Model United Nations

Model UN Simulation

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly and other branches of the UN system. In Model UN, students assume the role of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda. While role playing as ambassadors, delegates make speeches, write resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate parliamentary rules of procedure. This is done in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve transnational issues that cannot be solved by individual states alone.

Model UN encourages the study, discussion and resolution of global issues while promoting the development of long-term skills such as researching, writing, public speaking, problem solving and leadership. Participation in Model UN also advances consensus building and conflict resolution, and it allows delegates to interactively practice compromise and cooperation techniques. These skills are attained while the delegate is meeting new people from diverse backgrounds.

Model UN Course

This three-hour course prepares the delegation for the National Model United Nations Conference annual diplomatic simulation. During the semester, students gain an understanding of the history, operations and committee system of the United Nations. Students also study the history, foreign policy and related policy positions of the assigned country, learn parliamentary procedure, prepare position papers, and practice writing resolutions. The delegates’ in-depth knowledge of their country guarantees an energetic and memorable conference experience.

The culmination of the course is the National Model United Nations diplomatic simulation. During the fall semester, students participate in a smaller conference in Washington, D.C. In the spring semester, students attend a large conference in New York. With over 6,000 students in attendance from approximately 130 countries, National Model United Nations is the world’s largest college Model UN conference. During the simulation, each student becomes a diplomat and has the opportunity to meet with real diplomats, attend opening and closing sessions at the United Nations building and listen to keynote speakers. In the past years, WVU has represented countries such as France, Russia, China, United Kingdom, Cuba, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and many more.

This course may count as a Capstone for International Studies majors.

Model U.N. Club

The Model United Nations Club allows students of any major to attend Model UN conferences. Students can receive three credit hours for conference preparation and attendance. No previous MUN experience is necessary to participate in the club. If you are interested in joining the Model UN Club, please contact the club’s faculty advisor, Professor Clarissa Estep,  at clarissa.estep@mail.wvu.edu.