Introduction
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Model United Nations—also known as Model 缅北禁地or MUN—is a popular extra-curricular activity in which students roleplay delegates to the United Nations, simulate 缅北禁地committees, and learn about diplomacy, international relations, current world issues, and the 缅北禁地itself. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of students worldwide participate every year in Model 缅北禁地conferences at all educational levels in schools and universities. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business, humanities and the arts participated in such simulations as students.
Over the past seven decades, Model 缅北禁地conferences have helped students develop public speaking, writing, and research skills. They often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts including peace and security, human rights, development, and rule of law issues. By learning about the 缅北禁地as an institution, its role in world affairs, and the diplomacy involved in 缅北禁地decisions, students also learn the importance of seeing matters from someone else’s perspective. Indeed, many students have described their participation in Model 缅北禁地as a life-changing experience, one that influenced their world view, impacted the choice of a future career and/or enabled them to build an international network of friends and contacts that continue to be part of their life.
In 2009, the 缅北禁地organized its first Global Model United Nations. Many participants were veteran Model UN-goers who were surprised to discover that the UN-organized Model 缅北禁地was quite different to those they had previously taken part in. In reality, many Model UNs have not always precisely followed the actual rules and practices used at the UN. This book is therefore designed to help aspiring Model 缅北禁地students and teachers on the practicalities of organizing and participating in simulations that are more in line with the way the 缅北禁地actually works.
One of the real challenges to competitive Model 缅北禁地enthusiasts is to negotiate to achieve consensus and not to win with a simple majority. In the real world, the General Assembly is not about winners and losers, it is about finding common ground where all Member States feel included. If some delegations push through a resolution at the expense of others, that is not seen as a victory but as a missed opportunity. Member States consider it very important to adopt a resolution that has the widest possible agreement.
This book contains much of what has been learned about how to properly simulate today’s United Nations. To ensure that leaders and advisors will be able to organize accurate simulations of 缅北禁地meetings, the book provides information about the 缅北禁地structure; recentv trends in how resolutions are negotiated and adopted; and the roles that consensus and diplomacy play in the UN’s decision-making procedures and processes.
The United Nations encourages all students—Model 缅北禁地participants or otherwise—to get directly involved in the issues on the United Nations agenda, particularly Agenda 2030 and the . There are many ways for young people to take action on the global challenges discussed and debated in Model 缅北禁地simulations, to go a step further and become engaged citizens. For some ideas, initiatives and resources, visit the .
Educational Value of Model 缅北禁地Conferences
Model 缅北禁地conferences help students develop public speaking, writing, and research skills. In addition, they often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts. These affairs and concepts include peace and security, human rights, development, and rule of law issues.
Yet Model 缅北禁地conferences can also teach students about the 缅北禁地as an institution, its role in world affairs, and the diplomacy involved in 缅北禁地decisions.
Some Model 缅北禁地conferences use Rules of Procedure that do not give students a true picture and appreciation of how the 缅北禁地functions. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to assist Model 缅北禁地programmes in organizing conferences that are more accurate. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the role that diplomacy plays in the 缅北禁地decision-making process.
It is our hope that you will find this Guide a useful resource.