Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the U.N. General Assembly.

The Rotary Model United Nations Assembly is all about building bridges of goodwill for world peace and understanding in the minds of our youth.

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 1989 President Royce Abbey of Melbourne placed MUNA on the World Youth Activities Committee Agenda for Rotary International, and it was fitting that MUNA was included as part of the Rotary International Conference conducted in Melbourne in 1993.

By 1995 five Australian students were sponsored to participate in the MUNA conducted by the Rotary Club of San Francisco as part of the Rotary/United Nations presidential Conference to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

Whilst not all Districts participate, it is Australia wide and each year our district also sends representatives to the National assembly in Canberra.

They are encouraged to wear the national dress of that country.

The process of MUNA forces the participants to think about how people from other nationalities think differently about the same issues and helps them develop a better understanding of other countries and therefore respect for other peoples views. This is a positive force towards world peace.

The process also gives the young people an excellent opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and debating skills in particular.

The “live in” format that this district has adopted helps the participants develop relationships and form friendships with other young people and encourages them to share their thoughts and views with others.

Prizes/certificates are presented to:

• Best Debater - Male
• Best Debater – Female
• Best Debating Team – Winner and Runner-up
• Best Costume x 2

Best debating team is also sponsored (by District MUNA) to attend the National (Canberra Sunrise) MUNA (all expenses paid - eg travel, registration accommodation) accompanied by a MUNA committee member.

Clubs are needed to be SPONSOR CLUBS. ie. provide participants generally from a local school. The cost is $480.00 for a team of 2 students. The club also needs to organise transport and reimburse up to $50/student for costumes.

This is usually very rewarding for clubs as it is a good opportunity for the students to be guest speakers at the club and prove how well they have developed their speaking and debating skills.