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 will be raised in front of the Burlington City Hall. Join the UN Sub-committee along with distinguished guests, during the official flag raising ceremony. Stay tuned for more information. |
Burlington’s Model United Nations 101 - October 2025 |
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In October, the City of Burlington’s United Nations Sub-committee will be hosting the 2025 Burlington Model United Nations 101 Conference, which is open to students only. During the event, delegates will participate in the United Nations flag raising ceremony happening outside Burlington’s City Hall. Burlington MUN 101 will offer a guided conference where the Chairs (judges and moderators) will provide support to help first-time Model UN students understand the process and procedure of a MUN conference and a regular MUN conference for the Intermediate/Advanced students. Stay tuned for more information. |
Shadi Salehian Memorial Model UN Leadership Award
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.
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| Application process |
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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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