Learn more about each of our initiatives!
Queen’s Model United Nations Team
Ranked in the Top 50 in North America, the Queen’s MUN Team has been rapidly expanding and has grown in presence in the Queen’s community. Every year, the team travels to MUN and other international relations conferences throughout North America. In recent years Queen’s delegations have attended conferences such as the Harvard National MUN in Boston, Yale Security Council Simulation, the Cornell International Affairs Conference in Ithaca, McGill’s McMUN in Montréal, and the University of Toronto’s North American MUN among others. The team has been consistently successful throughout, winning numerous individual delegate awards as well as Best Delegation awards four years in a row at the Cornell International Affairs Conference and Outstanding Delegation at the West Point Model United Nations Invitational in 2013.
Speaker Series
Throughout the year, QIAA hosts renowned guest speakers from a wide variety of fields in its Speakers Series. Politicians, journalists, government officials, business people, and other personalities in international affairs speak on diverse international issues. The aim of this initiative is to provide students at Queen’s with outlets to engage with the practical side of international affairs and global politics by gaining insight directly from the movers and shakers of the world. Past speakers have included Colonels in the United States Army, members of Canadian parliament, United States former senators, the editors-in-chief of national newspapers, and university professors. QIAA’s programming features discussions, lectures, debates, movie screenings, and other different forms of engagement with the world of international affairs.
The Observer
The Observer is a quarterly, print and digital student-run publication that functions within the Queen’s International Affairs Association. First published in 2003, The Observer aims to explore and promote the discussion of international affairs in the Queen’s and Kingston communities by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas between students, academics, and professionals alike. The magazine features a wide array of thought-provoking articles relating to both current events and more enduring issues in international politics, social movements, economics, and development. While maintaining an international focus, The Observer endeavours to engage a diverse student audience at Queen’s with articles that are timely, relevant, and accessible.
Queen’s Model United Nations Conference (QMUNC)
QMUNC provides a unique blend of high caliber debate in a relaxed and welcoming environment suited for delegates with varying degrees of experience. With a variety of committees and topics to choose from, delegates will be able to make lasting relationships while gaining valuable experience discussing topics they are interested in. Excellent keynote speakers will complement these discussions from a range of different disciplines. This conference is meant to challenge delegates, be thought-provoking, and ultimately, leave delegates with an unforgettable experience. We hope to provide an intimate committee experience where delegates have ample opportunity to contribute and work with each other. We seek to share the famed “Queen’s experience” with delegates through the conference’s atmosphere, the tight-knit Queen’s community, and the significant historical and political backdrop that the city of Ottawa provides delegates.
Right of Reply
ROR’s goal is to bring a wide variety of perspectives and opinions on current global issues that arise in today’s political arena. ROR has hosted a variety of guests, who, through extensive knowledge in their field of study, discuss issues such as the Syrian Refugee Crisis, The U.S. Presidential Election, and Decriminalizing Sex Work. Right of Reply has continued to learn and grow over the years and is now highly regarded both within the Kingston community and outside. Right of Reply continues to expand its listenership and strives to attain a global audience.
International Development Week
International Development Week is an annual event taking place in early February on the Queen’s University Campus, led by Queen’s International Affairs Association. The event coincides with the International Development Week spearheaded by Global Affairs Canada, which was initiated in 1991. International Development Week strives to bring awareness to Canada’s role in reducing poverty on a global scale. Furthermore, International Development Week is aimed at encouraging Canadians, in particular youth, to learn more about how they can contribute to international development. International Development Week at Queen’s University is a fantastic opportunity for Queen’s clubs and students to collaborate, with a common goal of increasing active awareness and participation in international development.