Top Image Caption: Middle school students raise their country’s placards to voice their opinions during World Affairs’ Jr. Model UN, Final Conference.
World Affairs: Youth Programs
More than 1,100 middle school students from across the Greater Philadelphia region gathered for the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Jr. Model United Nations program, marking the largest incoming cohort in the organization’s recorded history.
The four-day conference took place from Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Temple University’s Fox School of Business in Alter Hall. Students participated in one of four conference days, bringing to a close a five-month commitment of preparation, research, and engagement.
In total, 50 schools from across the region registered for the popular, sold-out program, bringing students together for a unique, immersive experience.
As the Philadelphia region’s only Model UN program designed specifically for middle school students, World Affairs’ Jr. Model UN gives participants the opportunity to step into the roles of United Nations delegates. This year, they were asked to focus on how they could achieve zero hunger and ensure clean, healthy oceans.
Providing inspiration and insight throughout the Final Conference, the following honored guests delivered keynote remarks during opening ceremony sessions:
Day 1: Dr. Tony Watlington Sr, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia
Day 2: Carlos Obrador, Head Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia
Day 3: Jordan Harris, Pennsylvania State Representative, House Majority Appropriations Chairman
Day 4: Bill Bronson, Vice President, Public Affairs Market Manager, Citizens Bank; Plus, closing remarks by Rob Reddy, Vice Provost, Temple University
For more information about World Affairs’ Jr. Model UN, visit our Middle School Programs page. A pre-registration link for next year’s program will be available in June, 2026.
As the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit, World Affairs is committed to expanding access to global and civic education and leadership opportunities for the next generation of Philadelphians. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, World Affairs is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.
World Affairs extends a sincere thanks to our supporters who make the Jr. Model United Nations program possible, including Citizens Bank, the Connelly Foundation, and Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
We are also grateful to the supporters of our Global Smarts Mentoring Program, which gives students from under-resourced schools the support and tools to shine at Jr. Model UN: the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, the Connelly Foundation, Saint Joseph’s University, Barbara and Patrick Bagley, and Terri Morrison.
Thank you to the institutional partners that support Philadelphia students’ access to World Affairs’ programming: the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia.
This program was also made possible, in part, through support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.
Finally, thank you to our keynote speakers, volunteer facilitators, and our Global Smarts Mentors for their dedication and service to our students.
Photos from the May 11 to 14 event are available here to download.
Media inquiries, interview requests, and story-related questions may be directed to the Director of Communications at hknopf@wacphila.org or 267-802-1241.