Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN 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.
For almost 60 years, 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, conflict resolution and compromise and cooperation.
MUN’s are conducted at both school and college level. Participating in such a competition requires an understanding of the format, the rules of procedure, conduct and what is required from delegates. It is a great platform to develop and showcase one’s true potential; it is beneficial to students in more than one way. It requires participating delegates to represent s by enabling them to think from an entirely different perspective. It brings out the best from the participants by encouraging development of skills like communication, critical analysing, diplomacy and involves the youth in study of global events. All these aspects make a MUNC too hard to ignore for today’s youth. The number of conferences that are conducted in the country, and the first-time participants in these MUNs is increasing by the day.
