By Nathan D. Bryant
The Model United Nations (MUN for short) is an engaging club known around the world, starting as early as middle school, and continuing into higher university. As the title suggests, it is focused around introducing students to the objectives and processes of the United Nations, being to promote international peace and cooperation amongst all nations. The MUN provides students with real world scenarios, tasks them with utilizing UN methods and tools to appropriate world solutions to major global issues. Students who are involved get opportunities to develop skills in research, writing, communication, leadership, conflict resolution and many other valuable assets. There are clear reasons why students who have MUN experience are better received within their university applications. For those who are interested about the MUN, I would suggest reviewing the UN’s website concerning the MUN program: www.outreach.un.org/mun.
As stated earlier, students gain academic and professional skills that will aid them in their futures. There is more than just career related skills though that should be considered when outlining the benefits of MUN. Students who attend MUN conferences get exposed to new students as well as new ideas. Often, students are able to make friendships at these conferences within their own country, but as well as students from other parts of the world. There are not many clubs that provide for such communication and interaction as MUN, as it is also the enjoyment of meeting and working alongside like-minded peers that helps MUN’s draw. Although students have to put in a lot of work preparing for the roles as country representatives in various MUN committees, they still end having a good time alongside their in-depth learning.
“Students who attend MUN conferences get exposed to new students as well as new ideas. “
The MUN conferences that make all of this possible are popular and complex undertakings. As it probably goes without saying, a school that is able to host an MUN conference has to go through a lot of work. However, schools that can host effective conferences will help to establish a reputation as an organized and contributing member of their own community. As host schools know, it is not an easy challenge, but building a name for yourself as a school rarely ever is. Speaking as a Director who hosted an international MUN conference, I can vouch that running an effective conference will require long-term planning, guided mentoring of many student leaders as well as late nights being overly worried about trivial matters such as signage, ordering enough vegetarian meals and other small yet always important details. Like the students though, I agree that all of the effort is a worthwhile investment, the it is not only the students who come to learn valuable lessons. If you’re looking to get started with either starting an MUN club, or giving an MUN conference a go, I would highly suggest you start with this resource: www.bestdelegate.com.
