Model of United Nations

Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda.

The participants role-play as diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee) of the United Nations, such as the Security Council or the General Assembly. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. More recently, simulation of other deliberative bodies, such as the United States National Security Council, has been included in Model United Nations, even if they are completely unrelated to the UN or international affairs as a whole. In general, the participants that the executive panel considers to be most contributing are given awards, such as 'Best Delegate award' or the 'Outstanding Performance award'.

During a conference, participants must employ a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent the policies of their country. These skills include public speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, active listening, negotiating, conflict resolution, note taking, and technical writing. However, school delegation formats vary from region to region.

MUN Simulations
There are a few hundred MUNs in the World, but each of them works quite similar to any of the other. The official language of International MUN's is generally English, although the debate can be done in any of the six official languages of the United Nations. However, in the case of regional or national MUNs, most probably the official language would be the language spoken by the great majority of the participants. If the case, the non-speakers should be provided with a translator. The MUNs are governed by the Rules of Procedure, under the guidance of the Secretary General of the MUN and the MUN Director.