Title: Teen Citizens in the Making: The Model United Nations Program
Word Count: about 1650 words
Abstract:
The Model United Nations program is an authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly for high school and college students around the world. More than a million young people have participated in Model UN conferences over the past fifty years, expanding their understanding of international relations,foreign affairs, and the roots and history of conflict between nations. Over 400 Model UN conferences take place each year in 35 different countries. Find out what students and teachers have to say about how Model UN has impacted the lives of teens and how Model UN programs can be implemented in your teen’s school.
Excerpt:
The debate was getting heated and several delegates shifted uncomfortably in their chairs. The topic was gender-based discrimination and the need to remove obstacles to women’s ability to work; the forum: a meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. The representative from Saudi Arabia was explaining the religious roots of his country’s laws restricting women’s dress, conduct and ability to work outside the home. Representatives from other countries under Sharia law as well as non-Islamic states entered the debate. Tensions grew and arguments flew in the small conference room until the moderator banged her gavel and reminded the delegates of the rules of Parliamentary procedure.
This was just one of many sessions taking place at a recent Model United Nations conference. Like the real United Nations, the Model UN addresses real international issues, such as human rights, sustainable development, nuclear disarmament, child labor, peace and security. Unlike the real United Nations, it was high school students who were debating the issues, proposing solutions and writing resolutions at this Model UN conference . . .
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