On May 11, 2009 students from more than 30 schools in the DC Metropolitan area will role-play as delegates from the UN member countries through Global Classrooms Washington, DC (GCDC).  GCDC is an innovative education program implemented by the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA), partnering with the US Department of State, UNA-USA, the District of Columbia Public Schools and others.

Middle and high school delegates from participating schools come together to address global issues, concerns and international topics they have learned about throughout the 2008-09 school year. This year’s classroom teachings included an arts-based learning program: Peace Tiles, sponsored by Office of Human Rights and the DC Commission on Arts & the Humanities. The Peace Tiles project was implemented by teachers at Janney Elementary School for more than 37 students. The Peace Tiles, wood blocks that are decorated using mixed media by the students, were created as a way to explore the students’ knowledge of global Human Rights and to help them understand the importance of their local rights. The Peace Tiles project will be discussed by the Directors of the Office of Human Rights and the DC Commission on Arts and the Humanities following the Opening Ceremonies. Each of the Peace Tiles created by the students will also be on display during the GCDC Spring Model UN Conference.

Over 600 student delegates from the DC Greater Metropolitan Area, Florida and Ghana will attend this year’s Model UN Conference. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been invited to address the students as keynote speaker.