UNA-USA and U.S. Department of State to Bring Model United Nations Simulations to the World

April 22, 2013

WASHINGTON — The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO) are launching a global Model UN simulation on climate change. The simulation is part of an exciting new collaboration designed to provide U.S. embassies across the globe small-scale, classroom-ready Model UN materials for use in youth outreach activities. The simulation materials are made available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

Simulations are based on UNA-USA’s Global Classrooms® program, which currently impacts more than 25,000 students and teachers annually through its Model UN simulations and curricular materials. The materials provided for these simulations will supply U.S. mission personnel with the tools necessary to conduct a scaled-down, two-to-four-hour Model UN activity that will help students cultivate global literacy, life skills, and attitudes necessary for active citizenship. 

“Model UN is a terrific way for youth around the world to interact on important issues. This simulation is a great way to get young people involved and engaged, and reflects the outstanding partnership between the State Department and UNA-USA,” noted U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Dr. Esther Brimmer.  

The package of materials includes everything needed to stage a simple debate in UN format, including a lesson plan, research and presentation guidance for students, country placards, step-by-step instructions, and FAQs.

“This launch takes UNA-USA’s nearly 15 years of leadership in Model UN and educational programming to a global scale. Global Classrooms has reached thousands of underserved schools and communities throughout the U.S.; now collaboration with the State Department will expand that reach to underserved communities worldwide,” said UNA-USA Executive Director Patrick Madden. “This partnership will support the development of a wider and diverse group of global citizens, and get students and young people energized about the UN, its important work, and the impact it has.”

The materials, recommended for pre-university level students, are offered as a Model UN exercise that can be completed in a few hours. While traditional Model UN programs can be powerful outreach and teaching tools, the time required for a full program make those challenging activities for missions. 

The simulation can feature up to 17 member state participants, and can accommodate a class size of up to 50 students. The materials can support missions in their efforts to expand their outreach to teachers and student populations, strengthen interaction with State Department Youth Councils, and explore new linkages with other youth audiences. 

To request a copy of the materials, or to learn more about Global Classrooms, visit www.unausa.org/globalclassrooms.

Tweet This: .@unausa, @StateDept, @usun & @State_IO announce new ModelUN partnership http://bit.ly/aC6x2a

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Media Contact
Joseph Catapano
202.294.9322
jcatapano@unausa.org

About UNA-USA

The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a membership organization dedicated to inform, inspire, and mobilize the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. For 70 years, UNA-USA has worked to accomplish its mission through its national network of Chapters, youth engagement, advocacy efforts, education programs, and public events. UNA-USA is a program of the United Nations Foundation. UNA-USA and its sister organization the Better World Campaign represent the single largest network of advocates and supporters of the United Nations in the world. Learn more about UNA-USA’s programs and initiatives at www.unausa.org

Today’s new partnership is part of UNA-USA’s overall national youth initiative, GenUN, which engages a generation of young people in the work of the UN by empowering them to inform, inspire, and mobilize their peers to support the vital work of the UN. 

About Global Classrooms

The United Nations Association of the USA’s Global Classrooms® Model UN is an educational program that engages public middle school and high school students in the United States and abroad in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. Global Classrooms is the only comprehensive program of study and instruction based on Model UN, the largest Model UN network both inside and outside the United States, and the only Model UN provider focused on underserved populations. Impacting more than 25,000 students and teachers annually, Global Classrooms is implemented as a stand-alone curriculum, co-curricular, and as an after school program. For more information, visit www.unausa.org/globalclassrooms.  

About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.