Bringing Diplomacy to the Classroom

What is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation and academic activity in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. Participants in MUN conferences, known as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries to represent. They are presented with their committee’s topics or issues, and they must then formulate positions and policies that their assigned country would realistically take on the given topics.

During a MUN conference, delegates conduct research, engage in debates, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. Through this process, students develop public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities, all while gaining insight into the UN’s influence in international politics and the challenges faced by diplomats in finding multilateral solutions to global issues.

The Structure of MUN Conferences

A typical MUN conference simulates various UN committees such as:

• The General Assembly
• The Security Council
• The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Specialized committees like WHO, UNESCO, or UNHCR

Each committee follows a set of rules of procedure that mirror those used in actual UN sessions. Delegates must adhere to formal diplomatic language, draft working papers and resolutions, and negotiate with other countries to gain support for their proposals.

MUN conferences range in size from small classroom simulations to massive international gatherings with thousands of participants from around the world. Some of the most prestigious MUN conferences are held at Harvard, Oxford, and the UN Headquarters in New York.

The Formation of the United Nations: From War to Peace

The United Nations emerged from the ashes of the Second World War, a conflict that had demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of international discord. The name “United Nations” was first coined by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Second World War, specifically in the “Declaration by United Nations” of January 1, 1942, when representatives of 26 nations pledged to continue fighting against the Axis Powers.

The conceptual foundations for the UN were laid at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, where representatives from China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States drafted proposals for the structure of the new international organization. These discussions culminated in the San Francisco Conference of 1945, officially known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization.

From April 25 to June 26, 1945, delegates from 50 nations gathered in San Francisco to finalize the UN Charter. The document was shaped by the lessons of the failed League of Nations and the desire to create a more effective international body that could prevent future conflicts. The Charter established the UN’s primary objectives: maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.

On October 24, 1945, the UN officially came into existence after the Charter had been ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and a majority of other signatories. This date is now celebrated annually as United Nations Day.

Why MUN Matters Today

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the skills developed through MUN are more valuable than ever. Participants learn to view global challenges from multiple perspectives, understand the complexities of international diplomacy, and develop solutions that balance competing interests.

MUN also fosters global citizenship by exposing students to diverse cultures, viewpoints, and approaches to problem-solving. As participants step into the shoes of diplomats from different countries, they gain empathy and an appreciation for the unique challenges and perspectives that shape international relations.

Whether students go on to careers in diplomacy, international business, law, or any other field, the skills and experiences gained through MUN provide a foundation for success in a globalized society where collaboration across borders and cultures is increasingly essential.