Oversight of the Conference - Things to Consider

Oversight of the Conference – Things to Consider

Organizing a Model UN conference entails a great deal of planning over a long period of time. There are many details that need to be carefully thought out, including the choice of the venue, the setup of rooms, registration, and social activities. In addition to the leadership structure of the simulation of UN entities like the GA or the SC, organizing a conference often requires a separate management structure to oversee all of the details of the conference.

If a Model UN conference is large enough, then we recommend having one group of leaders overseeing the entire conference, and another group focused on managing the simulation. When this is possible, the leadership structure of the conference should include a Chair who manages the overall conference in close consultation with a Steering Committee or series of Committees. These Committees should be comprised of students who participate in making decisions about discussion topics, financing and budget, fundraising and sponsorship, conference logistics (e.g., choice of venue, managing the registration process), and communication strategies for promoting the conference. Here is an example of what this structure might look like:

The Executive Committee

Headed by a Chair, which oversees the work of the following Committees (not to be confused with the GA Main Committees that are part of the simulation):

1. Programme Committee
2. Communications Committee
3. Logistics Committee
4. Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee
5. Financing and Budget Committee

Although the Chair has prime responsibility for the management of the conference, many others share in that responsibility. The Chair would also consult the leaders of the simulation once they are elected or appointed. Some of the responsibilities of the Committees might even be taken over by the simulation leaders once they are chosen. For example, the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management could take over the supervision of the logistics of the conference. Meanwhile, the Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications could contribute to determining the communications strategy.