Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, and a number of other UN organs. Placing students into the world of diplomacy and negotiation, participants step into the shoes of ambassadors of UN member states, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, to debate and work on resolutions to current issues facing the organization’s real-life counterpart.
During a Model United Nations conference, students, better known as “delegates”, prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the UN’s rules of procedure. This is all done in the interest of international cooperation to resolve problems that affect any number of countries or regions.
As a VIU club, they meet weekly to discuss and debate current issues on the global agenda. Each week, meeting topics vary but opinionated debates are always guaranteed. As a delegation, they attend conferences hosted by other universities in order to put their diplomacy skills to the test. They prepare for these conferences at weekly meetings to ensure that delegates feel confident enough to participate.
Before attending a Model United Nations conference, students research the particular global problems their committee is set to address. These problems are drawn from today’s headlines. Model UN-ers learn how the international community acts on its concerns about peace and security, human rights, climate change, economic development, and much more.
This year, the VIU Model United Nations Club is proud to be hosting their own
conference, VIU MUN, which will be held February 9 through February 10, 2018. This year’s conference will be taking place during VIU’s Global Citizens Week, which has the theme of “Solidarity in Action.” They, therefore, would like to encourage the participants, both staff and delegates, to envision new perspectives to understand the changing world we live in. Their organizers have worked to ensure a wide variety of committees for delegates to take part in, helping individuals move beyond their limitations and see that they can do and be what they imagine.
Model United Nations may not directly change the world, but it prepares the leaders of tomorrow, training them to be diplomatic and innovative in the solutions they provide. At VIU MUN, they hope to help delegates recognize their full potential and harness it in a way that furthers the world.
They look forward to the intellectually stimulating and enjoyable conference that VIU MUN will be. For more information, refer to their website. For questions, or to get involved with the club, contact President Justin North and Vice President Stephanie Pastro at mun.viu@gmail.com.
