to current DC Public Schools data, 75% of students enrolled in DCPS schools in the 2020-2021 School Year were economically disadvantaged, while 42% of students enrolled in DCPS schools are at-risk for academic failure.
GCDC closes this gap by using Model UN as a vehicle to tomorrow’s leaders by teaching them about the increasingly complex and interdependent world, while also providing tools for local leadership. Through collaborations with local agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Department of State, UN agencies, and DC-based organizations, GCDC links students directly with the resources of the nation’s capital.
GCDC closes this gap by using Model UN as a vehicle to tomorrow’s leaders by teaching them about the increasingly complex and interdependent world, while also providing tools for local leadership. Through collaborations with local agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Department of State, UN agencies, and DC-based organizations, GCDC links students directly with the resources of the nation’s capital.
As a result of GCDC programming, students improve critical skills, including writing, public speaking, critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, conflict resolution, negotiation, and teamwork, all skills that they will need at school, in their families and communities, and on the job in any future workplace. Learn more in our 2022-2023 Annual Report.
GCDC serves students grades 5-12 in all public, public charter, private, and international schools, homeschool co-ops, and student leadership organizations in the US and internationally. The program is also open to individual students.
Title I and FARM schools are eligible for discounted pricing through the Support-A-Delegate program. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a price quote.
Ready to enroll? Learn more here.
Title I and FARM schools are eligible for discounted pricing through the Support-A-Delegate program. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a price quote.
Ready to enroll? Learn more here.
The GCDC Community is a year-round program for global education which includes an original global education curriculum complete with activities and Model UN simulations to discuss and learn about the UN and International Affairs. These materials are designed to be flexible to the needs of your community, to be implemented in the classroom, after-school, virtually, at-home, or through leadership programs.
Enrollment in the GCDC Community provides access to curriculum, Model UN training manuals, and webinars. As part of the GCDC Community, you will receive invitations to exclusive events, including the Fall Model UN Training Conference and Professional Development workshops, as well as access to speakers from UN agencies, the government, UNA-NCA leadership, and private and non-profit sectors in the DMV. You do not have to attend GCDC Model UN Conferences to be a part of the GCDC Community, but can receive special pricing and priority registration if you do!
Ready to enroll? Learn more here.
Enrollment in the GCDC Community provides access to curriculum, Model UN training manuals, and webinars. As part of the GCDC Community, you will receive invitations to exclusive events, including the Fall Model UN Training Conference and Professional Development workshops, as well as access to speakers from UN agencies, the government, UNA-NCA leadership, and private and non-profit sectors in the DMV. You do not have to attend GCDC Model UN Conferences to be a part of the GCDC Community, but can receive special pricing and priority registration if you do!
Ready to enroll? Learn more here.
- Watch our webinar from August 2020 on Getting Started: Introduction to Model UN
- View our presentation on Model UN, why it is important, and how to start a Model UN club
- Should you do Model UN as an activity or club? Your questions answered! (Note this PDF will be updated)
Title I and FARM schools are eligible for discounted pricing through the Support-A-Delegate program. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a price quote.
GCDC offers two annual conference opportunities: the Fall Model UN Training Conference and the Spring Model UN Conference.
The Fall Model UN Training Conference is an exclusive conference for schools registered for the GCDC Community, taking place at the Pan American Health Organization. The conference is designed to teach newcomers about Model UN policies and procedures. Click here to learn more about joining the GCDC Community.
The GCDC Spring Model UN Conference is available to the general public. The conference serves as the culminating event for the GCDC program and takes place at the U.S. Department of State. Keynote speakers at this event have included former U.S. Secretaries of State such as Condelezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, and Rex Tillerson.
The Fall Model UN Training Conference is an exclusive conference for schools registered for the GCDC Community, taking place at the Pan American Health Organization. The conference is designed to teach newcomers about Model UN policies and procedures. Click here to learn more about joining the GCDC Community.
The GCDC Spring Model UN Conference is available to the general public. The conference serves as the culminating event for the GCDC program and takes place at the U.S. Department of State. Keynote speakers at this event have included former U.S. Secretaries of State such as Condelezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, and Rex Tillerson.
Click here to sign up for the GCDC mailing list for updates on programming, conference registration reminders, and upcoming events!
Yes! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a free sample of the GCDC Curriculum, including an Educator’s Guide, Student Workbook, and mini Model UN simulation.
Yes! If you know an educator, school, or group that may be interested in getting started in Model UN, incorporating global education curriculum in their classroom or program, or wants to attend the GCDC Spring Model UN Conference let us know!
Have them send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and make sure they mention your name and group affiliation. If they enroll in any aspect of GCDC programming you can have your faculty fee waived for the Spring Model UN Conference.
Have them send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and make sure they mention your name and group affiliation. If they enroll in any aspect of GCDC programming you can have your faculty fee waived for the Spring Model UN Conference.
