What is Model UN?

Model United Nations or Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations bodies. The aim is to educate participants about global issues and multilateral diplomacy. In Model UN, students take on the roles foreign diplomats and participate in a simulated session of a UN body, such as the Security Council or the Human Rights Commission.

Participants research a country, take on roles as representative of the country chosen for them, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. The issues debated are normally hypothetical situations with a factual basis in current international relations.

Why are MUNEX conferences centred around a single topic?

We feel the Model UN at times has become a competition of who writes the best resolutions and who is able to argue their points in the best way. While this is part of the fun, often the issue may be forgotten and many smaller country delegates especially are left to the side, and the ones who have done less preparation contribute often very little. The topic for MUNEX '09 is the effect the "War on Terror" has had human rights around the globe.

We are hoping our preparation would change this a bit. The choice of concentrating on a single topic with many workshops and lectures by experienced speakers allows all participants, also those with less time and possibility for in depth preparation to get thoroughly engaged in the topic. By the time we proceed to the actual simulation, each participant should have the tools to really understand the points they are arguing. The good preparation of various participants should also allow for even better resolution writing and even better debate.

This conference will force us to think about it. And not just to think but hopefully also give us tools to fight now and in the future positions we will be where ever we are working.