What IS MUN?
Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations, in which students play the role of diplomats representing different countries from around the world. Students debate real-world problems (for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine) and attempt to brainstorm solutions that are formalized into resolutions that are voted upon at the end of conferences. The aim is to draft a resolution that can gain the support of a majority of UN Member States, which is often a difficult task that requires considerable compromise, negotiation, and persuasion. MUN provides students with an opportunity to develop public speaking, critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
UIA’s MUN Club was established at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year after the introduction of a weekly Special Programs class in which students prepare for upcoming MUN conferences. Since then, UIA students have participated in numerous different MUN conferences, both online and in person. After winning several awards, UIA applied to Harvard Model United Nations 2023 and was fortunately accepted. Nine UIA students flew to Boston to compete at Harvard MUN on January 26-29, 2023, and have spent several months diligently preparing. After gaining this valuable experience, UIA hopes to continue competing in other prestigious international conferences every school year going forward.
