Welcome to YIRA

The Yale International Relations Association, Inc. (YIRA) was founded in 1969 to further the Yale community's understanding international relations. We believe that the key to a secure future begins with an understanding of our neighbors in the global community - an understanding that only comes about through education. It is with this perspective that YIRA dedicates itself to educating its members, the Yale community, and others about international affairs.

YIRA, Inc. is an umbrella organization for four primary activities: The Security Council Simulation at Yale (SCSY), a collegiate Model United Nations Conference revolving around crisis simulations; the Yale Model United Nations Conference (YMUN), which attracts approximately 1000 high school students from the around the world each winter; the Model United Nations Team at Yale (MUNTY) which represents YIRA and Yale-at-large at collegiate Model United Nations conferences around the world; The Speaker's Committee which works to bring international leaders to campus to speak at events open to the entire Yale community.

On this Website, you can find information about our two main divisions: The Speaker's Committee, and Model United Nations, including our high school, college, and intra-mural conferences and our award winning Model United Nations Team. Moreover, you will be able to find detailed information about all YIRA events, including social, internships and travel opportunities. 

We thank you for visiting. We encourage all visitors to explore our website and to contact us if you have any questions.

Recent Events

YMUN XXXV

YIRA hosted the 35th annual Yale Model United Nations conference (YMUN) from January 22nd to the 25th of 2009. Visit http://www.yale.edu/yira/ymun/ for more details.

SCSY XXXI

The 31st annual Security Council Simulation at Yale (SCSY) took place from October 30th to November 2nd of 2008. SCSY is YIRA's crisis centered college Model UN conference. From the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to the Board of Governors of the IAEA, there's no area of international relations SCSY won't explore. Much was learnt this weekend, and great times were had by all in attendance. We hope for an   even better conference next year!


In case you can't make it to our events: sign up here to receive e-mails about unique YIRA opportunities or to be paired with a current YIRA member to answer any questions you may have.



Media:
New Haven Goes Before U.N. (New Haven Independent)
NHPS Students addressed world issues at presigious Yale Model UN Conference (New Haven Public Schools Website)
1,300 High Schoolers expected to attend Yale 'U.N.' Seminars (New Haven Register)