By Cathy Sebastian, GCDC Program Assistant
On Tuesday, April 28th, the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area's flagship global education program, Global Classrooms DC (GCDC), hosted its 22nd Annual Spring Model UN Conference at the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. Over 500 students and educators from 30 schools across the DMV region and beyond, convened for a full day of debate, diplomacy, and global engagement under the theme "Collective Action in a Time of Transformation."
UNA-NCA President, Paula Boland
Opening Ceremony
Paula Boland, UNA-NCA President, welcomed participants to the U.S. Department of State, reflecting on the organization's mission of educating and advocating for a strong U.S.-UN partnership and recognizing the essential role young people play in shaping global solutions. Ms. Boland expressed appreciation to the Bureau of International Organization Affairs for its longstanding support, as well as to the Global Classrooms team led by Himaja Balusa, its valued partners the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USA for UN High Commissioner for Refugees (USA for UNHCR), and the sponsors and volunteers whose contributions made the day possible. She challenged delegates directly: "The world doesn't change because someone else steps up. It changes when you do."
A video message from the U.S. Secretary of State followed, created specifically for the occasion. Secretary Rubio spoke about the evolving challenges facing the global community, from conflict resolution to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and emphasized that the skills students develop through Model UN, including diplomacy, negotiation, and critical thinking, are the same ones American diplomats use every day. He encouraged students to use the conference as an opportunity to explore the work of the Department of State and reflect on how their generation can help shape the future of global institutions.
14th UNA-USA Youth Observer to the UN, Jarrett James Lash
Jarrett James Lash, the 14th UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations, then addressed the assembly. A community planner and housing strategist working at the intersection of public service, land use, and sustainability, Mr. Lash urged delegates to view engagement, not cynicism, as the path forward. Drawing from conversations with university students who doubted whether institutions could meet today's challenges, he offered a compelling counter: "Our institutions can still work for us if we are willing to work with and within them." He encouraged students to treat Model UN as a dress rehearsal for service and highlighted the UNA-USA Diplomat Challenge, a national design competition inviting teams to use AI tools to reimagine Model UN experiences.
Student Secretary General, Ronen Yu
Student Secretary-General Ronen Yu, an 8th grader at Cabin John Middle School with over four years of Model UN experience, delivered a thoughtful address to the full assembly. Ronen reminded delegates that "true diplomacy is not black and white. It is gray," and that considering all perspectives is central to effective leadership. He encouraged everyone to stay calm, do their best, and, above all, have fun.
Keynote Speaker Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson, addresses students.
Tommy Pigott, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, served as the conference's keynote speaker. Originally from New Jersey, he joined the Department in January 2025, bringing nearly a decade of communications experience. Drawing on his own Model UN background, he reflected on the founding mission of the United Nations as a forum for sovereign nations and encouraged delegates to embrace their role as country representatives with a responsibility to advocate strategically. He closed with practical advice: seek out those who disagree with you, listen without assumption, know your lines in the sand, and embrace nerves as a sign of genuine investment.
Following the opening ceremony, delegates dispersed into six committees spanning a range of pressing global issues, each supported by volunteers from UNA-NCA and associated partners including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USA for UN High Commissioner for Refugees (USA for UNHCR), and the U.S. Department of State serving as chairs and policy advisors. The two high school committees were Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), addressing the topic of Strengthening Global Cooperation for the Safe Use of Outer Space, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), focused on Cyber-Facilitated Financial and Organized Crime. The two crisis committees were the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), addressing Non-State Actor Threats and Nuclear Security Gaps, and UN Security Council and the Historical International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), focused on Strengthening International Aviation Safety and Crisis Response. The two middle school committees were United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), addressing the Responsible and Safe Use of AI for Minors, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), focused on Responding to Global Displacement Emergencies, held in partnership with the IOM and USA for UNHCR.
In the afternoon, an Educator Session was held for the attending teachers. Himaja Balusa, UNA-NCA Global Education Manager, opened the session with an overview of the GCDC program, sharing highlights from the academic year and the broader impact of the program across DMV schools. Ms. Balusa facilitated a focus group-style discussion, inviting educators to reflect on their experiences with the conference and the program. Participants shared feedback on what has worked well for their students, areas for growth, and ways the program can continue to support classroom learning. The session provided a valuable space for educators to connect, exchange ideas, and contribute directly to the ongoing development of Global Classrooms DC.
Closing Ceremony
Anne Simmons Benton, UNA-NCA Board Chair, opened the closing ceremony by expressing deep gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, UN partners, sponsors, staff, and volunteers. She reflected on the 20+ year relationship between UNA-NCA and the State Department and congratulated delegates on making the 22nd Spring Model UN Conference a resounding success. She issued a clear call to action: "Carry the spirit of Model UN forward beyond these walls and focus it on your schools and communities," reminding students that the opportunity to make a difference exists right now.
McCoy Pitt, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, delivered the closing keynote. In this role, Mr. Pitt oversees the bureau's six diplomatic missions in Geneva, Montreal, Nairobi, New York, Rome, and Vienna, and leads U.S. strategy across a wide range of multilateral organizations. A Model UN alumnus himself, Mr. Pitt noted that the issues delegates had debated that day, from global displacement and AI to aviation safety, nuclear security, and organized crime, are the very issues his bureau handles across international organizations worldwide. "The work you did today really does mirror what real-world professional diplomats do working around this building every day," he told the assembly. He encouraged students to carry forward skills in critical thinking, negotiation, and adaptability, and to embrace curiosity: "The biggest breakthroughs often come from people who are curious and do not accept the status quo." He closed with warm recognition of the teachers and mentors in attendance. Following Mr. Pitt's remarks, committee chairs presented awards to the best and outstanding delegates from each committee.
Closing Keynote – Spring 2026: McCoy Pitt, Senior Bureau Official
UNA-NCA Board Chair, Anne Simmons-Benton
The 22nd Annual Global Classrooms DC Spring Model UN Conference was a testament to the power of youth engagement in global affairs. From the halls of the U.S. Department of State to the committee rooms where future diplomats found their voices, the day reflected the enduring mission of UNA-NCA: educating the next generation about the vital work of the United Nations and inspiring them to become engaged global citizens. We look forward to welcoming delegates back for the next conference season.
See Spring 2026 Photo Collection Here!
Find the Spring Conference Program Booklet Here.
