Model United Nation Conference

MNU GUIDE

Model UN is one of the most popular ways to learn about the workings of the United Nations. Conferences are organized by hundreds of educational institutions at all levels to engage young students in diplomatic debates and conversations that resemble those at the United Nations.

It has been noted, however, that due to a lack of knowledge of the procedural and substantive roles played by UN diplomats, Model UN simulators sometimes digress from the true UN decision-making mechanism and negotiation processes.

As a first step to improve MUN simulations, the UN Department of Public Information (UNDPI) organized three Global Model UN (GMUN) conferences in Geneva (2009), Kuala Lumpur (2010) and Incheon (2011). Having learned from these successful events, UNDPI Outreach Division recognized that its role in supporting Model UN needed to evolve, and decided to focus its efforts on partnering with and assisting Model United Nations programmes. The Division has now developed a new model of cooperation and experience-sharing that focuses on training the trainers.

Starting in 2012, the Division launched a series of programmes, which aim to offer formal training and guidance to student leaders and MUN advisers around the globe who are actively involved in organizing Model UN programs at the university level. Following a successful first workshop at UN Headquarters in August 2012, it was decided that two workshops would be organized each year with the goal of deepening students’ understanding of the art of diplomacy and the critical role it plays in the work of the UN.

As a companion to the workshops, this online guide details the structure, procedures, negotiation process and skills needed to conduct a simulation that accurately captures the essence of UN conferences.

UNDPI is grateful to the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations for allowing content of the PGA Handbook: A Practical Guide to the United Nations General Assembly to be included in...