Model United Nations is a multi-faceted endeavor and, at times, can be difficult to understand. We have several commonly-asked questions which we have addressed below. If you have any questions of your own, feel free to contact us.
- How does the team work? What do you exactly do/practice?
- Every fall, our team recruits new members to train and prepare for the upcoming spring semester which is when the National Model United Nations conference is held in New York City. For example, in 2019 we represented the Federal Republic of Somalia, which participated in seven committees such as the three General Assemblies as well as other departments such as the Economic and Social Council Plenary (ECOSOC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In order to excel within these committees, we learn to function as speakers, giving approximately minute-long speeches on our Member State’s point of view on an issue. The ultimate goal is to come together with other delegations to write resolutions on how we can solve problems facing our world today, all while remaining in-character and respectful.
- What is the competition about?
- The National Model United Nations (NMUN) Annual Conference is mainly about learning to work with others while also realizing and understanding global problems and politics, while also understanding the important work the United Nations provides on the international scale. Few people realize how much good work the UN actually provides, as it’s much easier to bemoan the bureaucratic process than to realize what it’s like to be a part of such a system and the work it does.
- How long has the team been around?
- Not counting a brief stint in the 1990’s, the team has seen fifteen years of continuous participation on the National scale since 2004. Having represented a wide variety of Member States from Finland to, most recently, Norway, and even as Organizations such as the Arab League, the New Mexico State University Model United Nations prides itself on a varied and diverse track-record.
- What do you do at competition?
- In New York City, the annual NMUN conference is held, beginning with an opening dialogue provided by members or high ranking ambassadors from the actual United Nations. That same night, the conference begins as the delegation splits for committee. Sent to their respective committee’s, our delegates engage in “Topic Order Speeches”, short minute-long speeches to decide which of our three assigned topics should be tackled before the others for the rest of the conference. From there, our job is to make alliances with other delegates in our committee and get to work drafting resolutions to solve the chosen topic.
- After each group finishes their draft resolution and submits it to the chair for review, we revise the necessary changes and submit it once more for final consideration. From there, we move to voting bloc and pass or vote down the resolutions provided. Rinse and repeat as we move onto the other topics, if possible. Depending on the schedule provided, closing ceremony can be done within the United Nations Headquarters or within the conference. The Headquarters is visited regardless, even if it is not closing ceremony.
- What does it mean to chair committees?
- Chair’s are usually veteran members of delegations who have an extensive knowledge of the rules and procedures necessary for holding committee. By first submitting an application and undergoing an extensive interviewing process with the directors of their respective committee’s in order to be included in consideration, chair’s serve in order to facilitate discussion in a fair and equal manner to prevent bias towards which Member State’s speak. Besides this, chair’s also control the speakers list as well as taking motions from delegate’s in order to move the conference forwards.
- How did the team prepare for the committee?
- Addressed a few times on both the Welcome page and the About Us page, the team prepares for committee through a mandatory class during the spring semester in order to focus on each delegate’s goals. Within this class, we write the mentioned and essential “Position Papers”, where we outline the national policies of our chosen Member State, as well as practice our public speaking in order to be critiqued and progress. Once every semester, we also hold a formal Fall or Spring conference where we all portray an assigned Member State in one committee to gauge each of our performances. During the fall semester, the team prepares through meetings once a week, every Friday, to simply practice our public speaking abilities.
- What does it take to win competitions?
- There is no set formula to succeed but we have found that nothing helps more than preparation and a thorough understanding of our Member State. Beyond the mentioned practice in public speaking, position papers, or research, our choice of members in the Model United Nations also matters. We take this program very seriously, being a national award winning team, so we only accept the best of the best. Gauging our applicants based on a written response and a vocal interview, our officers make an informed decision based on what gaps we need filled and talents we need before choosing our new members. But don’t worry! It sounds a lot more intense then it really is and anyone can apply. Our next member can even be you!
- What is the purpose of the Model United Nations team?
- Our purpose is to educate members of the team in a variety of ways: efficient communication, enhanced writing ability, a greater insight into history and culture, and a understanding in how the United Nations functions that many people lack. We hope that the Model United Nations can prove to its members and our local community that the United Nations is a relevant and essential organization in it’s pursuit of its established goal: For the betterment of all people, the protection of our world, and to never again allow the terror of another world war through peaceful diplomacy. Even in times like these, remember that there will always be something to do to combat injustice, and the Model United Nations can offer you the tools needed.