Model UN

Students who participate in a Model UN conferences learn about the world’s most challenging problems and seek to find creative diplomatic solutions to them. Climate change, lack of fresh water, the AIDS epidemic in Africa are but a few of the topics that the students have had to tackle. During A Model UN conference, every student plays the role of a delegate from a different country.  Through their research, students learn to see issues through the foreign policy of another country. They must then represent this country in a realistic way which often means putting aside their own personal beliefs.  Through their participation they gain an understanding of global issues, diplomacy, creating resolutions and generally improve their public speaking skills.

The Club is open to students in all programs.  It is run by the Model UN Executive, which is made up of 6 students and 2 faculty/staff advisors. The executive are involved in training, fund raising, selecting conferences, managing the budget, publicity and organizing transportation and accommodation where necessary.  The advisors provide training and guidance on both the academic content of the conference and the leadership/team aspects.  The Club participates in three conferences per year, two in Montreal and one in New York, Boston or Ottawa. Through a number of training sessions, students learn how to research the country they are representing, write position papers and are given tips on public speaking.

Historically, the Model UN Club attracts a large number of students and our delegations at local conferences have at times surpassed 50 participants.  Our students have also met with much success at their conferences generally bringing home both Best Delegate and Best Delegation Awards.  This is a real testament to the hard work of our students as they often find themselves in a committee with over 100 delegates.

To learn more, please contact Sharon Rankin, Project Coordinator.