In 1985, Burlington was declared a world community dedicated to international co-operation, i.e. mundialized, followed by the passing of bylaw 26-1986.
Burlington United Nations Sub-committee
The vision of the United Nations sub-committee is that Burlington is a place that is inclusive and fully engaged with its citizens. The mission is to bring citizens together, primarily through the youth, in a platform that can help inform and uphold the City of Burlington as a world community. This can include but is not limited to strengthening and supporting the development of high school Model UN clubs, providing leadership workshops, and delivering Model UN activities.
History of the United Nations and Model UN
The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 with the drafting and signing of the UN Charter. This alliance of 51 countries was established following the end of World War II, in hopes that the commitment would prevent another world war. As of 2023, the UN is comprised of 193 Member States. The UN is a place where all the world’s nations can gather, discuss common problems, and find solutions that benefit all of humanity.
The Model UN initiative works to bring further understanding of how the United Nations operates, educates students on global issues (including the Sustainable Development Goals), and stimulate peace through diplomacy and cooperation. This is achieved typically through Model UN conferences which offer students a time to gather and work through scenarios with the goal of simulating the actual processes and operations of the UN.
Celebrating United Nations (UN) Day on Oct. 24
United Nations (UN) Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by most of its signatories, the United Nations officially came into being. In 2016, the City of Burlington officially proclaimed Oct. 24 of each year as UN Day. Marking this day promotes global awareness and knowledge of the concept of nations working together in a global economy, and specifically of our current twinning relationships with Itabashi, Japan and Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.
United Nations Sub-Committee Events
United Nations Flag Raising – October 2025 |
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In October, the United Nations flag was raised in front of the Burlington City Hall. UN Sub-committee members were joined by distinguished guests and 55 students representing four Burlington high schools during the official flag raising ceremony. Prior to the flag raising, students heard a keynote address from Dr. Alistair Edgar regarding disaster management in Ukraine and the role of the UN. |
Burlington’s Model United Nations – February 2026 |
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In February, the City of Burlington’s United Nations Sub-committee hosted the 2026 Burlington Model United Nations Conference, which was open to students only. The Sub-committee created a conference designed to challenge and engage the student delegates in some of the most complex political, ethical and security dilemmas the world has ever faced, both real and imagined. This event was designed to help first-time and experienced Model United Nations (MUN) delegates develop their debating skills, global awareness, knowledge, and problem-solving skills with the goal of preparing them for future MUN events. The event was attended by 85 students representing five Burlington high schools. |
Shadi Salehian Memorial Model UN Leadership Award
2026 call for applications is open! Submission deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026
In memory of Shadi Salehian, former Chair of the Burlington UN Sub-committee, we honour her contribution to our committee and the Burlington community through the Shadi Salehian Memorial Model UN Leadership Award.
Shadi was a champion of the student members of Burlington’s UN Sub-committee, allowing them the space and opportunity to shape the direction of our committee’s initiatives. As a result of her commitment to our student members, the UN Sub-committee established this award to honour her work and dedication by continuing to support exceptional students in her name.
Our intention is to award high school student(s) in Burlington who embody the ideals and vision of Model UN throughout their academic activities and extracurriculars, their leadership within the city of Burlington or their school community, and who are active participants in Model UN activities for two or more years.
| Award selection criteria |
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| Application process |
Submission deadline is Monday, April 20, 2026 Please email your application package (including personal application letter, plus two letters of reference) to the City. Please note: The award’s monetary amount is contingent on annual approval by the Mundialization Committee and Burlington City Council. In 2026, one or two financial awards will be provided at $500 each. Successful applicant(s) will be invited to attend the award ceremony on June 3, 2026, during the Mundialization Committee meeting taking place in person at Burlington City Hall. 426 Brant St. |
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Ryan Hogean and Duncan Laing – the recipients of the 2025 Shadi Salehian Memorial Model UN Leadership Award.
Ryan and Duncan received their awards during the June 11 Mundialization Committee meeting at Burlington City Hall, 426 Brant St. They each receive a financial award of $500.
| Past recipients |
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