United Nations Association of the National Capital Area

Empowering the next generation of global leaders through Model United Nations. Using an original curriculum, year-round programming, and Model UN simulations, Global Classrooms DC (GCDC) program prepares the next generation of global citizens by engaging middle and high school students across the DMV region in a comprehensive global education experience. GCDC reached 1260 students and 100 educators across 46 schools during the 2022-2023 school year and is focused upon increasing the participation of students enrolled at Title 1 schools (currently account for 28% of all GCDC participants). Bringing professional development opportunities to students and young professionals Approximately 60% of UNA-NCA membership is comprised of young professionals and students. UNA-NCA's Young Professionals Program (YPP) provides a unique forum for learning about international issues, engaging in professional development, and participating in mentoring opportunities. In 2022, YPP continued to hold virtual education and career development sessions and happy hours in partnership with other young professional groups. Advocating for the UN and its agencies The Advocacy program engages senior leaders and the public alike in various initiatives to support U.S. leadership in the UN. In 2022, Advocacy continued its "Coffee Chat" discussion series, built a coalition in support of legislation that embraces the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women in the Greater Washington area, and continued its congressional outreach and training opportunities for members. Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals Global Goals at Home utilizes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for localizing and contextualizing impact across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The program's interactive platform offers stakeholders new ways of collaborating, exchanging resources, and advancing their shared goals. So far in 2022, GGH has secured over 40 partner organizations interested in using the GGH platform. Celebrating UN Day with high-level programming Each year, UNA-NCA commemorates the October anniversary of the United Nations through special programming involving high-level speakers who engage in a discussion of relevant issues. In 2022, UNA-NCA had a special program at the residence of the Swiss Ambassador to the United States for a high-level conversation with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Deepening graduate students' understanding of the UN The Graduate Fellows Program (GFP) is a volunteer-led, cost-free initiative that guides graduate students through a semester-long exploration of the UN. During the 2022 spring semester, GFP operated in a hybrid format that gathered 33 students from 15 countries and nine DMV-area universities in a weekly seminar alongside senior U.S. and UN officials to discuss pressing UN-related issues. Honoring champions of human rights Each December, UNA-NCA hosts its Human Rights Awards Reception commemorating the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by presenting awards to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions in the field of human rights, globally and locally.