UNA-USA CHICAGO ANNUAL MEETING REPORT, DECEMBER 16, 2025

President's Message

Dear Chicago, As we close out 2025, I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve accomplished together. This year reflected the strength of our community, the dedication of our members, and our shared commitment to advancing the values of the United Nations here in Chicago. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with momentum, clarity, and purpose. Thank you for showing up, leaning in, and helping move our mission forward. I’m excited for what we will continue to build—together. Ashley Goeken UNA USA President

Applications are now open.

Serve as a UNA-Chicago SDG Ambassador and help translate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into local impact.

✨ Congratulations, 2025 Global Goals Award Honorees! ✨

Help us celebrate this incredible group of changemakers making a difference across

Chicagoland and beyond!

🏆 Dr. Jarmese Sherrod, S.I.M.P. & SheWill Legacy NFP

🏆 Momin Ahmed, Model UN Academy

🏆 Akima Brackeen, School of Architecture, University of Illinois

🏆 James Kern, The Vine Trellis Project / Network 49 Environmental Justice

🏆 April Donnellan, Simmons Center for Global Chicago

Each of these leaders embodies the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — building a more sustainable, equitable, and united world through their work and vision.

READ ABOUT OUR AWARDEES!

🍎 Food Resources - Chicagoland Areas

From the UN to the Neighborhood

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.

Adopted by all United Nations Member States in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Goals set out a 15-year plan to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges through a shared, inclusive framework. Never before had world leaders pledged such unified action across a broad and universal policy agenda. (more)