“You are here to step into the shoes of UN Ambassadors — to draft resolutions, to plot strategy, to negotiate with your allies as well as your adversaries. Your goal may be to resolve a conflict, to cope with a natural disaster or to bring nations together on an issue like climate change. You may be playing a role, but you are also preparing for life. You are acting as global citizens.” - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, address to Global Classrooms: Los Angeles, 2008

 View UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's Message to 2008 Global Classrooms: Los Angeles Students

Global Classrooms is an innovative educational program that engages middle school and high school students in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. Global Classrooms cultivates literacy, life skills and the attitudes necessary for active citizenship.

At the core of Global Classrooms is Model United Nations, wherein students step into shoes of UN Ambassadors and debate a range of issues on the UN agenda. For over 60 years, Model UN has thrived in highly selective high schools and colleges – institutions with the resources to match a strong student interest in world affairs. Prior to 2000, when Global Classrooms was created, students in economically disadvantaged public schools rarely had the opportunity to participate.

Today, in 24 major cities around the world, Global Classrooms bridges the gap in the Model UN community between experienced programs and traditionally underserved public schools. Global Classrooms is distinguished by its robust curriculum and teacher and student resources that develop critical thinking, conflict resolution and communication skills for middle and high school students.

Global Classrooms has become a premiere international education program offering students valuable insight into the growing influence of globalization.