Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the debates and decision-making process of the United Nations and its organs. Students take the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world current issues from the perspectives, including policies and interests, of their assigned country. They leverage their skills in debate, consensus building, critical thinking, and parliamentary prcedure, resoution drafting, and public speaking acquiried as a part of the NMUN course.
For example, a student may be assigned the role of a delegate of the United Kingdom in the UN Security Council and be expected to contribute to solving an issue such as the migration crisis by critically analysing the issue based on the UK’s interests, debating other delegates, finding common areas of agreement, and drafting a resolution for the UNSC to adopt.
Students can attend Model United Nations conferences around the world. These conferences are organized by universities, high schools, non-profit organizations and other educational groups. Conferences are offered for different academic levels, primarily university and high school level.
International Burch University has adopted a new curriculum at the Department of International Relations and European Studies for master’s and undergraduate level that includes courses on Model United Nations to prepare students to participate in the NMUN conferences.