Model United Nations in the USA

American Model UN through the eyes of an international student in California. Does it actually differ a lot from that in Belarus?

Once during a class in America a group of students stormed into the room. “What’s this time: Pink Sorority? Gays&Navy United? Puppy lovers?” –I thought cynically to myself, anticipating another glamorous presentation of one of those millions of clubs that American students necessarily have at universities. Not the night clubs (sorry for the disappointment) but clubs of interests approved and supported by the university, however weird they may seem at first: research, languages, cultures, girls solidarity, gays’ rights, Hispanic minorities… Surprisingly, this time it was a plain as it is: Model UN.

What was so unusual for me about Model UN in America and sometimes drastically different from what I’d seen in Belarus?

Ambitions and determination. Americans do the simulations with a sincere belief that they are very likely to hold a real position similar to the one they represent. They do believe that their decisions are important and that they can change the world (even when it’s nothing else but unwarranted self-assurance without intellectual brilliance).


Preparation. The Model UN Club in my university started recruiting members in September to prepare a team for the simulations in late winter or spring. And this long half a year the members had to spend on preparation for the Model UN: researching the issues, going deeper and deeper into the case, practicing public speaking, discussing, thinking, and writing. To make sure that no weak-willed individual will try to withdraw in the middle scared of weekly hours of tough but fun work the members have to pay a deposit of 50-70$, which they only get back if they make it to the final conference (and believe me, that’s a strong enough incentive for Americans). Moreover, participation in Model UN is often a mandatory part of a class in political science, or a separate class. And that can absolutely ruin the impression: a lot of students take part in Models just to get a credit and without significantly sincere intention.

University status and adviser. Every self-respecting American college has a Model UN team (often initiated by the students themselves), which gets an academic adviser who consults the team and helps with the organization and preparation.

English per se is not the goal. However… Not a surprise? Americans participate in Model UN not because they want to practice their English. Or they do, but they are more interested in persuasive writing and public speaking based on the quite a profound knowledge of the issue discussed. American education in general encourages students to express their opinions and Model UN can often witness the heights of the public glory of the delegates who try to impress the world with well-prepared and delivered speeches. And here again, the dark side of the issue: delegates feel comfortable and important delivering their prepared speeches but often fail to answer any questions

Fundraising. Not only Model UN is often sponsored by the universities, the team demonstrates a striking ingenuity in fundraising (in the best traditions of America and American students clubs). The delegates persuade private donors and corporations that they should fund their team, they sell pancakes at the weekend and wash cars on campus to earn extra money.

 Popularity and prestige. There’s no need to say that since Harvard first launched its Model UN billions of Americans have participated in likewise events (for whatever reason: mandatory class credit or just for the sake of it). New York Model UN probably attracts the largest attention as it’s held in the UN headquarters. And overhappy be the one who gets the Best Delegate title there.

The author remains humble and does not claim the above expressed

 opinion to be any close to the universal truth.

AspirationAK