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Introduction to MUN
Model United Nations (MUN) simulates the diplomacy of the many forums of international relations.
It aims to build an understanding of global challenges amongst young people that crosses borders of background, culture and nationality. Using both the knowledge and the relationships they form through MUN, it is hoped that that the next generation of world leaders and thinkers will be able to work co-operatively to find solutions to future global problems that are compatible with the aims and principles of the United Nations.
Taking on the role of an ambassador to the UN, participants experience the complexities of international policy formation at first hand. Each delegate represents the viewpoint of a single Member State of the United Nations or non-governmental organisation (NGO), researching that country’s or NGO’s policy and advocating these views to other delegates.
The debate is controlled using conventions and rules based on those used at genuine international summits. The objective is to reach consensus and pass a statement of the international community’s response to a particular area of concern. These formal statements - called resolutions - contain collective action that will be taken to address the issue.
Knowledge of global politics is not only important to students of international relations, but also to future leaders and thinkers in academia, business, law, medicine, science and wider civil society.
MUN aims to develop transferable skills essential to all fields of study and employment including: strong leadership, initiative and expertise in public speaking; negotiation, mediation and consensus building; and the ability to form relationships rapidly with people of alternative backgrounds and viewpoints.
