INTRODUCING THIS EXCITING ENRICHMENT
A MUN is a simulation of an actual United Nations conference, where students are tasked with solving a global issue through research, drafting, lobbying and debate to pass a suitable ‘resolution’. Students take on the roles of delegates, speakers, and chairs, representing different countries and work together with other students from different backgrounds to take part in discussions and reach a solution for the agenda they are assigned.
Three things you should know about Model UN
- A Model UN committee can be about any topic imaginable. While some committees will strictly emulate their UN counterparts, others will cater to a diverse range of interests.
- The United Nations devised their own rules of procedure to get things done in committee. You will learn these rules and be well prepared before going to a conference.
- Model UN has a number of different committee styles. So if you’re worried about speaking to a large audience, there are committees that will be more suitable for you.
HOW OFTEN DOES THIS TAKE PLACE?
This is a weekly enrichment taking place across one lunchtime each week.
WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT?
Here are 10 important ways that participating in a MUN can help you in the future:
- Global Knowledge - By participating in MUNs, your knowledge of the world will increase tremendously as you represent a country at a ‘global’ level and interact with other delegates representing other countries.
- Confidence-Building - A MUN involves meeting new people, interacting with unfamiliar faces, working in teams to develop resolutions to assigned tasks and to express views in a self-assured manner. From preparing for the MUNs to the discussions, debates, and resolutions made during the MUN, the entire experience will serve to boost your confidence.
- Analytical Skills - Astute analytical ability is a trait that helps you at every stage of life as well as in any career, by helping you solve problems through analysis. The MUN is an ideal place to hone analytical skills, as in a simulated environment you will be challenged and required to solve the task after examining the concerns of the other countries, past precedents and potential solutions to come up with an acceptable resolution.
- Problem-Solving Skills - At its core, the MUN is based on problem-solving skills, as it places you at the centre of an organization designated to resolving global issues.
- Diplomacy - Diplomacy, or the art of negotiation, is not only restricted to conversations between two countries, but pertains to any purposeful exchange between two groups, and thus, is a very useful skill to possess. By practising diplomacy at the MUNs, you will become more knowledgeable and experienced on how to conduct negotiations between two groups in a tactful and result-oriented manner.
- Public Speaking - Developing efficient public speaking skills takes practice, and the MUNs provide an ideal platform where you can explore and improve your capabilities. Public speaking is an integral part of the MUNs, as you express your views and debate in front of an audience
- Networking - A-ending a MUN is an ideal way to network, make new friends and build connections that will come in handy later in life.
- Writing Skills - There is a hefty amount of writing involved at MUNs, including writing for speeches, writing position papers on the topic given for resolution, possible amendments, and finally, writing the resolution itself.
- Leadership Skills - The independence, challenges, and teamwork will surely serve to enhance your leadership skills, as you take charge as a representative of a real country.
- University Applications- Admissions officers and job interviewers look for candidates with discipline, confidence, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills; all traits that are exemplified by participating in MUNs.
IS THERE A COST OR ANY REQUIRED RESOURCES?
Weekly sessions will incur no cost. We hope to participate in come conferences during the academic year and the cost will be determined by where the conference is held.
KEY CONTACT
Sheila Allan, sheila.allan@wyke.ac.uk
