What is Model UN?

Model United Nations is an exciting mix of debating, international relations and role-playing.  Imagine being an ambassador to the United Nations, working on a plan to tackle AIDS in Africa, defuse a crisis in Myanmar, or resolve the legal status of environmental refugees from Tuvalu, and you’ll begin to get an idea what Model UN involves.

While originally Model UN solely focused on the simulation of UN organs such as the Security Council or World Health Organisation, it has since grown to encompass an entire spectrum of possibilities: from international courts of law and regional bodies, crisis cabinets and historical interpretations, to the fantasy world of Harry Potter and its Ministry of Magic.

In Model UN participants act as delegates to these bodies, known as committees. Usually, they represent a particular country, although they can also represent a non-government organisation, observer mission (such as Palestine), media organisation, or specialist position (such as a judge or a UN representative). During committee, delegates discuss a topic of international concern, and work to produce a solution or agreement (in the form of a resolution) that embodies as many of the perspectives of the participants as possible.

Model UN doesn't just involve giving speeches to a room of peers. You will work formally and informally to write proposals, negotiate terms and gain the support and votes of other delegates. It is a great opportunity to employ and develop a diverse range of communication, research, teamwork, leadership, networking and critical thinking skills, while learning about the reality of multilateral relations and the United Nations.

How does Model UN work at AMUNC?

Model UN at AMUNC works in much the way described above. Unlike other larger conferences, delegates are not paired in teams of two but represent a country or organisation individually. Committees' sizes are also smaller in order to enable greater engagement and debate, with a cap of 35 delegates in each. Application-only special committees such as the Security Council are smaller again. Committee debate is broken down into four days, with two days spent on each topic. The week culminates in a General Assembly, where resolutions passed in each of the committees are debated and put to a final vote by the entire conference.