What is a Model United Nations?

A Model United Nations is a simulation of a real conference in the United Nations. Some of the committees that are often included are: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and Human Rights. These models began during the 1920's when students around the world simulated the League of Nations.When the League ended and the UN was founded in 1945 after World War II, these simulations continued but now as Model United Nations.

What is a delegate and what are my responsibilities?

A delegate is the student representing a real United Nations counselor. A delegate must research his assigned country and make sure that all the information he has is valid. To communicate his country's position, a delegate writes a document called "Position Paper". It is made of three main paragraphs:

• 1st: It gives a brief introduction to the topic that will be debated in the committee and explains the history of the committee. For example, if your committee is ECOSOC and the topic is immigration your first paragraph should be like this:

The Economic and Social council was established under the direction of the United Nations to deal with issues related to economy and society. It's main goals are to increase the standard of living in the world and solving economic, social and health problems around the globe. Immigration has been a topic discussed frequently throughout the years. Today, it is acquiring higher proportions because the world has now turned into a globalized society. People from many nations immigrated to the United States in the last decade. This gave the country a great cultural richness but also caused a series of other complications such as organized crime and lack of job opportunities.

• 2nd: In this paragraph you will talk about the history of your country with the topic. Some questions that are important to answer in this paragraph are:

1. Has your country had any problems regarding this topic?
2. How does this issue affect your country?
3. In case your country doesn't have problems with this topic you must know how it will affect your nation if it isn't stopped.
   
4. What has your country done to solve this problem?
5. Has it gotten any financial or humanitarian aid form the United Nations or other country?

• 3rd: This is the final part of a position paper. In it you state your possible solutions for the problem and in case your country doesn't have any, you say that you are willing to hear other proposals.

NOTE: It is extremely important to verify all the contents of your position paper are backed up with official information from your country. Otherwise you are risking to make a false statement that if discovered, will cost you points in the final score.

How do I win in a Model United Nations?

It depends on the simulation's judging criteria but most of them judge you considering these points:

• General Knowledge of the topic: It is recommended to learn your country's history to have a complete understanding of the circumstances the population lives.

TIP: Research other countries to have a better knowledge of the issue. It is always good to know the position of nations such as: United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Japan because generally these are the countries that have more power during the simulation.

• Diplomacy: In the real United Nations, counselors must treat each other with respect at all times. In a Model United Nations you must do the same, always remember to address to other delegates respecting the parliamentary procedure which are rules regarding the order in the session.

TIP: Neverloose your cool, always stay calmed and think what you are going to say. If you find yourself in a situation called "Hot Seat" which is when a delegate asks you something you don't know, politely answer that you do not have the information at the moment, but you will be glad to send it to him later. Avoid using words like "poor" or 3rd world country because this can be an offense to the countries delegate, instead use "undeveloped" or "developing" country.

• Position paper: the quality of your position paper also matters a lot!

TIP: Ask someone you know like your parents or teacher to check your position paper, this will help you improve it.

• Speaking skills: The way you communicate your ideas to the committee will make a huge difference. If you state your points with a shaky voice, they might sound less important. Annunciation is also important, if your topic has any difficult words like "globalization", practice them at home. Avoid using helping expressions such as "Ummm", "Well..." or "Aaaa" because they might make you sound nervous and unprepared.

TIP: Always have a notepad to writhe your questions before saying them. Also keeping notes about proposals mentioned by other delegates might be handy at the moment of writing a resolution paper.

• Leadership: Judges often notice if the committee supports your proposals or not. It is very good if people start to see you as the leader of the committee because then you can use your influence to get better proposals.

TIP: Be polite to everyone to avoid making enemies. Don't be afraid to speak up, the purpose of debating is to hear all points of view and discussing them so if you have an idea, say it!

Remember! You do not go to a Model United Nations to win, living this experience will help you develop into a better human being and it will help you learn about other countries in a fun way. Give the best of you and make a difference!