KUNA

KUNA Overview

The Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) is a 3-day, experiential-learning conference in which students participate directly in simulated international diplomacy. KUNA offers students the opportunity to experience the richness of cultures from around the world, develop empathy, and hone their critical thinking skills while engaging with a wide variety of perspectives and global issues.

KUNA Registration is now Closed.

If you are an advisor, you can still make final adjustments for your delegation in the Advisor Portal.

Don't have access to the Advisor Portal? Reach out to your Director of Program Outreach

KUNA 2024 High School Session Options

High School 1

March 3 - 5

Crowne Plaza

Registration Deadline: Feb. 1

Payment Deadline: Feb. 8

High School 2

March 6-8

Crowne Plaza

Registration Deadline: Feb. 6

Payment Deadline: Feb. 13

High School 3

March 24-26

Marriott Downtown

Registration Deadline: Feb. 22

Payment Deadline: Feb. 29

KUNA 2024 Middle School Session Options

Middle School 1

March 10 - 12

Crowne Plaza

Registration Deadline: Feb. 8

Payment Deadline: Feb. 15

Middle School 2

March 10 - 12

Marriott Downtown

Registration Deadline: Feb. 8

Payment Deadline: Feb. 15

Middle School 3

March 17-19

Crowne Plaza

Registration Deadline: Feb. 15

Payment Deadline: Feb. 22

** Please note, ACT testing for juniors runs March 10-13 and March 16-19. The ACT make up day is March 24, so please ask your administration for this date early.**

KUNA Program Fees

STUDENT FEES
$275 for Student Y Members | $285 for Non-Members
ADVISOR FEES
$150 for Advisors with Shared Room | $275 for Advisors with Private Room

Program Areas

At KUNA, students will participate in one of the Program Areas listed below at the Assembly based on their grade and experience. These Program Areas align with the UN Principal Organs (PDF) and each area is led by Presiding and Supporting Officers, with a variety of Ambassador Roles available to participants:

UN General Assembly | HS & MS | All Students Eligible

The primary organ of the UN, and the largest program area at KUNA – Ambassadors research, write, and debate resolutions on international policy issues. Delegations can sponsor 1 resolution in the UN General Assembly for each country they are representing.

Presiding Officers
President of United Nations General Assembly

Supporting Officers
Committee Chairs / Vice Presidents

Delegate Roles
Ambassadors
Resolution Sponsors (1-4 per res.)

UN Security Council | HS & MS | Gr. 7-8, 10-12, 1 or 2* teams of 1-3 students per delegation

The UN Security Council is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. At conference, each Security Council team will address 3 issues pertaining to international security in a specialized debate format. Teams will work together to draft and present resolutions. Teams will also participate in a Crisis Scenario, which is revealed at conference.

*Delegations may request two teams only if they are able to supply 4-6 students

Presiding Officers
President of United Nations Security Council

Supporting Officers
Director of Security Council Affairs

Delegate Roles
United Nations Security Council Representative (1 per country)

Intl. Court of Justice (ICJ) | HS Only | Gr. 10-12, 1 team of 1-3 students per delegation

A first-come, first-served program area that mediates disputes between UN member states and provides advice on issues relating to international law. Students will research and present pre-assigned case arguments

Presiding Officers
ICJ Presidents (2)

Supporting Officers
ICJ Members of the Court (4)
ICJ Registrar**

Delegate Roles
UNSC Rep. (1 per country)

** must be a 12th grader to register, ICJ experience preferred

UN Secretariat | HS & MS | Gr. 7-8, 10-12

The Secretariat serves as the executive branch and has an important role in setting the agenda and implementation of UN decision-making bodies. Students will advise the Presiding Officer team on policy and legal issues related to resolutions presented by the General Assembly.

Presiding Officers
Secretary General
Deputy Sec. General

Supporting Officers
Sec. Gen. Chief of Staff
Under-Secs.-Gen. (7)

Delegate Roles
NGO Representatives

Media Corps | HS Only | Gr. 10-12, 2* per delegation

Media delegates craft compelling news stories on important Assembly topics. Students can find themselves working in written journalism, social media, photo journalism, and broadcast journalism.

*Assistant Editors count toward a delegation's total Media Corps delegate number

Presiding Officers
Editor-in-Chief

Supporting Officers
Assistant Editor(s)

Delegate Roles
Media Delegates

Leadership

Presiding Officers are Student Y members elected from candidates or chosen by their program area to serve as Assembly leadership. They are assisted by Supporting Officers to ensure that their respective Program Areas are running smoothly. All Officers are supported by YMCA professionals, advisors, alumni, and parent volunteers.

Students interested in running for an elected Presiding Officer position should visit the Candidate and Election page to declare and review guidelines in preparation for their campaigns.

All students interested in leadership positions are encouraged to attend the Leadership Training Conference June 2024. This conference allows students to engage with other students from around the state and grow their skills in relationship building, empathy, leadership, and community.

Representing Countries

Each delegation selects the country or countries they choose to represent on a first-come, first-served basis as part of the KUNA Registration process. Please review the country representation chart, linked below, to know how many countries your school can represent. Note that students in special programs do not count toward your total ambassador numbers (see chart for more information).

2024 KUNA Program Sponsor

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