UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE USA CAPITAL AREA DIVISION

WASHINGTON, District of Columbia, 20036-6920 United States

Mission Statement

Serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, UNA-NCA strives to increase public understanding and support of the United Nations, encourage constructive US leadership in strengthening the United Nations, and prepare present and future leaders to work for a better world, both globally and locally.

About This Cause

Established in 1953, the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) is among the largest and most active chapters of the UN Association of the USA. Serving over 1,000 members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), UNA-NCA strives to increase public understanding and support for the United Nations, encourage constructive US leadership in strengthening the United Nations and prepare present and future leaders to work for a better world, both globally and locally. UNA-NCA carries out its mission by: --Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals-- In October, UNA-NCA launched its Global Goals at Home (GGH) program. The launch event featured United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner, and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD). 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. --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 US and UN officials to discuss pressing UN-related issues. --Advocating for the UN and its agencies-- The Advocacy program engages senior leaders and the general public alike in various initiatives to support US leadership in the UN. In 2020 and 2021, Advocacy undertook a wide array of activities – the team engaged over 900 people from 11 countries in its “Coffee Chat” discussion series, held 25 virtual meetings with Congressional offices, and introduced a suite of advocacy materials that has garnered over 20,000 reads. In 2022, Advocacy is leading 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 continues its congressional outreach and training opportunities for members. --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 811 students and 96 educators across 33 schools during the 2021-2022 school year and focuses on increasing the participation of students enrolled at Title 1 schools (currently account for 48% 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 2021, YPP is committed to continuing its regular pace of programming, focusing on topics such as Climate, Gender Equity/Equality, and Global Health. --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. --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. UNA-NCA also participated actively in the Universal Periodic Review process, engaged community stakeholders and presented reports on the state of human rights in the District of Columbia.

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE USA CAPITAL AREA DIVISION
2000 P St Nw Ste 540
WASHINGTON, District of Columbia 20036-6920
United States
Phone 202-223-6092
Unique Identifier 530257462