What is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda. While playing their roles as ambassadors, student “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate parliamentary procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.
Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, students research the issue that their committee will address. Model UN participants learn how the international community acts on its concerns about topics including peace and security, human rights, the environment, food and hunger, and economic development and globalization. Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, goals, and foreign policies of the countries they will represent. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture, economics, and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation. The delegates’ in-depth knowledge of their positions guarantees a lively and memorable experience.