A Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations. At a Model UN students assume the roles of Ambassadors to the United Nations and seek ways, through the means of diplomacy and negotiation, for the world community to find solutions to global concerns, while speaking from the viewpoint of the member state they are representing. The rules of procedure simulate the workings of the real United Nations, giving delegates the chance to experience first-hand the diplomatic and decision-making processes that guide international relations.

• improve their independent research skills
• expand their knowledge of international issues and conflicts 
• understand different countries' motivations for their policies
• strengthen their debating and negotiating skills
• learn about diplomatic behaviour and tolerance 
• realise the value of role-play
• meet other like-minded young people 

Anyone! All you need is a passion for international issues and a desire to discuss your thoughts and ideas with other people. You don’t have to be a UN expert in order to participate in a Model UN. You don’t even have to be a great debater, or study history to get involved. If you have an enquiring mind, enjoy intelligent conversation and like to have fun, Model UN is perfect for you.

Note that UNYANZ events do have age restrictions.

• Increase delegates’ awareness of international events, issues and trends
• Encourage delegates to reflect critically on the role and limits of the United Nations 
• Develop an appreciation for other states’ viewpoints, motives and actions relevant to the UN context 
• Understand the nature of political interaction between states and the pressures that different power relationships bring to the discussion of world issues 
• Develop skills in research, debating, negotiating and cross-cultural understanding 

• Social studies: what better way to learn about history, geography, economics, politics, social development, the environment and health than through first-hand experience at a Model UN?
• English: improve your comprehension skills through research and your writing skills through resolution writing and speech writing
• Other languages: develop an appreciation for the role language plays in the UN (which has several official and working languages)
• Art: think of the costumes, flags, posters and other visual images
• Drama and Public Speaking: learn to communicate effectively through role-playing situations 

• Role-playing: Lobbying, compromising and using effective political strategies are inherent parts of Model UN conferences. 
• Self-directed cooperation: Without a teacher or professor to intervene in your discussions, it is up to the students to negotiate among themselves and to seek compromises on global issues

 

• Traditional Model UN: This will usually be a simulation of one of the main UN bodies, for example, the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, UN Economic and Social Council or the UN Environment Programme. For larger conferences, there may be a simulation of the six committees of the General Assembly. These Model UN committees tend to be large and will often include most of the member states of the UN. Delegates debate and create resolutions that address specific topics. 

• Historical Model UN: A historical Model UN usually follows a similar format to a traditional Model UN, except it is set in a different time period. This means that the countries represented might be different because certain states might not have existed during that time.

• Crisis Committees: Crisis committees are “real” time simulations of actual or fictional international emergencies. Crisis committees can be very challenging so they usually attract the most experienced delegates. The fun part about crisis committees is that delegates often have to make decisions very quickly, especially if “new” developments in the crisis situation occur. 

• Tribunals: These usually replicate international judicial bodies, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Participants are usually called judges (“justices”), instead of delegates. These tribunals usually address a particular aspect of international law. 

Conferences can offer a variety of topics including the environment, human rights, international governance and law, finance, religion, culture, gender equality, health, military spending, resource management and more. The specific topics offered will vary depending on the size and aim of the Model UN conference and the level of experience of the conference staff. Information about the resolutions and topics discussed at each Model UN will be updated on our website.