Model United Nations (MUN) simulates the debate of diplomats and other lobbyists at the United Nations.  Students as young as elementary school will represent different countries, debating any of the topics from the UN's enormous agenda.  The most popular MUN conferences are held at the high school and college levels throughout the world, though the United States has more than any other country.  Model UN conferences have been in existence almost as long as the UN!

Like traditional policy debate, students research and prepare positions on topics, though from there the similarities end.  Students work to build consensus on resolutions that they help write; unlike traditional debate then, the goal is not to prove your opponents wrong, but to persuade them to vote for your ideas. 

While traditional debates last about one hour, MUN simulations will run anywhere from a few hours to several day-long sessions.  During this time students are engaged in formal and informal parliamentary procedure and the all-important caucus or lobbying time.  It is not uncommon to see students debating over lunches and after-hours in hotel lobbies. 

Any organ of the United Nations can be simulated, though the most popular include the several main committees of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council along with its numerous specialized agencies (UNDP, WHO, UNEP, and the like), and the Security Council.  Other committees include the International Court of Justice, Historical Security Council, and even the non-UN NATO.

Conferences vary in rules and procedures, with no two being exactly alike.  Many are student run or held at universities or hotel conference centers.

How do you start a Model UN?  Contact us for more information!