Model United Nations (Model UN) had its first official meeting on September 18 after the interest meeting on September 11.
The United Nations is an international organization that works to keep peace between nations. It has worked to end many wars and minimize civilian harm in other conflicts. The UN also funds and oversees many different organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The UN works by introducing resolutions, which are then voted on by member states and become binding. Some important resolutions are voted on by the Security Council, which is composed of influential nations such as the United States and China, along with rotating nations from across the globe.
Model UN assemblies have existed since the first in 1947 at Swarthmore College, PA. Students from middle school to college participate in mock assemblies that focus on current issues or fake scenarios, ranging from military to economic problems, and participants work together to come up with solutions.
Metasibya Behailu, senior, is the club president and has been to Model UN at Chapel Hill (MUNCH) twice.
Tillie Noyes, senior, the secretary is grateful for the skills Model UN has taught her, she said, “We research current events, learn how to speak and debate, and prepare for conferences which can be helpful in other activities.”.
Behailu said, “Instead of a serious assembly last year had a more fun setting at a Percy Jackson-themed joint crisis committee we were able to stop another war between the Greek gods and goddesses.”.
Noyes’ assembly was slightly more structured in a mock US Senate session, she said, “I was Senator Amy Klobuchar in the US Senate. It was really fun. It wasn’t a super structured committee so I got to talk more freely, which I really enjoyed.”
The club is looking to attend more assemblies this year to expand its member’s options and skillsets.
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