What is Model UN?

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 the Model UN conference rules of 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 issues 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, economic development and globalization. Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, goals, and foreign policies of the countries they will represent at the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture, economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation when the role-playing gets under way.  The delegates' in-depth knowledge of their countries guarantees a lively and memorable experience.

What is involved?

While we attend a Model UN conference in late January, we begin the process for research and debate in late October.  Typically, students meet weekly as a whole group to check on the progress of research.  However, research into issues and countries goes on individually between the meetings.  The conference, held in Philadelphia, is a four-day (three nights) event.

Mr. Larkin – A126 (rlarkin@umasd.org)

Mr. Reagan – Viking Channel Office (back right corner of the library) (breagan@umasd.org)