In short
- Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation of the United Nations.
- Students act as diplomats for an assigned country, debate global issues, and write resolutions.
- Conferences range from one day at a local school to several days at an international event.
- No experience is needed to start: preparation builds the skills.
What happens in Model UN
In Model UN, each student, called a delegate, is assigned a country and a committee. The committee has one or two topics on its agenda, such as climate change, refugees, cyber security, or global health. Delegates research how their country sees each topic, then spend the conference speaking, negotiating, and writing solutions together.
The goal is not to win an argument. It is to build agreement among countries with very different interests, the same challenge real diplomats face at the United Nations. Each committee is run by chairs, often experienced students, who keep debate orderly and fair.
A typical conference, step by step
- Assignment. Weeks before, each delegate receives a country, a committee, and a background guide on the topics.
- Preparation. Delegates research their country’s position and usually write a position paper.
- Opening ceremony. The conference begins with welcome speeches, often from a guest speaker.
- Committee sessions. Delegates give speeches, then move into caucuses to negotiate and form groups, called blocs. The rules of procedure keep it organized.
- Resolutions. Blocs write draft resolutions, propose amendments, and debate them.
- Voting. The committee votes, and resolutions that pass become its official outcome.
- Closing ceremony. Committees share their results, and many conferences present awards.
Who takes part
Most Model UN conferences are for high school students, and many welcome middle school students too. University conferences also exist. Students usually attend as part of a school delegation or MUN club, though some conferences accept individual delegates. Most conferences run in English, and some are held in other languages.
Key terms
- Delegate
- A student representing a country in a committee.
- Delegation
- The group of students from one school, or all the delegates representing one country.
- Committee
- A simulated UN body, such as the General Assembly or the Security Council.
- Chair
- The person who runs the committee and applies the rules.
- Position paper
- A short paper setting out a country’s view on each topic.
- Caucus
- Time for more open debate or negotiation, moderated or unmoderated.
- Bloc
- A group of countries working together on shared goals.
- Resolution
- The committee’s formal written decision on a topic.
Skills students build
- Public speaking: speaking with purpose, under time limits, in front of peers.
- Research and writing: turning sources into clear arguments and formal documents.
- Critical thinking: weighing evidence and understanding views different from your own.
- Negotiation and teamwork: finding common ground and building coalitions.
- Leadership: guiding a bloc, drafting with others, and staying calm under pressure.
Read more about what students gain from Model UN.
How to get started
- Find a club or start one. Many schools have an MUN club; if yours does not, a teacher can help you start one.
- Learn the basics. Read our guides to rules of procedure, committees, and opening speeches.
- Try a local conference first. A one- or two-day event close to home is a low-pressure way to learn.
- Prepare with guidance. Structured practice makes a big difference. The Edvisors MUN USA program offers five months of live, interactive preparation, in person or virtual.