What is WHAT IS MODEL UN? Model United Nations is an exciting mix of debating, international relations and role-playing. Imagine being an ambassador to the United Nations, working on a plan to tackle the challenges of population growth, or defuse a crisis in South Ossetia and you’ll begin to get an idea what Model UN involves. While originally Model UN solely focused on the simulation of UN organs such as the Security Council or World Health Organization, it has since grown to encompass an entire spectrum of possibilities: from international courts of law and regional bodies, crisis cabinets and historical interpretations. In Model UN participants act as delegates to these bodies, known as committees. Usually, they represent a particular country, although they can also represent a non-government organization, observer mission (such as Palestine), media organizations, or specialist position (such as a judge or a UN representative), or for the first time this year an intelligence officer. During committee, delegates discuss a topic of international concern, and work to produce a solution or agreement (in the form of a resolution) that embodies as many of the perspectives of the participants as possible. Model UN doesn't just involve giving speeches to a room of peers. You will work formally and informally to write proposals, negotiate terms and gain the support and votes of other delegates. It is a great opportunity to employ and develop a diverse range of communication, research, teamwork, leadership, networking and critical thinking skills, while learning about the reality of multilateral relations and the United Nations. St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Model United Nations Team is a very interesting group of students who are interested in discovering how countries are able to solve some of those conflicts that they study in history class or hear about in the national media everyday. Additionally, they work to prepare themselves to attend Model UN conferences during the year. At this point, we have attended two local, college-hosted conferences. We are hoping to have the resources and the interest to expand this school year. In 2011 we received two major awards “Distinguished Delegations,” Model United Nations awards. What can you gain from Model UN? Besides the obvious answer of fun and camaraderie, there are important skills that can last a lifetime and even encourage a future career. Learn to be a problem solver, to negotiate, to think and speak on your feet. And most important for those of us planning to live in this global world, learn how it all works - and sometimes doesn't!
[ Back to Top ]
|
