M.U.N.A. stands for Model United Nations Assembly.

Rotary International's relationship with the United Nations is as old as the United Nations itself. At the Charter United Nations Conference in 1945, there were 49 Rotarians in 29 of the different country delegations. The objectives of Rotary International are to encourage international understanding, goodwill and peace and this parallels those of the U.N.

M.U.N.A. simulates the workings of the U.N. assembly by having teams of two students represent a particular U.N. country. Topics are debated on matters of world political and social concern. It is held over a week-end to give sufficient time for all participants to become involved. The main aim is to develop an awareness of the United Nations in students as well as international situations of other countries and to encourage students to study topics from another country’s perspective.

Students will be given topics well in advance. Resolutions cover issues such as Education, Environmental Health, Human Rights, Nuclear Proliferation, Poverty, Terrorism and World Peace. Delegates must express the views of the countries they are representing and not their own or those views of Australia. Students are also encouraged to wear the appropriate costume of their allocated country and have fun dressing up.

The objective is to encourage young people to learn respect and tolerance for people of all races, religions and nationalities. They do this by debating U.N. topics from their given countries perspectives.