Student Responsibilities & FAQs

The United Nations International School (UNIS) is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and individuals attending the 2023 UNIS-UN Conference on Tuesday, 14 March and Wednesday, 15 March. Such an environment precludes behaviors that are disrespectful of, and physically and/or emotionally harmful to, others. All participants play an important role in maintaining these standards to ensure that the Conference runs uninterrupted and successfully.  

UNIS expects all conference attendees to treat one another with respect, and to interact (electronically or otherwise) honestly, politely, and appropriately. Before acting, participants are reminded to consider how their communications—whether through words, appearances, actions, or otherwise—do not (negatively) impact others.  

UNIS believes that open communication is integral to fostering a culture of responsibility, accountability, and positive peer relationships. Should participants have any questions about UNIS’s expectations, or if they are concerned about another participant’s conduct, they should contact: Zakaria Baha, Director of Student Activities at ​zbaha@unis.org​ or call (212) 584-3026​. 

The following rules are to be observed without change or exception by all students.

1. Students are not to bring food, drinks, candy, gum, etc. into the General Assembly Hall at any time during the conference.
2. Students are not to touch, tamper with, or remove any microphone, earplugs, country plates, or materials that have not been distributed by UNIS. Do not touch any United Nations equipment.
3. Students are representing their schools and the UNIS community. Please act accordingly. Behave with courtesy and self-control. Do not leave your valuables unattended.
4. Clean up after yourselves. Do not leave papers, booklets, or any other materials at the country desks. Students will be kept back at the end of the conference if this rule is not complied with.
5. Remember that there will be many dignitaries present at the conference on both days, so be respectful and thoughtful of all personnel and staff. Always be polite.
6. Cellular phones are NOT permitted in the General Assembly Hall.
7. Do not bring laptops to the Conference.
8. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the United Nations building. Any student found smoking anywhere in the building or on United Nations grounds will face serious consequences.
9. Students are to return to the General Assembly Hall after lunch, at the specified time.
10. Students must sit in their assigned seat, and follow all instructions given by ushers and advisors.
11. Any students who are found to be acting in violation of these guidelines may be removed from the conference, and will face disciplinary consequences.
     

Every year, students from around the world meet for two days in the General Assembly of the United Nations to participate in the UNIS/UN conference. The Student Organization Committee feels that the attire worn by each individual should reflect the level of integrity, which is synonymous with the conference.

Please do not wear any of the following on either day of the UNIS/UN Conference:

• Jeans, Sneakers, Hats, Keds, or  moccasins or 
• Baggy or ripped clothing
• Sweatpants or athletic attire
• Tight, revealing clothing or see-through clothing

Students should wear western business attire.

It is also suggested that students carry only small bags, NO large bags will be permitted, as it will make security a lengthy procedure. Do not bring backpacks.
 

Should UNIS determine that any participant has violated the UNIS-UN Code of Conduct, acted inconsistently with its spirit or purpose, or otherwise negatively interfered with the UNIS-UN program or its mission, that individual may be precluded from further participation in all UNIS-UN sessions and activities and may be subject to other consequences, as determined appropriate by UNIS. Additionally, the actions of others connected with the participant (e.g., parents or others in the participant’s home) may warrant limitations or removal from UNIS-UN and other consequences, as determined appropriate by UNIS.  

UNIS may communicate with any participant’s school Advisor or Representative about any misconduct or other inappropriate behavior involving that individual. 

No. This year, registration will be done on a group basis. The invitation for the conference will be sent to your school/advisor who will coordinate the individual student attendees for the conference. 

Yes.  You must be affiliated with one of the invited schools or ask the organizing committee permission to have your school participate.

The conference this year is in person. No online options will be available. 

 Please visit our website at https://www.unis.org/unis-un/register2023 to register.

We will provide the 2023 Conference schedule here soon.

There will be a signup form as the conference approaches. You will be able to signup for specific sessions on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to be on the lookout for an email sent to you or your school.

All sessions will be recorded and can be found on the UNIS-UN website after the conference has closed.

During a Zoom Webinar, please use the Q&A to ask your questions.  In a Zoom meeting, please follow the protocol set out by the meeting facilitator.

 If your question does not get answered, please send your question to info@unis-un.org and we will do our best to provide you with an answer.

We will provide the link to the 2021 Conference Working Paper soon. In the meantime, to see past conferences' working papers, click here. 

 No.  The working paper has been written prior to the conference by UNIS students. You can submit an article for consideration and there is the potential for your article to be shared on our website or during discussion groups or during the debates.

Our speaker’s committee has been working on speaker selection for the past year, and by the time you are reading this, our speakers are more than likely already selected.

A form with information regarding the debates will be sent to each school after their confirmation for attending this year’s conference. Your school will have a finite number of people who can debate .  Your school advisor will create a process for which they choose the students who will participate in the debate(s).

No.

We will include a link soon to sign up for the cultural showcase. Please fill it out before Monday, February 15, 2021.

Performances such as dances, singing, traditional music from your home country, demonstrations and short theatre performances as well as presentations about your school, your home country and cultural traditions you would like to share.

No longer that three (3) minutes.

Talk to your friends about what is happening in your country, how the pandemic has changed your world and what the outlook is for the future.  These discussions can take place over social media or in person.  Organize your own group to discuss and debate current issues.  Send us what you are doing, how the conversation is going so we can share these on our website to inspire other students to do the same.

Even the smallest acts can make a difference.  Wear your mask, wash your hands often, social distance and forgo group activities.  Be an advocate for those who do not have a voice and volunteer to help those in need.

Get involved.  Find out what your local, state and federal government is doing and see what you can do to help.

To get UNIS-UN merchandise, please click here. 

 Yes.  You can find us on Instagram at @unisun_nyc.