Rotary, which encompasses all religions, cultures, genders and creeds, was founded in the United States in 1905 to develop friendship and goodwill, maintain the highest ethical standards in business, render service above self in the community, and advance international understanding.
In 1910 the Rotary Club of Winnipeg was established as the very first club outside the USA, thereby making Rotary international. Today there are Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries with more than one million members.
In 1945, Rotary International played an important role in finalizing the United Nations Charter.
In 1957, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg became the first Rotary Club to sponsor a Model UN Assembly. Since then, the Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) has been held annually with very few exceptions and with teams from high schools across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, North Dakota and Minnesota participating.
“I believe participating in the Model UN was one of the formative experiences of my youth."
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Chair - World Refugee Council, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, former Minister of Global Affairs Canada, Graduate of the 1st Winnipeg MUNA
“Taking part in the prestigious Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly as a high school student allowed me to experience for the first time how politics is conducted, both in the public halls and behind the scenes. It gave me a taste of what it means to speak to the hopes, dreams and needs of all citizens. For the participants of the Winnipeg MUNA, it is the perfect time to hone your debating and negotiating skills, and to put your convictions into action.”
Honourable Greg Selinger, former Premier of Manitoba, graduate of Winnipeg MUNA
2021 Rotary MUNA Update (pdf)
DownloadCheck out this great video produced in 2010. In its Centennial Year, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg looks back at 100 years of unique and vibrant development. Learn more about the Winnipeg Model UN Assembly and the Rotary Club 'that made Rotary International' - that is, the first Club outside of the United States, founded in 1910 in downtown Winnipeg.
© 2022 Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly