Introduction

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Model United Nations—also known as Model UN or MUN—is a popular extra-curricular activity in which students roleplay delegates to the United Nations, simulate UN committees, and learn about diplomacy, international relations, current world issues, and the UN itself. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of students worldwide participate every year in Model UN conferences at all educational levels in schools and universities. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business, humanities and the arts participated in such simulations as students.

Over the past seven decades, Model UN conferences have helped students develop public speaking, writing, and research skills. They often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts including peace and security, human rights, development, and rule of law issues. By learning about the UN as an institution, its role in world affairs, and the diplomacy involved in UN decisions, students also learn the importance of seeing matters from someone else’s perspective. Indeed, many students have described their participation in Model UN as a life-changing experience, one that influenced their world view, impacted the choice of a future career and/or enabled them to build an international network of friends and contacts that continue to be part of their life.

In 2009, the UN organized its first Global Model United Nations. Many participants were veteran Model UN-goers who were surprised to discover that the UN-organized Model UN was quite different to those they had previously taken part in. In reality, many Model UNs have not always precisely followed the actual rules and practices used at the UN. This book is therefore designed to help aspiring Model UN students and teachers on the practicalities of organizing and participating in simulations that are more in line with the way the UN actually works.

One of the real challenges to competitive Model UN enthusiasts is to negotiate to achieve consensus and not to win with a simple majority. In the real world, the General Assembly is not about winners and losers, it is about finding common ground where all Member States feel included. If some delegations push through a resolution at the expense of others, that is not seen as a victory but as a missed opportunity. Member States consider it very important to adopt a resolution that has the widest possible agreement.

This book contains much of what has been learned about how to properly simulate today’s United Nations. To ensure that leaders and advisors will be able to organize accurate simulations of UN meetings, the book provides information about the UN structure; recentv trends in how resolutions are negotiated and adopted; and the roles that consensus and diplomacy play in the UN’s decision-making procedures and processes.

The United Nations encourages all students—Model UN participants or otherwise—to get directly involved in the issues on the United Nations agenda, particularly Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are many ways for young people to take action on the global challenges discussed and debated in Model UN simulations, to go a step further and become engaged citizens. For some ideas, initiatives and resources, visit the UN Focal Point on Youth.

Educational Value of Model UN Conferences

Model UN conferences help students develop public speaking, writing, and research skills. In addition, they often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts. These affairs and concepts include peace and security, human rights, development, and rule of law issues.

Yet Model UN conferences can also teach students about the UN as an institution, its role in world affairs, and the diplomacy involved in UN decisions.

Some Model UN conferences use Rules of Procedure that do not give students a true picture and appreciation of how the UN functions. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to assist Model UN programmes in organizing conferences that are more accurate. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the role that diplomacy plays in the UN decision-making process.

It is our hope that you will find this Guide a useful resource.