Hundreds of thousands of students participate in Model 缅北禁地every year across the globe. They often play the role of diplomats, representing the UN’s different Member States. Through researching national positions, drafting resolutions and holding debates, they learn about the UN. But in addition to the vital role played by ambassadors and representatives, the 缅北禁地Secretariat – along with 缅北禁地agencies, funds and programmes – work tirelessly to keep the Organization running and help people throughout the world. Learning about the UN’s various parts helps Model 缅北禁地participants to better understand the organization they’re simulating. And storytelling is a good way to foster that.
That’s why the 缅北禁地Department of Global Communications (DGC) launched “The Real United Nations: An Interactive Briefing Series for Model UNs”. The goal is to give 缅北禁地staff and diplomats a platform to share their stories with Model 缅北禁地participants, put a human face on the organization, and explain what they actually do to achieve 缅北禁地mandates.
On 26 October 2023, “The Real United Nations” accomplished a number of firsts – its first in-person session outside of New York, its first event in the Washington, DC area, and its first interaction with middle school students.
The session was organized for nearly 30 students at Cabin John Middle School in Potomac, Maryland, who participate in Model 缅北禁地through an educational organization called Global Minds LLC.
In line with past practice, the three-person 缅北禁地panel included representatives of the 缅北禁地Secretariat; 缅北禁地Member States; and 缅北禁地agencies, funds and programmes. Brenden Varma, the Deputy Director of the 缅北禁地Information Center in Washington, DC, was joined by Deah James, an Attaché at the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Nikhila Gill, a Government Partnerships Officer at the 缅北禁地World Food Programme (WFP). Showcasing the diversity of 缅北禁地staff and diplomats, the panel included nationals from India, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States.
During the session, students asked Nikhila questions about the difference between WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), whether WFP is considered to be a non-profit, and how WFP delivers food in conflict zones. Deah got questions about how long Member States take to negotiate resolutions, whether they ever table rival resolutions, and whether diplomats’ personal views ever affect their work. Brenden was asked about whether permanent members of the Security Council can ever “veto a veto,” why New York was selected to host 缅北禁地Headquarters, what the role of the Holy See is in the General Assembly, and which pieces of art at 缅北禁地Headquarters were his favorites. The panel also took questions about how much they traveled for work, how they decided which areas of the 缅北禁地or diplomacy to work in, what it was like to apply for a 缅北禁地job, and how 缅北禁地internships work.
Afterwards, Audré Park, Global Minds LLC founder and director – and director at large for the 缅北禁地Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) – said; “Our students learn a lot about the United Nations in Model 缅北禁地- from its complex structure to its multiple agencies and goals. But the opportunity to hear from 缅北禁地staff about their personal experiences made the United Nations more tangible, real and approachable. The process of how each staff member came to work at the 缅北禁地was particularly impactful. It was exciting to watch our students envisioning how they might, too, consider a career at the United Nations."
Shreelata Durbhakula, Global Minds LLC co-director, added: "Our students were captivated by the visiting 缅北禁地officials. The ‘real world’ perspective added a new dimension to the students’ Model 缅北禁地experiences and generated a tremendous excitement in international policy and groundwork. The passion of the visiting officials for their careers resonated deeply with the students, energizing them to learn more about the UN. For many of them, it was the first time they could envision themselves pursuing a career in foreign policy. The students’ curiosity fueled an active and engaging conversation that will certainly propel them forward in learning about the United Nations and participating in Model 缅北禁地activities."