What is MUN?
MUN is a simulation of actual United Nations (UN) conferences. Students take on roles of being a chair or delegate representing different countries in the UN. These students join a particular discussion and work together to provide possible solutions to the agenda that they are assigned. The topics and agendas discussed are all based on global issues and events happening or have happened already.
Benefits of participating in Model UN!
Public speaking
Delivering speeches in an impactful way takes practice. Model UN provides students with the best environment to enhance their public speaking skills. Public speaking is crucial in Model UN since delegates need to, and are encouraged, to give speeches and debate in front of an audience. Model UN might help you discover your own talents or capabilities!
College applications
Model UN is well-known throughout top global universities for their high quality standards. Thus, actively participating in these conferences would probably give you a leg up in your college application. Top Ivies such as Yale and Harvard have been known to consider students who have actively attended Model UN conferences.
Writing skills
It might be surprising that there is quite a lot of writing involved in Model UN. You will need to draft opening speeches and resolutions before the conference. It’s a must! As the conferences commence, you will naturally need to rewrite your speeches on the spot for amendments or speeches about the resolution as a whole. In comparison to the writing that you usually do at school, the writing in Model UN is more disciplined, but you can also get creative! You will need to back up your statement with research, evidence, and analysis. This style of writing is especially helpful for your future college life.
Leadership skills
The independence, teamwork, and challenges you need to overcome would eventually enhance your overall leadership skills. Moreover, if you start taking Model UN more seriously or when you are assigned quite influential countries, you will need to develop your leadership skills to guide the discussion.
Increasing your confidence
A big part of Model UN is all about meeting and bonding with people that you have probably never met before. Delegates will need to interact and work with new people. The entire experience can help to boost your confidence! One conference after another, you might get more comfortable doing this. This new skill will help you a lot in the future when you are in college or working in a high-pressure environment.
References
GE College Prep. (2020, August 3). Great Expectations College Prep. https://www.gecollegeprep.com/blog/comparing-ivies
Model United Nations – The British School of Milan. (n.d.). https://www.britishschoolmilan.com/school-life/co-curriculum/model-united-nations
United Nations. (n.d.). Model United Nations | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/mun
Why MUN – Model United Nations Institute by Best Delegate. (2015, November 3). Model United Nations Institute by Best Delegate. https://mun.bestdelegate.com/why-mun/
