Simulations of international organizations are older than the United Nations. Model United Nations can trace its lineage to simulations of the League of Nations, the predecessor of the UN, back to the 1920s. Modern day Model UN conferences began in the 1950s and have seen a tremendous growth, in terms of interest and participation, since that time. Today tens of thousands of students worldwide, from middle school to college, participate in Model UN simulations annually.

In Model United Nations, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda. Students make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, current events, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In standard Model UN, students take on roles as diplomats and participate in a simulated session of member states of the United Nations. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems.

Model UN at Valdosta State University

MUN at VSU is a registered student organization, as well as a course offered by the Department of Political Science. VSU MUN members prepare to represent UN Member States at regional, national, international conferences. Typically, the team competes at the South Regional Model UN conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in the fall, and the National Model UN conference held in New York City each spring. The VSU MUN team has also been fortunate enough to participate in several prestigious international conferences, including in China, the Czech Republic, and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The VSU Model UN team has been recognized with countless awards, at all levels, for accurately representing the policy positions of their designated UN Member States, and for writing well-crafted policy position papers.
If you would like additional information about Valdosta State University’s Model UN program please contact Dr. Carol M Glen, cmglen@valdosta.edu