MUN

What is Model United Nations (MUN)?

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation or real-life activity that students can use to learn about the UN, foreign relations, and diplomacy. Model UN is an academic simulation of UN procedures for solving real-world problems.
MUN stimulates the activities of the UN such as negotiations, discussions, and debates. This activity helps you become skilled in public speaking, presentation, persuasion, situation analysis, study, and ability to think critically.
Participants in the MUN learn about the world around them. Students research a country and provide answers to current issues as diplomats. Debates, deliberation, and compromise are used to develop a UN resolution containing clauses that address and resolve the issues. Delegates must then pass their proposal by a majority in the committee they simulate. For instance, you could represent India on climate change or Ukraine on post-conflict reconstruction.
In the current modern environment, it is more important to understand the international system. The MUN can introduce you to this world. The MUN conference can equip you with required tools to resolve any issue with calm and clear mind.

MUN participants imitate UN organ committee sessions as diplomats representing a nation. Using Model UN Rules of Procedure, the students attend the various committees which replicate the real UN bodies such as WHO, FAO, General Assembly, etc.
As a diplomat, students learn about the designated country and try to find answers to urgent issues of the day. Participating students write their ideas in "draft resolutions," which is used for public speaking, discussion, lobbying, and negotiations. After the resolutions are ready, the committee vote on the drafts.
In a Model UN Conference, series of committee’s session are held. Delegates talk about the issues of their assigned country and come closer to reach a final solution. Based on their pre-conference study, delegates propose solutions.
You must collaborate with other countries in the committee to approve this resolution (usually 50% plus 1). It essentially activates diplomatic and negotiating techniques.
There will be a few resolutions picked by your committee for each debate. You will debate each one for each topic. There will be speeches, points of information (questions), and amendments (where you ask the resolution to be changed).
After each debate, you will cast your vote on whether the motion should be sent to General assembly or not. In General assembly, you debate and vote on passed resolutions. Then there will be a closing ceremony with awards and certificates.

To prepare for the MUN Conference, you must focus on background guide, researching the topic, writing position paper and preparing an opening speech.
Background GuideIt is very important that you read your Background guide first. It offers all the information required to get conference ready. Background guides tell you about your problem, what you need to study, and what solutions might work. After reviewing the Background guide, evaluate how your problem will affect your committee and your position in it. Learn about your dais members and their expectations on a background guide.
Research BinderAfter reading your background, you should look into other sources and come up with your own way to solve the problem.

• Step 1: Choose a focus question.

• Step 2: Asking questions and writing up short "research reports"

As with any research project, you should not use questionable sources in your position paper. In your position paper, try to mention credible sources and authors. This can make it seem much more trustworthy. If someone's perspective is insightful, you can amend and credit them. Consult your team advisor and conference sourcing guidelines before using any material. You may bring your research binder to meetings of the Model UN committee. Make sure you always have it on hand.
Policy ProposalAs you have now researched about the topic in hand, write your policy proposal. Think carefully about your solutions. They are important for committee work. Comprehensive and well-promoted ideas are more likely to win support and influence the decision.
Position PaperBegin writing your position paper after you have done your research. Your position paper organizes your thoughts and is an important part of getting ready for the meeting. Position papers are short essays that show how your delegation feels about problems that come up in committee.

1. Experience in diplomacy, international relations, and lobbying: Practice builds confidence. As you take part in MUN, you can enhance your public speaking and diplomatic skills. MUN conferences are a great way to practice any skill in an organized way.
2. Improve your public speaking, and writing skills: MUN offers real-time life lessons. It improves public speaking, debating, and speech writing skills faster. Since these activities are at the core of MUN, you can polish your skills here.
3. Teamwork and Leadership: At MUN conferences, participants collaborate to pass draft resolutions in simulations of diplomatic situations. This encourages discussion, negotiation, and compromise, teaching valuable team building and leadership skills.
4. Visit New Locations: The world is beautiful. Take advantage of MUN sessions to explore new cities and experience their culture and surroundings.
5. Make Friends Globally: MUN conferences bring together participants from various cities and countries. It's an excellent opportunity to meet smart, driven individuals who share your interests.
6. Build Your CV: University admissions value leadership and extracurricular involvement. MUN looks impressive on applications and provides rich experiences to discuss in essays and interviews. With many MUN alumni at top universities, it gives your CV a great boost.