Model UN

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations and other international bodies. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN Member States to debate current issues on the Organization's agenda. Student-delegates perform research, give speeches, write resolutions, and negotiate with allies and adversaries - all with the goal of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.

What does it mean to attend a conference?
Participants in Model UN conferences, or delegates, are placed in committees and assigned a country or political figure to represent. Delegates receive their assignments several weeks beforehand, along with a background guide with topics for the committee. Then, delegates conduct research that they will use to debate with their peers in committee. At the end of a conference, the best-performing delegates in each committee are recognized with awards. Usually these awards are for Best Delegate, Honorable Mention, and Best Position Paper.

Conferences we host:
JVMUN: We host a Middle School conference every March, where roughly 75 students spend the day at North. MUN Club members decide the topics, write background guides, and spend the day engaging with the student-delegates about UN procedures, negotiation techniques, and various global issues.

List of conferences we might attend throughout the year:
LABMUNC: A training conference hosted by the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in September. This is a great conference for new members to explore MUN, and for seasoned members to brush up on their skills.

CSMUN: A conference hosted by Carl Sandburg High School in October.

SIMUN: A conference hosted by Saint Ignatius High School in November. This conference is often a favorite due to their smaller, more unique committee offerings.

MUNUC: This conference is a 4-day, 3-night event hosted by the University of Chicago in February. The entirety of the event is held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel. Over 3,000 students from across the world travel to attend MUNUC!

NUMUN: This conference is our last conference of the year and is also a 4-day, 3-night event. Northwestern University hosts this conference in April and everything takes place on Northwestern’s campus.

Model UN Club meets after school every Thursday in the Point. Our meetings usually include discussion about upcoming conferences, doing research on positions, and completing tasks to prepare for our JVMUN conference in March.

What do you gain by joining Model UN??

• Engage deeply with real-world issues happening currently and historically
  Learn about diplomacy and international issues
  Use creativity and imagination to solve the world’s largest issues
  Build your confidence with public speaking
  Practice your persuasive and argumentative skills
  Improve writing and research skills
  Work with students representing beliefs or perspectives different than your own
  Meet students from other cities, states, and even countries!