Lesson 1 - Your Introduction to Model UN
Welcome to the MUNprep Curriculum! We’re excited to work with you. Whether you’re a novice delegate or a MUN expert, we’ll help you hone your skills so you’re well prepared for your next conference.
This is the curriculum that you’ve been looking for - by the end of this program, you’ll know everything there is to know about Model UN
How to use this program
This Curriculum is meant to walk you through the essentials of Model UN, starting with the very basics. This version includes 2 core sections:
Getting Started - Meant for delegates with little to no Model UN Experience. We’ll build a strong foundation for you to start with.
Conference Prep - Meant for delegates who want to learn more advanced strategies and get ready for their next conference.
If you’re totally new to Model UN, there’s going to be a lot of new information here. For that reason, we’ve added a few section review questions so you can see how much you’ve learned. Of course, if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
Let’s get started.
Have you ever attended a Model UN Conference?
Part 1 – Basics of Model UN
Participating in a Model UN conference is the ultimate goal for any aspiring MUN delegate. A conference gives you the chance to meet students from around the world and try out your diplomacy skills. You step into the shoes of world leaders and professional diplomats and get the chance to understand the challenges that they face every day.
In participating in a conference, you will hone your skills in negotiation, public speaking, and writing while dealing with meaningful real-world problems.
Why learn Model UN?
Nowadays, its more important than ever to have a basic understanding of the international system and learning Model UN can be your perfect introduction this world. Model UN will equip you with the tools you need to build your own opinions about any complex issue that you might read about in the news.
Participating in a Model UN conference can also help delegates to work on their public speaking skills. Going in front of a committee to make that first speech might be daunting, but you’ll surprise yourself with how confident you can become if you take that bold first step.
Key Learning Outcomes
Gain an understanding of international politics and global affairs
Boost public speaking and communication abilities to confidently share your thoughts
Cultivate diplomacy and negotiation skills for effective international dialogue
Develop leadership qualities and teamwork skills through active participation in Model UN simulations
Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about international relations
Gain insights into how international organizations function and the importance of diplomacy
5 things you should know about Model UN
A Model UN committee can be about any topic imaginable. While some committees will strictly emulate their UN counterparts, others will cater to a diverse range of interests.
Every year there are nearly 1000 conferences that take place around the world - there are committees that discuss any topic imaginable!
Model UN has a number of different committee styles. So if you’re worried about speaking to a large audience, there are committees that will be more suitable for you.
Some professional Diplomats have started their careers by participating in Model UN conferences.
Every weekend, thousands of delegates participate in conferences around the world.
Do you have what it takes?
Here are a few key attributes that make up the perfect Model UN delegate:
Basically, anyone can do it!
The most important part is to just get started.
With that, lets learn some key words that you might come across throughout this curriculum:
Model UN vocab
Model UN has a few key terms that are important to understand. Here are a few of the most important ones:
As you go, you might come across even more strange MUN terms that you’ve never seen before - if you ever get lost, make sure you consult our MUNprep Vocabulary Database.
The MUNprep Vocabulary Database
So that you sound like a MUN pro at your next conference, make sure you check out our vocabulary database. Also, make sure you download our summary sheet for your conference binder so you always have the guide ready.
*Remember that some conferences might have specific vocabulary that they’ll use, so make sure you check your conference manual.
Model UN Conferences
So, how exactly does a Model UN conference work?
In general, you’ll represent a country, business, or person and will be tasked with solving a problem. You share your ideas, make arguments, and write working papers.
A conference will generally run for an entire weekend and will include a number of committee sessions. During these sessions, delegates will deliberate over a range of topics related to their committee, through these discussions you will find people to work with and will eventually write a resolution together. Your resolution will solve the problems that you deem the most important.
Students can get involved in Model UN as early as in Middle school and you can continue to participate all the way through University. While conferences tend to get more technical and more is expected as delegates get older, students can still start their Model UN journey at any level and catch up quickly.
Middle School Model UN
These conferences are focused on developing confidence in public speaking while also practising the fundamentals of Model UN. Middle School conferences will build a strong foundation for future Model UN experiences.
High school Model UN
High school Model UN is focused on developing creative problem-solving approaches and creating an interest in international affairs.
University Model UN
At this level, teams will be more focused on rankings and winning awards. Delegates will generally have a strong understanding of the basics of Model UN and the problem-solving process.
Starting MUN as a University student
While it might feel intimidating to start your MUN journey as a University Student, there’s no need to worry! When you’re working through our curriculum, make sure that you pay a some extra attention to the procedural aspects as you’re getting started. Focus on :
Bloc Management - Coming Soon!
These articles should get you up to speed on some of the basics! Of course, practising with your team will always be the best way to accelerate your learning.
In any event, knowing the fundamentals will only help make your experience progress more smoothly. At the end of the day, a dais won’t give a delegate an award simply because they know when to use their points and motions correctly. It’s always far more important to stay involved in the committee room and suggesting creative solutions to your committee topics.
Online Model UN conferences
Nowadays, teams can find a number of online Model UN conferences. These may be convenient and can make it easier for delegates to participate.
However, in other situations, a delegate may find them less appealing and less immersive – it’s hard to get as engaged when you’re not in an actual committee room. But, online conferences can still be a useful tool to develop an understanding of Model UN and can effectively prepare delegates for an in-person experience!
One risk of online conferencing is Zoom fatigue – burnout associated with excessive use of digital platforms. If you’re going to participate in an online conference, make sure you take short breaks away from your screen.
MUNprep Conference Radar
Check out our page here and find some of our recommended Model UN for delegates at every level!
The United Nations
To be an effective Model UN delegate, it’s important to know some of the basics about the actual UN!
What does the UN do?
The UN is a global organization that works with governments to bring about a universal societal benefit. There are two UN headquarters – one in Geneva and one in New York. From these offices, the organization works to prevent the spread of disease, fight famines, and reduce the impacts of war on marginalized communities.
The UN has developed an innovative method of conflict resolution through open dialogue and mutual cooperation that works to dissuade states from resorting to violent means.
Is the UN successful?
So far, most states have taken advantage of the platform that the UN provides and the organization has been successful in accomplishing a number of very important goals. Despite this, the UN is also widely criticized – it is argued that the organization could be significantly more productive if it were not caught up in bureaucracy and politics.
Significant UN achievements:
UN Failures
While its important to celebrate the successes and the ideology of the United Nations, it’s also important to remember that the organization has its own set of shortcomings. The UN has not always managed to employ the ideal problem-solving approach in every situation. However, from these failures you can learn about potential dangers that your own solutions might face.
Inefficiency and bureaucracy: The organization's structure and procedures may hinder its ability to respond swiftly to global challenges.
Lack of accountability: The UN has faced criticism for instances of misconduct and lack of accountability among its personnel.
Limited enforcement power: The UN relies heavily on member states' willingness to comply with its decisions and resolutions.
Political divisions and veto power: The veto power held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) has led to political divisions and hindered decisive action on critical issues.
Threats to State Sovereignty: This is a frequent concern for many smaller UN member bodies. State sovereignty refers to the legal authority of an independent state to govern its political affairs without foreign interference. However, Peacekeeping missions or general UN involvement can be argued to violate this core principle.
UN First Impressions
In our next lesson, we’ll start to learn more about some specific UN Committees and what they do. Before we do that, lets see what your first impressions of the United Nations are.
The United Nations as an organization has always based their successes based on the following principles:
Protect
Respect
Remedy
Take 30 minutes and conduct some research. After, try explain which of the three pillars the organization has been most or least successful in achieving.
Write a 30 second speech explaining your position on the topic.
