Our school has a robust Model United Nations program for the students. It is quite appropriate because a big portion of our students come from diplomatic families. The Model United Nations or Model UN or MUN is a simulation of proceedings of the actual United Nations. The students are assigned nations to represent After researching the country, they act in their perceived interests of that country. Student-Delegates put forth motions to debate and vote on and serve on various smaller groups like the Security Council or International Court of Justice, etc. Every MUN has a theme so teachers propose topics and issues for the MUN to solve. There is also always an “emergency” on Day 2 of the activity, which may be a major natural disaster, pandemic, breakout of war, etc. that the students have to react to. I love watching the students engage with each other on global issues and it breaks up the routine of teacher-led classes. Students serve as chairs and run all sessions.
Ocean won a “Best Delegate” award for her level. She is a good student, organized, curious, caring, and it showed during this MUN. I watched a few of the sessions but missed her getting the award due to afternoon meetings. I asked her to get to a microphone and make a motion while I was there, but she just laughed.
I read a bit about the history of MUN. I didn’t know that it started in the 1920s at Oxford University and shortly thereafter, moved to Harvard University as well. Back then it was the League of Nations, and through the years has morphed into the United Nations. Our school annually attends one or two conferences and hosts one conference. We usually attend the MUN in The Hague, Netherlands. I don’t think Ocean will be attending that conference.
Congratulations Ocean, we love you!
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