For immediate release: CTWAC Model UN Program announces new home at Central Connecticut State University
CCSUNews
World Affairs Council of Connecticut’s Model UN Program announces new home at Central Connecticut State University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 24, 2026
New Britain, Conn. – The World Affairs Council of Connecticut (CTWAC) and Central Connecticut State University today announced that CTWAC’s Model UN program will relocate to Central's New Britain campus in December 2026, marking a transformational new chapter for one of the state's most enduring civic education programs.
Launched at Hartford High School in 1952, Model UN today engages 1,100-plus students from over 40 Connecticut high schools in diplomacy, debate, and international problem-solving. The move to Central gives students direct access to the university’s emerging strengths in artificial intelligence, quantum science, and international relations, connecting students to the forces shaping today’s world.
“This is a defining moment for our Model UN program,” said Megan Torrey, CEO of the World Affairs Council of Connecticut. “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to build on the strength of a program that has inspired generations of students to understand the world beyond their borders. Central Connecticut State University is the right partner to help us expand this impact and create new opportunities for students to develop the skills, perspective, and curiosity needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.”
“At a time when the challenges facing our global society are increasingly shaped by both diplomacy and technological innovation, this partnership creates exciting new opportunities for students to explore how international cooperation intersects with fields such as artificial intelligence, public policy, and global affairs,” said Central Connecticut State University President Zulma R. Toro. "We are proud to provide an environment where students can expand their horizons and develop the skills needed to lead in an interconnected world.”
For over 70 years, Model UN has empowered over 55,000 Connecticut students to think critically, debate global challenges, and develop the leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. As the program continues to grow, so does its impact on the next generation of global leaders.
In a state deeply connected to international business, innovation, and global industries, preparing students to understand and engage with the world beyond their borders has never been more important.
“Today’s global challenges — from cybersecurity to climate change to geopolitical competition — require a new kind of leader. By bringing Model UN to a campus that is actively shaping conversations around AI, quantum science, and international policy, we are ensuring students are not just learning about the world — they are preparing to lead it,” adds Torrey.
For more information, visit https://ctwac.org/ or contact in...@ctwac.org/.
Model UN’s impact on students:
"Even a small voice can change the world. Every delegate who speaks, every idea shared, and every resolution proposed is an opportunity to demonstrate that our voices — even if we are young — can also contribute solutions."
“There were moments when I felt uncertain or overwhelmed. However, being part of Model UN helped me navigate those challenges. This program gave me the confidence to speak up, to organize my thoughts more clearly, and to express myself more freely without fear. Model UN is not only about discussing global problems, it's about personal growth.”
“This was unlike anything I have ever done before and I am so grateful as a freshman to be given this opportunity. I was shocked at how much power each individual has and I think it is so uplifting and powerful in showing how everyone and every country has a voice when they try for it.”
About the World Affairs Council of Connecticut
The World Affairs Council of Connecticut (CTWAC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1924. Through community engagement and collaboration, the World Affairs Council of Connecticut creates experiences that explore critical global issues and
promote a greater understanding of the world. Learn more about CTWAC, including upcoming events, membership and ways to support our mission at ctwac.org.
About Central Connecticut State University
Central is a public, non-profit, secular institution. Our student body consists of more than 10,000 students, of which 82% are undergraduates. Connecticut residents make up 95% of our students and 42% of the student body are from underrepresented populations.
Most academic programs are offered in-person at the New Britain, Connecticut campus. Nearly 15% of undergraduate programs and 12% of graduate programs are offered in a hybrid modality. Online programs are limited to the graduate level with about 10% of programs
offered via this modality.
Central is the largest university in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Founded in 1849, Central is also the state’s first publicly funded university. The University welcomed its 13th president, Dr. Zulma R. Toro, in January of 2017. She is the university’s first female president and its first Hispanic chief executive.
The university comprises five academic schools — the School of Business, the School of Engineering, Science & Technology, the School of Education, the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. As a comprehensive public university, we offer quality degree programs at the baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Central is a proud Community Engagement University designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
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