Liaison Newsletter > LIAISON Volume 6, Issue #1, January 2002

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Model United Nations: The Experience of a Lifetime
By Kelly Blidook, Regional MUNA Coordinator for BC

With the events of September 11 still fresh in our minds, and with various other international crises on the rise or in full swing around the globe, it is becoming more important now than ever before that high school and university students have a better understanding of the world they live in and the ways that they can affect it.

One way that students are getting engaged is through Model United Nations (MUN) Assemblies. MUNs are simulations in which members play the roles of actual delegates in UN committees and attempt to draft and

pass resolutions to crises or conflicts with the other members. There are many MUNs hosted by high schools and universities across Canada and around the world, and attended by thousands of Canadian students. The simulations are an opportunity for students to get outside the classroom and get involved.

"In class anyone can learn about ideas like the war on drugs or human rights, but when you must see the issues through the foreign policy of another country you gain a greater perspective," said Peter Harrison, former coordinator for the Model United Nations club at Marianopolis College in Montreal. "Add to that the opportunity to consensus-build and work with other students representing different countries, and you have, in my opinion, one of the most educational and interesting activities in which students can engage."

Lydia Di Francesco, vice president of internal affairs for the University of Ottawa Model UN club, noted how challenging a role being a delegate is. "Each country has its own ideology and methodology, so it is hard to reach a consensus. The challenge is convincing the other countries that your idea is right." Delegates are expected to properly represent the nations for whom they are role-playing. While this can be especially difficult because it means putting one's own beliefs aside, it is also a great learning tool. "Because of the research involved beforehand, students learn policies from different countries around the world," Francesco said. "Participating in a MUN conference is great for students who are interested in international relations, politics, public speaking, or who are just curious about how the UN works."

In fact, MUNs can be both an enjoyable and educational experience for students of any discipline. Christa Clinchy, Secretary General for the University of British Columbia's MUN, noted that she tries to encourage students from economics, sciences, or any other area of study to attend MUNs. "People gain a better sense of how they can affect other people's opinions," she said, adding that the skills learned are helpful in all areas of study. She also noted that MUNs help delegates to gain a greater understanding of global issues, and engage in public speaking, diplomacy and creating resolutions.

In 2000, the United Nations Association in Canada began a national MUN programme aimed at increasing awareness of the United Nations by supporting MUN teams with resources and financial aid. UNA-Canada has recently helped a number of MUNs get started and also aided groups from high schools and universities across Canada to attend existing MUNs in this country.

"Model UNs are a great way for participants to develop their abilities to solve complex international problems, and they also highlight the benefits of cooperation, compromise and communication, which are important tools for everyone," said Jeronimo De Miguel, Programme Coordinator for UNA-Canada. "It is exciting to see more and more students in Canada getting involved, and as they do, our programme grows and is able to help more of them with increased resources and finances."

There are numerous MUNs hosted across the country throughout the year. To find out more about Model United Nations or to find conferences in your area, visit www.unac.org/mun/ or contact Jeronimo De Miguel at jeronimo@unac.org.

(Note: This is an edited version of an article written for distribution among University Press circles)