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. Please visit the KUNA website for more information here.

What happens at KUNA?

Students have to opportunity to act as members of the United Nations General Assembly representing one of the countries that their school has selected to participate as during the conference. While KYA focuses primarily on issues facing Kentucky, KUNA offers students the ability to discuss global issues, such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and so much more.

Each school participates in the Parade of Nations at the beginning of each conference so ambassadors can see all of the nations represented at the conference. Each school also creates a small, table-sized presentation to offer more information about their countries. Student have ample time to circulate through the World Expo and learn more about other cultures. Finally, schools may also elect to participate in Internation Stage. This is a performance for the conference that sheds more insight into a nation's culture. This can be a dance, a song, a piece of theatre, or anything else.

Last year, Lafayette represented Argentina and Norway.

Learn more about the United Nations

Parade of Nations overview

International Stage overview

International Stage example

World Expo overview

How do I go to KUNA?

The first step is to become a member of the Lafayette Student Y by filling out this form. Once you have paid your dues, you will need to complete a quick survey from the KYYMCA providing them with some information. Congratulations! You are now affiliated with the Y.

Next you'll need to fill out some information regarding your interest in participating in the conference, including letting us know which program areas you would like to be a part of. Once the deadline for indicating interest has passed, you will be notified of your role at the conference, and can start preparing!

What will KUNA look like during the pandemic?

It is difficult to say what the future will hold due to the evolving nature of the pandemic. As of now, KUNA is planned to proceed as normal, and this page will be updated regularly as the year continues.

What if I'm not sure I can pay?

The Y recognizes that people come from all backgrounds, and may not have the ability to pay the full price of participation in a conference. Keeping this in mind, the Y offers a scholarship program to make sure that all students can participate, regardless of circumstance. You can apply for a scholarship here.

If you applied for a previous scholarship this school year, you do not have to reapply for another Y conference, and you may use the same amount you were previously awarded.

Program Areas

General Assembly (Ambassadors)

All members of the General Assembly are Ambassadors, who represent the positions of their respective countries when ranking and voting on the Resolutions presented in committees, summits, and General Assembly sessions.

Check out this resource for Ambassadors:

Ranking sheet

Debate guide

Resolution Sponsors

Each country submits one (1) UN Resolution to be considered by the General Assembly, and up to 4 delegates can serve as the Sponsors of the resolution. Resolution sponsors are responsible for researching and writing the resolution. Countries can write their resolutions on an international issue their country would like discussed by the UN, or may review the Secretary General's agenda (2021 has not been published yet).

Sponsors will also create a one-side piece of paper outlining their resolution and any relevant statistics. These will be reviewed in the networking sessions prior to the first committee. Sponsors will deliver opening and closing statements, answer technical questions, and respond to pro/con debate.

Check out these resources for Resolution Sponsors:

More information on the role

Resolution guide

Ranking sheet

Debate guide

Past resolutions

Media Corps

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

Though the conference will look different this year, there are still plenty of opportunities for Media delegates to participate in a meaningful experience, including social media documentation of KYA.

If you have any questions about our Media Corps program, please contact Program Coordinator Ryan Simpson at: ryan@kyymca.org

Check out a sample of what Media Corps does here. The person in the center is Audrey Fields, former Vice President of Lafayette Student Y. She was the Editor-in-Chief at KYA 3 2018.

International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is one of the principal bodies of the UN. It mediates disputes between UN member states (countries), and provides advice to the General Assembly on issues relating to international law. There are a limited number of spaces for ICJ teams at each KUNA, reserved on a first-come, first-served basis when schools submit their KUNA Intent Form.

All ICJ delegates serve as Advocates in teams of up to 3. Each ICJ team will be assigned (1 month prior to KUNA) the applicant or respondent position for either the Advisory or Contentious Case. Your team will have 15 minutes to present your side of your assigned case. If you are serving as the Applicant, you will be able to reserve up to 5 minutes of that time for a rebuttal (closing argument).

ICJ differs from typical courts in that it does not put individuals on trial, and it hears two different types of cases, advisory and contentious.

For more information about what ICJ is and how it functions, check out these resources:

More information on the role

Program guide

Court procedure

Memorial and oral argument sample

Judicial analysis guide

Glossary of court terms

Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. At KUNA, the Security Council will address 3 Issues pertaining to international security in a specialized debate format.

At the Assembly, members of the Security Council work together to draft and vote on Resolutions addressing each issue.

High School Security Council will also participate in a Crisis Scenario, which will be facilitated by the President of the Security Council President and YMCA Staff. Details regarding the scenario are revealed at KUNA.

Those interested should bear in mind that there is pre-conference work that Council members are expected to complete.

Check out these additional resources:

More information on the role

Debate procedure

Chart of motions

Secretariat and NGOs

Participants in this program advocate on behalf of their NGO for or against resolutions, and gain access to the Deputy Secretary-General by advancing through meetings with Under-Secretary-Generals. NGO’s are boots on the ground advocates hoping to build a coalition of ambassadors to support specific resolutions.

NGO’s and Under-Secretary-Generals are considered experts in their field. They receive special reserved time during debate to provide testimony. They can provide testimony during Ranking Summits.

The overarching goal of this program is for students to learn how to network with other students, advocate for issues they are passionate about, and realize their voice is an agent for influencing others.

Learn more about the program here.

Presiding and Supporting Officers

Lafayette's KUNA 2020 Supporting Officer

Isabelle Logsdon: Chief of Staff

What is a Presiding or Supporting Officer?

Each KYA is led by a team of Presiding Officers, who are Student Y Members elected by the Assembly or chosen by their program area to serve for a full year leading up to their Assembly. Presiding Officers “preside” over and lead a specific program area at KYA. Besides their leadership at KYA, Presiding Officers work throughout the year on a variety of tasks and projects.

Each program area also has Supporting Officers, who have a specific leadership role within their area, and begin serving once selected in the fall prior to their Assembly.

What are the Presiding Officer positions?

Elected:

President of the UN General Assembly

Secretary General

Deputy Secretary General

Appointed:

Security Council President

ICJ President (2)

Editor-in-Chief

What are the Supporting Officer positions?

By appointment:

Chief of Staff

By application:

Under-Secretary General

Director of Security Council Affairs

ICJ Justices

Assistant Editor

How do I become a Presiding Officer?

POs are elected or appointed because of their demonstrated commitment to servant leadership and the Y, particularly in their respective program area.

There are certain eligibility requirements for each PO position. See the requirements for each PO here. Please read the entire page, as all of the information is important.

If you are interested in running for a PO position, please check your eligibility and reach out to Mrs. McPherson.

How do I become a Supporting Officer?

SOs are selected because of their high performance in their program area. SOs have a high capactity for leadership and organization.

There are certain eligibility requirements for each SO position. See the requirements for each SO here. Please read the entire page, as all of the information is important.

If you are interested in applying for a SO position, please check your eligibility and reach out to Mrs. McPherson.

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