What is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and other multilateral bodies.
How did Model U.N. begin?
Simulating international organizations began even before the birth of the United Nations, when students held a series of Model League of Nations in the 1920s. The Model U.N. Program is a successor to a student-directed simulation of what preceded the U.N. itself, but it is not documented exactly how the Model U.N. began.
Who participates in Model United Nations?
The popularity of Model U.N. continues to grow, and today more than 200,000 high school and college/university students worldwide participate every year. Many of today's leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in Model U.N. during their academic careers – from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and former World Court Justice Stephen M. Schwebel to actor Samuel L. Jackson. Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton is a Model U.N. veteran as well.
What is a Model United Nations conference?
Some Model U.N. exercises take place in the classroom and others are school wide. Still others are regional, national, or even international. These are called conferences, and the events are much larger, with participants from all over the world. More than 1,000,000 people have participated in MUN conferences around the world since the conferences became popular over 50 years ago. Today there are more than 400 conferences that take place in 35 countries. Depending on the location, the average conference can have as few as 30 students or as many as 2,000.
Where and when is Model United Nations conferences held?
There are an estimated 400 Model U.N. conferences held annually worldwide. These conferences take place almost every month throughout the school year, but there are few events in the summer and even fewer around exam period.
Why should I participate in Model United Nations?
You should participate in Model U.N. because it promotes student and teacher interest in international relations and related subjects, increases the capacity for students to engage in problem solving, teaches aspects of conflict resolution, research and communication skills, and creates the opportunity to meet new people from different cultures and make new friends.
What are some of the educational benefits of Model United Nations?
For over 50 years now, teachers and students have benefited from and enjoyed this interactive learning experience. It not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as research, writing, public speaking, problem solving, consensus building, decision making, conflict resolution, compromise and cooperation.
Why would a young person be interested in participating in MUN?
Participation in MUN is an unforgettable learning experience that not only immerses young people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages the development of skills which they will find useful throughout their lives. Model UN enhances students’ capacity to engage in problem solving, it teaches aspects of conflict resolution, research and communication skills, and it creates the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
What is a Model United Nations delegate?
A Model U.N. delegate is a student who assumes the role of an ambassador to the United Nations at a Model U.N. event. A Model U.N. delegate does not have to have experience in international relations. Anyone can participate in Model U.N., so long as they have the ambition to learn something new, and to work with people to try and make the world a better place for them and the future generations. Model U.N. students tend to go on to become great leaders in politics, law, business, education and even medicine.
What is a Committee?
Every International Model United Nations is simulating different agencies and bodies of the United Nations. Each of those is considered a committee. Delegates will play representatives in one of the simulated committees covering a different area of concentration of the United Nations. Hence, each delegate needs to be prepared not only for effectively playing the role of a diplomat by obeying to certain Rules of Procedure but also needs to be prepared for the topic discussed.
What is a Chair/Co-Chair?
Each committee simulated is headed by a Chair and a Co-Chair who are responsible for the smooth proceedings of the committee sessions. In particular, the Chair and Co-Chair of a committee develop the topics discussed, draw up preparation papers, communicate with delegates of their committees and rule debates during committee sessions. All Chairpersons are chosen for their extraordinary qualifications and experiences: either they are former MUN participants or are active in high positions in youth organizations.
Additional Requirements
The world of diplomatic negotiations applies well adapted rules which have developed over the years. For making MUNs come even closer to reality participants/delegates are obliged to stick to additional requirements.
Dress Code
A formal dress code will be strictly enforced during the conference. Business apparel is required during all sessions, meaning suits for men and business dress for women. Casual wear is suitable for all other events.
Courtesy
All delegates must show courtesy and respect to the Secretary General, Chairpersons, Committee Staff, advisors and fellow delegates.
Rules of Procedure
At international conferences diplomats obey to certain rules of procedure for ensuring smooth negotiation proceedings. This is not different at MUNs, where all participants have to apply certain Rules of Procedure at committee sessions. It is essential to apply them for making committee sessions work out well. Therefore, it is obligatory for every participant/delegate to study the Rules of Procedure prior to the start of a conference. As a result delegates will find it easier to negotiate their country’s position within the committee.
Editing: MUN Department, YSUN - Greece