What is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the UN where students step into the shoes of diplomats, represent a country, and work together to solve the world's most pressing problems.
In committee, each delegate represents an assigned country and must argue from that nation's perspective, not their own. Through research, debate, and negotiation, delegates draft and vote on resolutions that address real global issues, from climate change to human rights.
It's part debate, part diplomacy, and part creative problem-solving, and it builds the exact skills universities and employers value most: research, persuasive communication, collaboration, and global awareness.
How a committee works
Research
Delegates study their country and the committee topic, then submit a position paper outlining their stance.
Debate
Through formal and moderated debate, delegates present arguments, yield to questions, and respond to opposing views.
Negotiate
In unmoderated caucus, delegates form blocs, build coalitions, and find common ground with other nations.
Draft resolutions
Blocs write working papers that become draft resolutions: concrete, actionable solutions to the committee's problem.
Vote
The committee debates amendments and votes. Resolutions that pass represent the committee's collective decision.
Awards
Chairs recognize outstanding delegates for diplomacy, research, and leadership, from Honorable Mention to Best Delegate.
Key roles
- Delegate: represents a country and argues its position.
- Chair / Dais: moderates debate and enforces the rules of procedure.
- Bloc: a group of countries with shared interests working together.
- Resolution: the formal document proposing a solution.
Quick glossary
- Position Paper
- A short essay stating your country's stance.
- Moderated Caucus
- Structured debate on a sub-topic, speaker by speaker.
- Unmoderated Caucus
- Free negotiation time to build coalitions.
- Point of Order
- A delegate's challenge when rules aren't followed.
Ready to learn the ropes?
Browse our delegate toolkit or join the program. No experience required.
