What is MUN?

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations in which students act as delegates from various countries and seek to solve real-world problems using the policies and viewpoints of their allocated country. For example, a student may be assigned the Republic of China (Taiwan) and may be required to tackle global issues such as nuclear non-proliferation or climate change using the Republic of China (Taiwan)'s policies and perspectives.

Participants will need to explore a country and act as diplomats in order to discover solutions to pressing issues of the day. Participants will join together to generate documents reflecting their policy proposals called 'draft resolutions' through public speech, debate, lobbying, and negotiations. When the drafts are complete, the committee will discuss and vote on them. A successful MUN delegate is one who can incorporate an idea from their opening address into a draft resolution that is passed with a majority.

There are so many skills that you can learn from Model UN that will help them in college and beyond. These takeaways will remain valuable long after MUN the conferences end.

1 – Hands-on Experience in Diplomacy, International Relations, Negotiation, and Lobbying

You will develop confidence in their skills through trial and experience. MUN conferences are excellent opportunities to practice all of the skills in a structured environment.

2 – Improve Public Speaking, Speech Writing, and Debate Skills

MUN is a place to practice critical life skills in real-time. In a biosphere of like-minded individuals, MUN can help hone public speaking, debate, and speech writing skills faster and better than most other activities.

3 – Teamwork and Leadership

MUN conferences are diplomatic simulations that require you to work with others to pass draft resolutions. As this cannot be done alone, MUN uniquely provides the platform not just for disagreement but also for negotiation and compromise and you work with others to reach an agreement that works for both your goals.

4 – Make Friends all over the World

A MUN conference is where people of different nationalities from other cities in your country, or all over the world, come together in the same place for a few days. This is a great way to meet excellent, intelligent, and driven people with a passion for the same things as you and is one of the highlights of MUN.

5 – Boost Your Resume

MUN looks great on university applications and gives students the learning and leadership experiences that admissions officers look for. These experiences help students stand out among their peers with real-life experience and provide material for personal essays and interviews. There is also the added benefit that MUN has an extensive alumni network at top colleges and universities.

6 – A Chance to Dress Up

If you like the opportunity to wear formal attire or feel you really need the practice, MUN is a great place to do exactly that. Whether for the committee session or for the delegate’s ball, MUN is a chance to not only feel smart but also look at it.