Article by Jazmin Justo
The National Model United Nations Conference 2015 was hosted by the CUNY Baruch Model UN team at CUNY Baruch College. Hosting various different universities, the Model UN teams come together to prepare for the annual National Model UN competition on March 23, 2015.
The conference began with a general meeting in which students representing delegates from various countries voted on the establishment of an agenda. The conference was a mock stimulation of a United Nations General Assembly 1st Committee, centered around the issue of disarmament and development. Meanwhile, another mock stimulation of the United Nation’s Security Council was also held simultaneously in another meeting room. Working together, delegates discuss, negotiate, and create resolutions to address critical aspects of the issue, give speeches on their country’s position, and host voting stimulations.
The conference is a lively environment full of interchanging perspectives in which delegates learn through the interactive environment, how to negotiate with vibrant personalities. Delegates also work cooperatively to effectively create a consensus of everyone’s ideas while forming different teams. Delegates also take on leadership roles, public speaking, while using their research, analytical, and creative thinking skills to create effective resolutions for everyone in the conference to vote on.
At the finale of the conference, four resolutions out of five passed the voting rounds. Plus the Baruch Model UN team granted six awards to delegates who had an outstanding performance. Four of the six awards were granted to the Hunter College Model UN team, including two Outstanding Delegate General Assembly, an Outstanding Delegate Security Council, and Best Delegate General Assembly. The experience itself was exhilarating, meeting new people, exchanging opinions, while revising and editing multiple drafts. As a beginner, I truly enjoyed being able to network with different people while assisting others in developing their ideas, and contributing possible solutions to complex issues. Plus, there was a great support network with various delegates who gave advice and recommendations throughout the conference. This experience not only gave me a preview of what to expect for the competition, but also gave me a comprehensive view on the importance of the United Nation and how it functions.
Stay tuned for the National Model U.N competition. Special Thanks to Professor Falk for the photo and follow the Hunter Model UN team on Twitter and Facebook.
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