MARCH 5, 2010– Today, more than 450 Los Angeles school students will have the unique opportunity to debate and resolve current international issues together at the 7th Annual Global Classrooms: Los Angeles Conference sponsored by the UnitedNations Association of the USA (UNA-USA).

Held at the University of California, the conference mobilizes students to engage in discussion of world issues.  Committee topics to be discussed include such issues as: Evaluating Iran’s Compliance, Trafficking of Wild Animals, The situation in Afghanistan, and Verification of Disarmament. Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon, senior fellow at the Burkle center for international ­relations and former M­inister to Thailand will be the guest speaker during the opening ceremony on March 5.

As a lead up to the 7th Annual Global Classrooms: Los Angeles Conference, students and teachers from Global Classrooms Los Angeles attended the United Nations Global Creative Forum on March 2nd at the Hammer Museum at UCLA.  UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon participated in the day-long Forum with Hollywood notables Michael Douglas, Ron Howard, Stevie Wonder, Charlize Theron and others.  In addition to a conversation with the Secretary-General hosted by Michael Douglas, there were three panel discussions:   1) The United Nations and Hollywood; 2) An Insiders Look at the State of Women Worldwide; and 3) Cutting Edge Solutions.  A group of Global Classrooms students and teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District had an opportunity to meet the Secretary-General in advance of the day’s events.

Ban gave students from Carson High School, Lawrence Middle school and the International Studies Learning Center, all in the Los Angeles Unified School District, a pep talk for their upcoming Model UN conference. The secretary-general also wished them luck in the debates and told them "you are the world's future leaders, and I have great faith that you will one day help solve many of today's global issues."

The United Nations Association of the USA is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to building understanding of and support for the ideals and vital work of the United Nations among the American people. Its educational, policy, and advocacy programs allow people to make a global impact at the local level.