Model United Nations Assembly(MUNA)
What is MUNA? Rotary Model United Nations Assembly or MUNA is all about building bridges of goodwill for world peace and understanding in the minds of our youth.
MUNA challenges our youth to respect and tolerate differences of race, religion and nationalism whilst retaining their own individualism and the best of their national traditions.
MUNA as a concept arose in North America from the desire of young people to simulate the great debates of the United Nations Assembly. MUNA was first conducted in Rotary by Rotary at Winnipeg in Canada, and introduced to Australia by the Lake Cargelligo Rotary Club in 1980.
In Tasmania it is an annual project of the Rotary Club of Deloraine.1989, Clubs sponsor grade 10 students who are allocated a country to represent for the weekend.
Students are encouraged to wear national dress and debate topical issues. MUNA simulates the workings of the United Assembly by having teams of two or three senior students represent a particular U.N. country in debates on matters of world political and social concern.
The Assembly is about building bridges of goodwill for world peace and understanding through a personal involvement in the acceptance of situations that reflect the opinion of "adopted" countries. Students are challenged by the opportunities to extend research, debating and public speaking skills by addressing a wide range of contemporary, world focussed issues.
Usually, the assembly is held over a weekend with delegates being billeted by the host Rotary club. A school auditorium is used to recreate the U.N. Assembly Chamber with name plates, flags and national costumes being encouraged.
A social program is arranged for the Saturday evening.
The Assembly is chaired and judged by Rotarians with prizes being awarded for the best overall representation, the best contribution to a world peace solution and the best national costume.
Rotary clubs, in conjunction with the local high school, sponsor teams to attend MUNA. There is a nomination fee, usually paid by the club.
To be held on the weekend in May 2010.
The cost per team of two is expected to be $220
Host Club: Rotary Club of Deloraine
Contact : Rtn Annette Viney muna@rotaryclubofdeloraine.org.au
A report on the 2009 event is here.
For more information check the website of the Rotary Club of Deloraine
Download Registration Form
Some background infomation can be obtained here